We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat” and, when you think about it, it really is a true statement. When on the journey to healthy hair, most people only think about the hair that is physically seen. In reality, your hair has roots that start in your head. There are many products on the market that promise hair growth through an oil or a grease or a hair lotion. Some of these might work but in most cases all that they do is clog the pores in your scalp and hinder actual hair growth.
The truth is that healthy, strong hair starts at the roots. Because hair is made from the cells in your body, it is these cells that determine what your body is comprised of. (Technically, the cells that make up your hair are dead, however, personally, I don’t like to consider my hair to be a dead thing. But, that’s another subject!)
What I will say is that if your cells are unhealthy while they are living then they won’t get any better after they die. So, how do you get healthy cells? The only way to be truly healthy is by having a diet that provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals. The idea is to give your cells and your body something to work with when it is building, repairing and healing itself. After all, cells are the building blocks of life. If you want to have a head full of healthy, lively hair, you have the power to give it what it needs to make that possible.
Here are some of the top foods that have been proven to make your hair and skin beautiful from the inside-out. Each of these foods are loaded with essential nutrients that you really shouldn’t do without.
Kale
In recent health news, the benefits of kale are becoming more and more known. Kale is packed full of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium and Omega-3’s. It is the Omega-3 that is primarily responsible for keeping cell membranes flexible. This is great for your hair because flexible cells mean flexible hair.
Most people like to cook their greens in a large amount of water, boil them to death, and call it “done.” Cooking it this way cooks all of the nutrients out of it. The best way to ensure that you get all of the nutrients and fiber that kale has to offer is to eat it raw. If you’re not feeling the idea of a kale salad, you can try making kale chips in the oven (just toss with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and bake) or even throw it into the juicer and make a smoothie.
Walnuts
Walnuts are full of Vitamin E and biotin, both of which are great for your hair. They help to prevent damage from things like the sun and other outside forces. Walnut oil is as delicious as it is nutritious and the oil can be used as salad dressing or cooking oil in savory dishes.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! In recent years, there has been an increase in the various health benefits of dark chocolate so it comes as no surprise that it is also good for your hair. What makes dark chocolate so important for healthy hair is the high content of zinc that it has. If you didn’t know, zinc deficiency can result in hair loss, flaky scalp and stunted growth (as well as other scary things). The good news is that all of this can be avoided with a healthy amount of rich in zinc, which includes chocolate!
Eggs
Eggs are good for your hair on both sides. Some people add eggs to their conditioner for a boost of protein. Eating eggs also provide nourishment for your body, skin and hair. Inside that little shell is a good amount of zinc and iron, both of which nourish your hair follicles and keep oxygen flowing to your hair and scalp.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Most fruits and vegetables have a high nutrient content that will benefit your body in one way or another.