Food and Healthy Hair
Hair is composed of 98 percent protein and for that reason it is imperative to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet each and every day. Also, be sure to consume plenty of protein as well as the vitamins A, B, C, E and K. In particular, eat foods such as eggs, meat and nuts to constantly replenish your hair.
Be aware that protein is made up of the amino acids and it is five in particular that hair needs for health. These include arginine, cystine, cysteine, lysine, methionine. When you do not take in enough protein on a regular basis this can cause hair to shed. Prevent this from happening by eating plenty of protein-rich foods such as fish, meats, chicken, dairy products, eggs, grains, nuts, and soy.
Hair requires plenty of carbohydrates as well. Carbohydrates are essential for both growth and energy and are an excellent source of many of the B vitamins. Always look for non-refined grains and flour. Fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains contain carbohydrates. You should try to obtain 55 to 60 percent of your carbohydrates on a daily basis from these healthy sources.
Fat is important but too much is overdoing it and can lead to high cholesterol and heart disease. The body needs a certain amount of dietary fats to be healthy and fat is also important fro the production of energy. Get the dietary fats you need from plant sources as well as lean meats and fish. Approximately 25 to 30 percent of the fats you consume in your diet should come from these sources.
Always seek to achieve a nutritional balance, for the sake of your hair and fro your good health in general. Eat as rich a variety of foods as you can. Do not over cook your food since this can destroy the nutritional value of it. Always choose foods that are as organic and natural as possible and avoid processed foods as much as possible. If you suspect that you are not getting enough nutrients from your food then take a vitamin supplement on a daily basis. A multi vitamin is the best choice for most people.
It cannot be emphasized enough, for healthy, luscious hair, eat plenty of protein rich foods. Eggs are one such source but if you are have high cholesterol then forego the eggs, as the yolk of eggs is high in cholesterol, which will only add to your problem.
Consume plenty of whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes and always make doubly sure that your daily diet is made up of 50 percent of both fruits and veggies. Hair, as well as fingernails requires foods that are rich in silicon and sulfur. This means eat lots of broccoli, fish, onions and sea vegetables. Biotin is also required for health hair and biotin can be found in soybeans, brown rice, not to mention brewer’s yeast, which can be found in the vitamin aisle in the grocery store or health food stores.
Flaxseed is good for the hair and flaxseed powder is the easiest form of flaxseed to digest. Sprinkle flaxseed powder or ground flax on your breakfast cereal, porridge and yogurt. Flaxseed is an excellent source of the essential fatty acids. Some teas are very good for hair health and these include tea that derives from alfalfa, dandelion, burdock root and yellow dock.
A healthy diet and good nutrition is vital not only for your hair but for your health as well. If you are going to begin a vitamin program, be sure to consult with your physician first.
Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Food Cures.
Tags: diet, Food Cures, fruits and vegetables, nutrition, whole grains
