Martin Luther once said, “The hair is the richest ornament of women.” But not only for the female specie, hair is also an important ornament in men. Hair identifies mammals, such as humans, from other animals.

Hair has several functions. First, it helps in the regulation of temperature in the body, it basically has defensive function. Second, it serves as a signal from situations that occur in the environment; it is a signal for mating as well as for warnings. Hair is important in our existence. But one must have healthy hair in order to get the best out of one’s health. According to an article by msn.com, healthy hair should be strong, soft and shiny. One may be able to achieve this through constant visit with hair dressers; however, this is only a temporary solution. To get a long lasting healthy hair, there are several ways to achieve it naturally. Handling the hair with care is one important thing to consider. By slowly combing the hair, especially after shower, hair breakage is minimized. Using conditioners made of natural ingredients is also recommended to promote strong hair. But since hair is made of protein, called keratin, it is therefore important for one to increase consumption of protein-rich foods to strengthen the hair.

Soft hair is achieved when moisture and oil is locked in. By dabbing conditioner onto the hair, the fats and moisture is protected, giving silky and bouncy hair. Conditioner is just an external solution. Internally, one should consume higher amounts of fats and fluids. This is also the same thing to do to get that shiny hair. To achieve the healthy hair that speaks a lot about the overall health status of a person, it is recommended to eat the foods enumerated below. Consuming ample amount of these foods will not just promote healthy crowning glory, but also promote optimum health to the person.

1. Salmon

   Salmon has plenty of health benefits. It can cure different types of cardiovascular diseases. It is helpful for those suffering from diabetes mellitus by improving insulin response. It has an observable effect on people suffering from fatigue and depression. And it is beneficial for people with dry, itchy skin and with brittle hair and nails. All these benefits are due to omega-3 fatty acids and protein that are high in salmon, particularly the wild-caught Alaskan salmon. For every 4 oz. of salmon eaten daily, 52.5 percent of omega-3 fatty acids are already met, and 53.1 percent of the recommended daily allowance of protein is already attained. Aside from that, omega-3 fatty acids can help in energizing and hydrating the cells of the hair, giving the shiny characteristics of a healthy hair. Moreover, omega-3 can stimulate hair growth, which can further enrich man and woman’s ornament.

2. Dark Green Vegetables

   Ever since the world began, parents always commanded their kids to eat dark, green leafy vegetables. Vegetables are really disgusting, but they are packed with all the vitamins and minerals that can help the body fight diseases and keep the organs healthy. In the speech made by Dr. Susan C. Taylor, a dermatologist, to the American Academy of Dermatology’s SKIN Academy, she emphasized the importance of food in skin and hair health and how lack of it can aggravate some of the skin and hair disorders. Vegetables are rich in vitamin B7, or biotin, and this vitamin is actually responsible for forming the foundation of the skin and hair and can help in the repair of the hair and skin tissues. By increasing consumption of dark green vegetables, healthy hair is assured.

3. Beans

   There are several types of beans: soy beans, kidney beans, green beans, pinto beans, lentils. Beans are rich in vitamins and minerals. Iron is abundant in beans, which is very important in the blood to bring oxygen towards the scalp and into the hair. If there is enough oxygen and nutrients in the scalp, hair growth is stimulated. But aside from iron, beans also contain abundant vitamin E, which can enhance the circulation of blood towards the hair, making it healthier.

4. Nuts

   A sign that there is malnutrition is hair loss. To have healthy hair therefore, one should eat nutritious foods. Nuts are one nutritious food that must be included in the diet to promote healthy hair. Almonds, cashews, pecan, Brazil nuts, walnuts and peanuts are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as the B-vitamin, magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc. They are also rich in proteins and fats, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids, that can help speed the process of hair growth and therefore bring about healthy and beautiful hair.

5. Whole Grains

   When talking about whole grains, it means foods and flours made of barley, oats, rye, rice, wheat, buckwheat, sorghum, millet, quinoa and others. Whole grains have several health benefits, from cardiovascular health to skin and hair health. Eating foods made of whole grain will not only provide iron and vitamin B, nutrient that can help in the growth of healthy hair and repair of damaged hair tissues, but it also has zinc, a mineral that reproduces cells, promotes hair growth and repair tissues. Additionally, zinc can maintain the gland that secretes oil located at the hair follicles, which is responsible for keeping the hair strong.

6. Oysters

   Eating oysters can promote healthy hair because of the minerals zinc, iron, copper and selenium, and vitamin B12. Zinc is essential because deficiency in zinc can lead to hair loss. The role of iron, aside from improving blood circulation in the scalp and increasing oxygen, is to increase the sensitivity of the hair follicle to elements that inhibit the growth of hair, thereby promoting growth of healthy hair. Copper, aside from boosting iron, helps in the production of melanin that gives the natural color of the hair. Selenium is for metabolism, and vitamin B12 maintains healthy red blood cells and nerve cells that make the hair healthier.

7. Carrots

   Carrots are being used externally and internally to achieve healthy hair. Some individuals use carrot oil to have healthy and longer hair. But the best way to use carrot for healthier hair is to include it in the diet. A cup of carrot contains more than 400 percent of the vitamin A daily requirement. Vitamin A is an antioxidant together with beta-carotene and anthocyanidins. The antioxidants in this orange vegetable can help in the fast repair of damaged hair and therefore maintaining a healthy hair. Vitamin A also helps in the production of sebum which can help keep the hair shiny and soft, characteristics of a healthy hair.

Sources
webmd.com
msnbc.msn.com
ehow.com
sciencedaily.com
nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com