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Hair and lovely
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A balanced diet is as important as external care for lustrous tresses
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THE WEATHER is excellent and it is party time too! New Year is the time when every one gears up to look their best. Your crowning glory is your hair and healthy hair is basic to good looks. Since hair is the least important compared to other vital organs of the body, it gets the minimum nutrition from the blood, after the body takes care of all the needs of the heart, lungs and liver.
Hair is made up of protein matter called Keratin. Each hair grows out of a sac like cavity called the hair follicle, fed by the blood flowing to it. Just like your body, your hair needs a balanced, nutritious diet. The cells of the hair bulb reproduce at a greater rate than any other body cells. Because of its rapid growth, hair is very sensitive to internal and the external changes that may affect our body. Hair loss or dull dry hair is often the first indication to a developing internal disturbance. That is why nutrition plays an important role in the health of the hair.
Proteins — Keratin is a protein that helps the development of hair. Proteins are needed for the growth and well being of hair, therefore it is important that you include a lot of proteins in your diet for the bouncy tresses. Eggs contain the largest amount of amino acid methonine, which lacks in pulses. In addition, eggs are also good sources of vitamin A, B, D & F and minerals, especially sulphur. So eat one egg a day to give a boost to your hair.
Milk is one of the best sources of protein for a vegetarian, both for kids and elders. It contains extra vitamins and minerals. A glass of milk plus a bowl of curd (yogurt) will do wonders for your hair.
Yoghurt contains lactic acid and proteins which are easily digestible, it is also rich in vitamin B complex and lacto bacilli, which help in digestion, and hence availability of nutrients is more to the body.
Nuts and dry fruits are also good sources of protein and poly-unsaturated fatty acid and unless you have a tendency to put on weight, a fist-full of nuts are good for your hair or five almonds soaked over night and taken for breakfast serves as a good tonic.
Sunflower seeds are also a good source of protein, low in calories and high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and rich in minerals and vitamins - so if you are a vegetarian include these in your diet.
Minerals — A gradual thinning of hair reflects low levels of iron, zinc or calcium. In over 70 per cent of women who are losing hair a low iron level may be a primary underlying cause. Foods rich in iron must therefore be included in your diet. Green leafy vegetables, liver, and eggs are good sources.
Vitamins — If you have been taking a balanced diet, you need not worry about your vitamin intake. The most important vitamin for your hair is vitamin B complex. Yeast is rich in B complex, so if you have not been taking enough fruits and vegetables daily, a 4-dose of yeast tablet is useful for your hair.Fish is excellent; it contains proteins, phosphorous and Omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are hair-nutrients. It has been observed that people who eat fish on a daily basis have healthy and luxuriant hair and also do not grey early. So eat fish at least two times a week. If you a vegetarian, Omega-3 fatty acid tablets are available at the chemist. Water not only hydrates your body, but helps to keep your hair silky and shiny.
Your diet should include 8-10 glasses of water and juices.
What you should avoid: Sweets, chocolates, cakes, cookies and deep-fried foods are bad for your hair.
Scaling, flaky scalps that are red and itchy can be the result of too much fat or sugar content.
Stress, smoking and alcohol are also other enemies of your hair.
Fad diet affect your hair adversely. Your hair could become dull and start breaking, so avoid crash diets. Finally, if you are experiencing scalp problems, hair thinning or hair loss, the first step is to improve your diet, if it still persists consult a qualified hair doctor (trichologist).
LILY MADHOK
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