Alright, folks, we’ve all heard that a head full of thick hair is a sign of good health. But here’s the burning question: can the stuff we munch on actually make a difference to our hair? Let’s dive into the juicy deets about diet and hair.
Hair Growth 101
So, hair growth occurs in cycles, with each strand undergoing phases of growth, rest, and shedding. The growth period is called the anagen phase, followed by the catagen phase, a transitional stage, and then the telogen phase, where the hair rests before ultimately shedding. This cycle repeats, and various factors can influence its balance.
Food for Your Locks
Our hair, like every other part of our body, needs a balanced and varied diet to thrive. Here’s a breakdown of how different nutrients contribute to the overall health of our locks:
- Protein
Alright, here’s the straight talk – your hair loves protein, especially keratin. To keep hair happy and healthy, load up on protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and plant-based options like legumes. It’s like giving your hair the good stuff it needs to thrive. Simple as that!
- Vitamins and Minerals
Essential nutrients play key roles in maintaining healthy hair, and here’s the lowdown: Vitamin A is your go-to for a well-moisturised scalp, as it’s responsible for producing oily sebum. Load up on carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens to keep that sebum flowing. If you want to amp up blood circulation for your hair follicles, Vitamin E is your friend. Nuts, seeds, and spinach are packed with this nutrient to ensure your locks get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Running low on iron? Not a good idea, as it could lead to hair loss. Beef up your iron intake with red meat, lentils, and fortified cereals to keep your hair game strong. And don’t forget zinc – the repair guy for your hair tissues. Nuts, seeds, and whole grains are your go-to snacks to maintain healthy zinc levels.
- Biotin
Biotin or Vitamin B7 is essential for making keratin. It plays a role in cell growth and is crucial for promoting hair growth by stimulating hair follicles and encouraging the development of new hair. It’s found in eggs, nuts, and whole grains.
The Impact of Poor Nutrition on Hair
Poor nutrition, crash diets and extreme calorie-cutting can mess with your hair. It can stress your body out, leading to something called telogen effluvium, where a bunch of hair follicles decide to take a break at the same time, causing more hair to fall out. Skimping on protein is another problem – your body prioritises the important stuff and might leave your hair hanging. Plus, not getting enough iron, vitamin D, and zinc can mess with your hair and scalp, potentially causing hair loss.
Balanced Nutrition for Vibrant Hair
Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats provides the necessary nutrients for optimal hair health.
- Lean Proteins for Keratin Production: Incorporate lean proteins like poultry, fish, tofu, and legumes to support the production of keratin, the primary component of hair.
- Colourful Fruits and Vegetables: Consume a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables for a spectrum of vitamins and antioxidants that promote scalp health.
- Whole Grains for B Vitamins: Opt for whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa to ensure an adequate intake of B-vitamins, including biotin.
- Healthy Fats for Scalp Nourishment: Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil to nourish the scalp and hair.
- Water: Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can affect the moisture levels in the hair and contribute to brittleness.
- Plant Protein & Biotin supplements – We recommend Origin’s Daily Vegan Plant Protein to get healthy hair. Our plant based Biotin with Lycopene and Amala is a game changer that helps control hair loss, strengthens hair follicles and reduces hair thinning.
It’s important to keep in mind that results don’t happen overnight. Consistent effort needs to be made in terms of sticking to a nutrient rich and balanced diet and of the use of supplements like Origin’s Daily Vegan Plant Protein or Biotin.
Nourish your hair from within! A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins sets the stage for strong and vibrant locks. Neglecting nutrition? That could lead to hair troubles. Let’s show our hair some love by choosing wholesome foods. Boost your hair’s health and beauty, and treat yourself to a sense of vitality and self-care. Cheers to good food and fabulous hair days from all of us at Origin!
