JOIN USYou may like to let your lovely lustrous locks loose or surrender your silky, shining strands to the playful wind and relish the feeling as they announce their glory. Strong and beautiful hair is what everybody desires, but how does one achieve it?
All you need is the right nourishment that can be provided by a well-balanced diet that has all the recommended vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Everything from the hair’s elasticity to its strength and appearance can significantly improve if your health is enhanced from within.
Essential nutrient
Hair is made of 65 to 95% proteins. Additionally, hair follicles require a constant supply of proteins and other nutrients ,including vitamins and iron, to build, repair and maintain hair tissues. If you are low on protein, it can cause the hair to become thin and brittle, and as a result, it can break easily. Hence, if you have hair trouble, pay attention to your diet. Make healthy nutritional choices to ensure adequate nourishment for the hair.
While factors such as ageing, stress, water quality, heredity and the daily rigour of life can also play a role in hair health, the good news is there are effective ways to keep the damage to a minimum and give hair a boost with good nourishment and cerebral circulation through oil massages.
A Prodigy survey claims a sharp decrease in protein consumption by Indians. Some of the main causes that have been cited include busy schedules, sedentary lifestyles and erratic eating habits. The survey results show that nine out of 10 Indians were found to be consuming less than required amount of proteins. Given the role of proteins in maintaining body functions and overall health, it is paramount to address the situation immediately. The recommended daily allowance of proteins for Indian adults is one gram per kg of your total body weight every day.
For instance, if you weigh 60 kg, you require about 60 gram of protein every day. A balanced diet of whole grains, proteins, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and water is crucial for hair to shine. The main natural sources of protein are whole pulses, milk, curd, paneer, cheese, fish, sea food, chicken, cereals, grains and eggs.
Good nutrition nourishes healthy hair, but sometimes, antinutrients allow the nutrients to nourish the hair. In case of dietary deficiency, supplements can come in handy to meet nutritional requirements along with the regular diet. Consider a protein supplement that provides you with all the nine essential amino acids and is well-tolerated by your body. Consult with your physician to get a prescription today.
(The author is a Chennai-based consultant nutritionist)