You know that "you are what you eat," but did you ever think that maxim applies to your hair as much as it does your skin and body? Nutritionist and New York City-based food coach Dana James recently told Elle magazine that certain foods can help strengthen, protect and nourish your strands, making them effortlessly luxurious without weighing them down with heavy products.
If you were looking to change your diet and try out some healthier options, why not add some of these foods into your nutrition plan? Chances are, they will not only improve your hair but also your overall lifestyle.
FRUITS
While all fruits are delicious, they each have different benefits. Some of the best fruits for your hair may not be the most popular, but they're sure to add some life to your locks. Fruits that are rich with vitamin C, such as pink grapefruit and blueberries, are great for stimulating circulation to your scalp and strengthening the blood vessels that sustain your hair follicles. Weakened or shrunken hair follicles result in thinner hair that is prone to hanging limp, looking dull and even falling out. So add a few scoops of grapefruit chunks to your morning breakfast or trade-in your work snack of pretzels and cookies for a baggie full of fresh blueberries to ensure that your hair stays healthy and thick.
VEGGIES
According to Health.com, iron deficiency is one of the most common reasons for scraggly looking strands and sudden hair loss. Dark, leafy vegetables such as spinach are leading sources of iron and vitamin B, both of which will stimulate your hair follicles and keep their growth consistent. Kale is also brimming with magnesium and carotenoids - two chemicals that are essential for shiny locks - so maybe it's about time you jump on the kale smoothie trend after all. The anthocyanins in red cabbage help reduce sun damage and can even combat over-treated hair, Elle magazine explained. Next time you're at lunch, swap your romaine lettuce with spinach, red cabbage and some kale for the ultimate hair-strengthening meal.
RICE
One of the best foods you can eat for your hair is brown rice, which has a high level of vitamin B. Not only is the nutrient a fast-acting fixer for weak and broken hair follicles, it's also a powerful cell regenerator, producing new hair cells so you will have thicker locks in no time. The vitamin B in brown rice also prevents breakage, which is especially important during the harsh winter months, when the cool air can make your hair brittle and frizzy.
If you've been chowing down on all these foods and still need a quick hair fix, work 1-2 pumps of KÉRASTASE Elixir Ultime from mid-lengths to ends. which will give your mane a radiant all-over sheen. This luxurious hair oil delivers the purest anti-oxidants to nourish the hair, offering both UV and dryness protection. For more hair care tips,
click here.
