Not only does your hair form one of the important aspects of your personality, it also reflects your general health. It is very much vulnerable to the stresses and strains of your everyday life and also gets affected by the type and quality of food that you eat. If you are not taking care of yourself and you are following an unhealthy diet, your hair will tend to lose its shine and bounce, becoming extremely dull and brittle. You should consume a healthy diet and indulge in regular exercise to ensure that your hair follicles get enough blood and your hair remains healthy.
Hair is part of the integumentary system, which is a bodily system; such as the nerves system. The integumentary system contains hair, skin and nails. The three parts of the body are related, but hair is different because it grows from the inside to the outside of the head. No matter how much time and money is spent on perfecting hair's health with products, hair health begins from the inside to the outside.
- Water; eight glasses of water per day is absolutely needed for healthy hair. Water cleans out your system keeping your body hydrated and your hair moist.
- Vegetables are rich in silica and iron, which help prevent hair loss and support growth of healthy hair. Your diet should contain beets, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, carrots, mint, radish and basil.
- Fruits act as essential nutrient providers; berries, melons, citrus fruits, grapes and raisins help in healthy hair growth. Coconuts also help in avoiding premature graying and hair fall.
- Spices; like turmeric and cumin, are very helpful for healthy hair growth.
- Protein-rich foods are essential as hair is ninety-eight percent proteins. Protein-rich foods include meats, seeds, and nuts. Fish is a good source of protein. Tuna is also rich with essential fatty acids.
The article was first published in print in the PSC Newsletter, 1st School Semester 2010/2011 issue.