Hair is the crown of human beauty. Let it be straight, curly or wavy, it’s that part of our body which enhances our looks boundlessly. Hair reflects the health of a human being and hair loss is the worst, since it takes a long time to find the reason and control the hair fall. Most common reason for hair loss is mal nutrition. There are a lot of vitamins and minerals that help hair to grow lavishly and make them shine. When our food does not contain necessary amount of these nutrients hair begins to lose luster and falls. Some of the most important hair nutrients are listed below.
Biotin
Biotin is an excellent promoter of hair growth. It stops the graying of hair and makes new strong hair strands to sprout. This is because biotin helps to produce keratin. Brewer’s yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice, and milk are very good sources of biotin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant which produces healthy sebum in the scalp. This makes the skin of the scalp smooth to avoid dandruff. Fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, apricots and peaches are a good source of Vitamin A. Excess amounts of Vitamin A intake is toxic will cause hair fall and other serious health problems.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that improves the health of hair. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes green pepper, potatoes, green vegetables contain ample amounts of Vitamin C.
Vitamin E
Good blood circulation on the scalp is necessary for the healthy growth of hair. This promotes the growth of new fresh hair strands. Vitamin E improves the blood circulations on the scalp. Cold pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans and green leafy vegetables are excellent source of Vitamin E. It should be noted that excess amount of Vitamin E will raise the blood pressure. People taking medicines for high blood pressure should consult with their doctor before taking Vitamin E supplements.
Inositol
Hair follicles are where the new hair strands sprout and taking care of their health is the major part of hair care. Inositol strengthens the hair follicles and this decreases the amount of falling hair. Whole grains, brewers yeast, whole grains, liver and citrus fruits are brilliant sources of inositol.
Niacin or Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 promotes blood circulation in the scalp. Wheat germ, Brewer’s yeast, fish, chicken, turkey, meat etc are good sources of this vitamin.
Pantothenic Acid or Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 prevents graying of hair and hair loss. Whole grain cereals, brewer’s yeast and eggs yolks are good source of this vitamin.
Vitamin B6
This vitamin helps to maintain melanin level and hence stops the graying of hair. High doses can cause numbness in hands and feet. Brewer’s yeast is a good source.
Vitamin B12
This stops hair fall and is found in chicken, fish, eggs and milk.
