CONSUMING FOODS RICH IN VITAMINS AND MINERALS IS GOOD FOR THE HAIR

Vitamins and minerals are organic compounds the body needs to function properly. They assist to boost the absorption of nutrients in food and also help in the body’s metabolism. Reduced intake on the other hand can cause various health problems depending on which vitamin is lacking.

Decreased vitamin and mineral uptake can cause hair loss. Knowing which of these compounds can help motivate hair regrowth and can become an effective hair loss treatment.

Biotin or vitamin B7 is a water soluble vitamin found in abundance in raw eggs, peanuts and liver. Biotin is also called Vitamin H. H stands of haar and haut meaning hair and skin in German. Biotin is needed to keep the hair strong and to prevent thinning hair and split ends.

Other B complex vitamins that are good for the hair are Cobalamin or vitamin B12 and Inositol or vitamin B8. Bacteria that lives inside the gut naturally produce cobalamin. Though it is self replenishing, this source is not really reliable since other factors can reduce cobalamin production when the bacteria are compromised, as when taking antibiotics. Food sources are pork and beef liver, cheese, eggs and milk. Cobalamin is important in metabolism of nutrients in the hair cell. It also provides oxygen to the hair cells since this vitamin is also important in blood production.

Inositol is influences healthy and fast hair growth, it also helps maintain the skin and prevent and treat eczema. High concentrations of inositol are found in beans, fruits, nuts and grains.

Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant and it also promotes nice shiny healthy hair. Vitamin E influences capillary growth to the hair follicles. This improves blood circulation, thus enhances oxygenation and transport of nutrients to hair cells.

Zinc is a trace element found in the body. It has various roles in protein synthesis, proper absorption of some vitamins, and it is also needed in cell reproduction and mitosis. In the hair, zinc reduces free radicals that can damage the hair cells since zinc too is an antioxidant. A good source of zinc are red meats. Plants rich in zinc are wheat, beans and various nuts.