Hair loss is an inevitable condition that one has to face atleast once in his lifetime. Research has proved that there is a strong connection between healthy hair and a healthy body. That is why when we fall sick it affects our hair too. Nutrients in blood nourish the hair follicles. If hair follicles become weak, hair loses its grip or hold and results into hair fall. These nutrients are vitamins and without vitamins, hair does not become healthy crop.
Remember; when we are sick, vitamins are absorbed from the hair by the body which results in hair loss. A healthy diet can provide all the essential vitamins to hair. So it is essential to incorporate certain foods in your daily intake. The essential vitamins and their sources are:
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- Vitamin A: it is an antioxidant which aids in the production of sebum on the scalp. It is found in fish liver oil, milk, cheese, meat, eggs, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, apricots, peaches, and carrots.
- Vitamin C: it promotes the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. It is found in citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes, kiwi fruit, green peppers, potatoes, and dark green vegetables.
- Vitamin E: It aids in circulation of blood in the scalp. Rich sources of Vitamin E are wheat germ oil, soybeans, cold pressed vegetable oils, raw seeds and nuts, green leafy vegetables, and dried beans.
- Biotin: also known as Vitamin H, promotes production of keratin, most imp part of hair. It enhances hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It is commonly found in whole grains, egg yolks, liver, kidney, rice, milk, and brewer’s yeast.
- Inositol: it is essential for keeping hair follicles healthy. Main sources of Inositol are liver, citrus fruits, brewer’s yeast, and whole grains.
- Niacin or Vitamin B3: It promotes blood circulation to the scalp. Sources are fish, chicken, meat, pork, prawns, almonds, peas, beans, tomatoes, wheat products, green vegetables, turnips, carrots, milk and celery.
- Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5: Sources are mushrooms, poultry, fish, brewer’s yeast, whole-grain breads, whole grain cereals, legumes, avocados, nuts, cheese, potatoes, egg yolk, milk, and bananas. It prevents hair loss and graying of hair.
- Vitamin B6: Excellent sources for Vit B6 (responsible for the hair color) are spinach and bell peppers. Other sources are whole grain cereals, egg yolk and vegetables.
- Vitamin B12: It prevents hair loss and found in chicken, egg, fish and milk.
