Foodie Tips

The Importance of Dietary Nutrition in Haircare 

There are many different factors that impact the health of your hair, from how you style it to the environment you’re in and the products that you use to wash it. However, one aspect of haircare that many people overlook is diet.  

The food that you eat can have a big influence on the health of your hair, so if you want thick and glossy locks, you need to ensure that you’re consuming all the right vitamins and minerals. Not sure exactly what to include in your diet? Keep reading to find out the key ingredients you should be tucking into! 

Why diet matters in haircare 

Your diet can impact your hair in several different ways. For example, certain nutrients may help to promote hair growth and keep your locks strong and shiny. Conversely, nutritional deficiencies can result in restricted hair growth, brittle hair, and even hair loss. Therefore, it’s extremely important to eat a balanced diet if you want your hair to be happy and healthy.  

Having said that, it’s also worth noting that dietary nutrition is not the only factor that influences conditions such as hair thinning and hair loss. In cases of severe hair loss or hair thinning that’s caused by genetics, a hair transplant by top surgeons at the Harley Street Hair Clinic is likely to have more of an impact than simply improving your diet. 

The best foods for healthy hair 

When it comes to diet, there are certain vitamins, minerals and other types of nutrients that are vital for strong, thick, and shiny hair. The main ones to look out for include protein, biotin, zinc, iron, keratin, omega 3, plus vitamins A, C and E.  

Here are some of the best foods to have on your plate: 

*Dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach – these are packed with iron as well as vitamins A, B, C, and K and can help to strengthen your hair follicles. 

*Avocados – this ever-popular fruit is rich in vitamin E and healthy fats and can help to promote hair growth. *

*Salmon – bursting with omega 3, this fish is thought to help increase the density of your hair and prevent hair loss. 

*Berries – in addition to their high levels of antioxidants and different vitamins, berries such as strawberries and blueberries are nutritional powerhouses that help the body to produce collagen, which strengthens your hair. 

*Sweet potatoes – these are a great source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A (that in turn is important for shiny hair) 

Other food types you should consider include seeds, nuts, and legumes. From tiny chia seeds to sunflower, pumpkin and flax, seeds are packed with all sorts of nutrients, including protein, zinc, and vitamin E, helping to nourish your hair and scalp. Try sprinkling them on top of your meals for a boost of nutrition!  

Meanwhile, nuts are great for promoting healthy hair growth, and legumes such as lentils, lima beans, and chickpeas are high in key nutrients such as protein, folic acid, iron, biotin and zinc.