What is the importance of hair health? When we have healthy, beautiful hair, we carry ourselves differently than when we are embarrassed by our appearance. As social media becomes more prevalent, your friends and family post pictures everywhere you look, and we all strive to look our best. Confidence and beauty are closely linked, so how we look affects our feelings.
The way we look and behave, as well as how we live every day, are influenced by our hair. You will present yourself better, have better relationships, feel less self-doubt, and enjoy life more when you feel confident. Our confidence is affected if we have a bad hair day, making us less sociable.
A brief history of Hair
Throughout history, hair has been a reflection of a woman’s identity. Hair symbolizes good health, strength, wealth, status, and personality. Using hair as a status symbol dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times.
In ancient Egypt, woman decorated their hair with ornate accessories. They used hair as a life source, allowing hair to grow long and beautiful. They used it for sacrifices; it was regarded as such high value. In the Renaissance period and throughout the 18th century, wigs gained popularity.
Important nutrients for hair health
To maintain healthy hair, nutrition is essential. The protein keratin gives our skin, hair, and nails their structure. We must consume enough protein for our hair to develop since keratin mainly contains protein. Other vitamins and minerals essential to hair health include vitamins B, D, and E, biotin, iron, and Omega 3. Insufficient amounts of these nutrients can cause hair loss. Besides being an essential nutrient for your hair, water is also necessary for your health in general. In addition to maintaining your body’s functions, it distributes nutrients to your cells.
B Vitamins
Red blood cells are located at the base of the hair follicles; these cells carry oxygen and nutrients to the living portion of hair. A large number of red blood cells stimulates healthy cell rejuvenation in B vitamins, helping to promote the growth of hair. Additionally, they produce healthy red blood cells, promote cellular growth, and support hair follicles naturally. Among the B vitamins that contribute to healthy hair are B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B7 (biotin), and B12 (folate). Some foods rich in B vitamins are fortified cereals, pork, milk, tuna, chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, and trout.
Vitamin D
The fat-soluble vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous. The mineral aids in bone and tooth development, immunity, and resistance to certain diseases. The Vitamin D receptor contributes to the growth of new hair follicles and the restoration of hair growth rather than Vitamin D itself. Since Vitamin D stimulates hair growth in both old and new hair follicles, hair loss can occur when Vitamin D levels drop significantly. There may be a delay in hair growth when the level drops.
There are three ways to increase the levels of Vitamin D in your system: sun exposure, supplements, and foods containing Vitamin D. There are foods that are naturally rich in Vitamin D, and there are foods that are fortified with it. Foods that are naturally rich in Vitamin D include salmon, mackerel, fish liver oils, canned tuna, egg yolks, and mushrooms. Many fortified foods are available today, including cow’s milk, soy milk, orange juice, cereal, and oatmeal.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds known for their powerful antioxidant properties. Several studies have shown that vitamin E helps with frizzy, damaged, unmanageable hair due to its antioxidant properties. The best way to get vitamin E is through food and supplements. Several foods are rich in vitamin E, such as almonds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, avocados, mangoes, kiwis, turnip greens, peanut butter, fish, and red bell peppers. Getting enough Vitamin E in a well-balanced diet is easy for adults, who should consume at least 15 milligrams each day.
Omega-3
Are Omega-3 fatty acids good for your health? All cells function correctly as a result of them. Eating foods rich in fatty acids, such as salmon, can achieve healthy hair. Your hair benefits from fatty acids because they hydrate and stimulate growth. You must include essential fatty acids since your body cannot produce them. The following foods contain these essential nutrients: Fish, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, egg yolks, soybeans, green vegetables (spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale), and avocados, my favorite.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy hair. As we know, it plays an essential role in the structure of our hair. Additionally, vitamin C stimulates collagen production. In turn, it helps build keratin by synthesizing collagen. Further, vitamin C can protect your hair from oxidative stress, which occurs when there are too many unstable molecules in the body and insufficient antioxidants to neutralize them. Several foods contain vitamin C, including oranges, broccoli, spinach, kale, kiwi strawberries, and green and red peppers.
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