Dietary Tips for Healthy Skin and Hair

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on March 3, 2010

Tips For Healthy Skin And Hair

Medical experts believe that a healthy body reflects healthy hair, and hence diet is extremely important in ensuring the health of one's hair. Although external applications are helpful in outward appearance, overall good nutrition is the best way of maintaining great hair.

Hair experts recommend getting adequate amounts of protein, which is believed to be the building blocks of hair follicles and hair shafts. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates are also helpful in assembling the proteins for healthy hair growth. Eggs are considered to be optimally healthy for hair as it contains essential protein and minerals such as biotin and zinc which are essential for good hair.

The following nutritional foods are extremely critical in playing an important role in the maintenance of good hair.

These are:

Water - make sure that you get plenty of water or fluids throughout the day as it is extremely important for both the scalp and skin. Hair experts say that water constitutes one-fourth of the weight of a single hair strand. Hair becomes supple when there is contains enough moisture in the hair strands; hence remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your hair soft and manageable.

Iron - the lack of iron in an individual’s diet causes the hair follicles to become weak as iron is important in carrying oxygen to the roots of the hair.

In the absence of adequate iron, the follicles become starved of oxygen, which results in hair loss. Iron is easily available from foods such as sprouted legumes, red meat, and green leafy vegetables.

Zinc - this is a very important element in the composition of hair protein and avoiding hair loss. Zinc can be found in foods such as fish and meat.

Copper - Copper is largely responsible for hair pigmentation.

A diet that is naturally rich in copper can optimize the natural color of the hair. Foods that are high in copper include dried seeds and nuts, seafood especially shellfish, red meat especially liver, fresh vegetables, and meat.

Vitamin A - An important vitamin for the health of the scalp is Vitamin A which can be easily found in vegetables such as carrots.

The best way to ensure healthy hair and a healthy body is to adopt a healthy diet that incorporates all the above foods, instead of concentrating only on individual nutrients. Daily exercise is also important in ensuring that the blood circulation to the head and scalp is constantly moving.

Hair care through the use of external applications such as serums, shampoos and conditioners can offer further sheen to hair.