Beauty from the Inside – Volume 5 – (Article 5 of 6)

by Dr Marli Botha

Many people want strong and healthy hair, especially as they grow older. Interestingly, your hair grows around 1.25 cm per month, therefore 15 cm per year. How fast it grows depends on factors like age, health, genetics and diet. Although you can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over. In fact, a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss.

5 Food Tips for Healthy Hair:

1. Beautiful hair needs the right nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss. Fortunately, by correcting any of these deficiencies may help treat hair loss and promote the rate of hair growth.
2. Carrot, apricots and yellow peppers are great sources of beta-carotene. The body converts this compound into vitamin A, which is linked to good hair health. Research has shown that vitamin A promotes the production of sebum, which helps keep hair healthy. What’s more, vitamin A could also speed up the rate of hair growth and encourage the growth of thicker hair, all while preventing other hair follicles from regressing
3. Antioxidants can help protect hair follicles against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals. These molecules exist naturally in the body and the environment. Berries are loaded with beneficial compounds and vitamins that may promote hair growth. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from the diet. Low iron levels may cause anaemia, which has been linked to hair loss
4. Scalp protection involves other important minerals, notably zinc and selenium. A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss and a dry, flaky scalp. Fortified cereals and wholegrains are a good source of zinc along with oysters, beef and eggs. The sun can damage our hair just like it can damage our skin so ensure you eat foods rich in vitamin E to provide protection for your hair. Nuts are nutritional powerhouses, providing zinc and selenium as well as vitamin E so try to include them as part of a balanced diet.
5. Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin. Too little biotin can cause brittle hair and may lead to hair loss. Include biotin rich foods such as wholegrains, liver, egg yolk, soy flour and yeast.

It is important to mention that no food is meant to be a cure-all for any condition, though there are certainly health and skin benefits contained within them. The one thing you should always do before using a new skin care product is to do a patch test to look for allergies and sensitivities.