Does what you eat really have an effect on how well your hair grows? It certainly does. Healthy hair growth requires a wide variety of vitamins. Your hair reflects the general state of your health. If you're too busy to eat a healthy diet, and you have lots of stress in your life, your hair will show it.
B Vitamins Are Important For Healthy Hair
The best vitamins for hair growth include the B vitamins. These are usually found in whole grains, fresh fruit, brewer's yeast, eggs, fish, turkey, meat, and milk. These vitamins are water-soluble, which means they don't build up in your body like vitamin A does.
- Para-aminobenzoic acid may prevent your hair from graying.
- Inositol can help prevent hair loss.
- Niacin (vitamin B-3) promotes blood circulation to your scalp.
- Panthenol (vitamin B-5) may stop hair loss and help to regrow hair.
- Biotin can also prevent your hair from graying prematurely. It's also an essential vitamin for preventing hair loss.
- Vitamins B-6 and B-12 have also been shown to play a role in healthy hair growth.
Vitamin E Can Help With Hair Loss
Dr. John Anne is an herbal specialist who has done extensive research on herbs and alternative health. In his article, Vitamins for Hair Loss that Help in Hair Regrowth, he says that vitamin E is "one of the most beneficial vitamins for hair loss."
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that stimulates the scalp by increasing blood circulation. An increase in blood circulation makes more nutrients available to the hair follicles so they can grow stronger, healthier hair.
Most Americans get enough vitamin E in their diets, but it doesn't hurt to eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, since these foods contain other vitamins for hair growth.
Vitamin A Plays A Role In Healthy Hair Growth
Vitamin A is important for over-all good health. It's also beneficial to hair follicles, as it keeps the hair root lubricated. Vitamin A is found in red, yellow, and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, liver, and eggs.
Be careful with vitamin A. Your body doesn't break this one down like it does the B vitamins. Vitamin A can build up in your body to dangerous levels, so don't take more than you need.
Vitamin C Is Essential For Healthy Hair
Everyone has heard of the benefits of vitamin C in preventing colds. But did you know it's also a good vitamin for your hair? Eat lots of citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes, and green and red peppers, and you'll never have a deficiency in this nutrient.
If You Smoke, Stop!
Your hair will thank you. Smoking causes your capillaries to contract so less blood can get through to your hair follicles. Less blood means fewer nutrients for healthy hair growth.
Eating a balanced diet with lots of whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables will not only keep you healthy, but it can help to prevent thinning hair and premature graying.
