Nutrients for beautiful and healthy hair
Beautiful and healthy hair? Your diet plays a role in that too. Vitamins, proteins, trace elements, etc. Various nutrients can help keep your hair in top shape. And you can find these hair-boosting benefactors both in food supplements and on your plate!
Your hair's job is to protect your head. All the more reason to protect your hair itself and keep it healthy. How? With the right care and grooming products, by keeping your stress levels under control and getting enough sleep, and by hydrating your hair and protecting it from external aggression (UV rays, pollution, etc.)1. Be sure to also read our article '7 tips for healthy hair'! Did you know that a balanced diet is also crucial for keeping your hair beautiful and healthy? We are happy to tell you which nutrients are good for your hair...
Healthy hair: some essential nutrients
Proteins. Hair consists mainly of keratin, a fibrous protein. The right amount of protein is therefore crucial for the creation ('production') of keratin and hair growth. A diet with too little protein can therefore lead to hair loss and brittle hair2. You can find proteins in lean meat, eggs, legumes, nuts, and beans.
Iron. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen to the hair follicles. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which is often accompanied by hair loss3. You can find iron in red meat, legumes, spinach, lentils, and tofu.
Zinc. Zinc plays a role in the growth and repair of hair tissue. This substance also contributes to the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands around the hair follicles3. You can find zinc in oysters, red meat, poultry, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 hydrates the scalp and strengthens the hair. This ensures more suppleness and shine3. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, flaxseed, nuts, and vegetable oils (rapeseed oil, linseed oil).
A balanced diet is crucial to keep your hair beautiful and healthy
Vitamins to keep your hair healthy
Biotin or Vitamin B8. Biotin – also called vitamin B7 in Germany or Anglo-Saxon countries – is indispensable for the production of keratin and can prevent hair loss.4,5 You can find biotin in eggs, almonds, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Other vitamins can also help keep your hair healthy with their recognized properties, such as:
- vitamin D, which plays a role in the hair follicle growth cycle6 (sources: cod liver oil, sun exposure, supplements...);
- vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect hair against oxidative damage and promotes blood circulation in the scalp (sources: nuts, avocado...).
Brewer's yeast, rich in essential nutrients
Although further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for healthy hair, brewer's yeast is often recommended to strengthen the body's general health and resistance. For instance, brewer's yeast is rich in B-group vitamins, such as biotin. This vitamin plays an important role in hair health. Moreover, brewer's yeast contains essential amino acids and proteins that ensure stronger hair. Finally, brewer's yeast is rich in selenium, whose antioxidant properties also contribute to healthy hair4.
So there are many nutrients that are good for your hair! Planning your own menu to keep your hair in top shape? Be sure to ask a healthcare professional for help. He or she can give you advice based on your hair profile.
Scientific references
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