We’ve all
learned through the years that a well-balanced diet is healthy for our body and
critical for optimal health and performance.
Our hair is no different A mixture of protein, complex carbohydrates,
vitamins, minerals and iron are all required for healthy, strong hair.
Good hair
nutrition begins with getting enough protein, which is the building block of
your hair. Then you need complex carbohydrates to help assemble the proteins
for hair growth. Other important vitamins and minerals include B complex, which
is associated with energy production and building good hair and skin issues,
folic acid, B12, and zinc.
Hair
follicles can have low energy levels just like we do. Therefore, it’s very important that you eat a
high protein mean at the start of each day.
Consider the following food choices for breakfast and the other daily
meals in order to give you hair the healthiest opportunity to grow and thrive.
If you don't have high cholesterol, try
eating red meat twice per week. It has
the protein your hair needs, but also is full of B vitamins, iron and zinc,
which are all important for healthy hair.
Bacon is another great choice as it’s also full of B vitamins, zinc and
protein, but since it’s also high calorie, it’s not the best choice if you’re
also trying to lose weight. Eggs and egg whites are another great protein
option, especially for vegetarians or those who cannot eat red meat or bacon
due to dietary restrictions. Salmon is
another great protein choice, and works great for breakfast, lunch or
dinner. You’ll find it’s also full of B
vitamins, including B12, and other vitamins and minerals.
Just be sure to keep in mind that you
should also have complex carbohydrates, which feed you energy over a longer
period of time than refined carbohydrates, with your protein source at meals.
Brown short-grain rice is an ideal form. It's also a good source of B vitamins
and some fiber. Whole grain choices complement your protein consumption by
helping organize the proteins for the hair to utilize for optimal growth and
health.
