Vitamins And Hair Growth
English: Beautifuly hand combed healthy hair (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Every man and woman would love to have long and lustrous hair. Good and thick hair growth will depend mainly on the kind of food you eat and also depend a lot on the hereditary factor. Hair is not just a part of the body but has gained prominence as a symbol of beauty, and health. People with good lustrous hair must be either consuming a healthy diet rich in nutrients or may be taking vitamin supplements to boost the quality of their hair. So which are these vitamins that help in bringing the bounce and shiny look to your hair?
Vitamins and nutrients for good hair
Vitamin B: Vitamins like niacin, biotin, and vitamin B-12 are ideal for improving the overall health and appearance of your hair. Vitamin B helps in improving the health of your hair by preventing the hair getting dry and brittle. They stimulate the hair growth and prevent loss of hair. Any deficiency of these vitamins can cause skin problems which can be severe at times and will need help of a dermatologist. Niacin stimulates the blood circulation to the scalp thereby increasing the chance of a good hair growth. Niacin can be found in abundance in foods such as chicken, lamb and turkey. Lentils, legumes and brown rice are a good source of biotin, while vitamin B-12 can be found in meat and eggs.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Lack of omega-3 fatty acids gives the hair a dull look and will rob the bounce from the hair. Foods such as salmon which is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12 and iron. It is an ideal food if you are comfortable eating fish. For vegetarians ground flaxseed paste mixed in food is a good substitute for plant based source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Iron: Iron prevents hair loss by keeping the hair healthy. People who are anemic are more prone to hair loss. Iron assists in carrying oxygen to the hair follicles which is very important for the growth and wellbeing of hair. Foods rich in iron are red meat, cereals, dry fruits and vegetables like beans and beetroots.
Vitamin C: For better absorption of iron in our body, vitamin C is very essential. Along with iron, vitamin C leads to a good and healthy hair growth. It is also a very powerful antioxidant. It is also important for better absorption of collagen which is a type of protein, and also a main ingredient of hair.
Foods For Hair Growth
Foods like citrus fruits, peeper, and berries are very rich in vitamin C. A glass of orange juice is ideal for fulfilling the daily dose of vitamin C, and is readily available.Vitamin E: Most of the oils for hair growth are enriched with vitamin E. This vitamin gives shine to the hair follicles. It plays a very important role in formation of red blood cells and also is an anti-oxidant. It reduces the damage caused due to the free radicals which affect the tissues and organs. Foods like cucumber, olives, almonds and nuts are a good source of vitamin E.
A healthy diet rich in vitamins is very essential for a thick and bouncy hair. Vitamin supplements are an alternative. A combination of diet rich in vitamins and supplements will work wonders for your hair and help prevent hair loss. Do take a doctor’s advice before taking any vitamin supplements. Stress also affects hair growth and is also one of the prime reasons for hair fall. By leading a healthy lifestyle along with a regular exercise are good combinations for a healthy hair.