Ironically, while many women are beginning their hair removal routines for the spring and summer months, approximately 40 percent of women in the US are suffering from hair loss. The following five key nutrients naturally nourish the hair follicles to promote stronger, faster-growing hair, helping women to enjoy the thick, healthy locks they desire.
1. Silica is an integral part of the structure of all of our body’s connective tissues, including hair. Horsetail herb and bamboo are two natural supplemental sources of silica, known as the “beauty mineral.” Dietary sources include oats and unrefined grains, nuts (especially almonds) and seeds, fruits including apples, oranges, and cherries, and vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, onions and cabbage.
2. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free-radical damage and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. It also reduces bacterial overgrowth in the sebaceous (oil) ducts of the scalp which can otherwise cause a build up of sebum and lead to inflammation of the hair follicle. The top food sources of vitamin A include dairy products, liver, fish, and fortified cereals.
3. Sulfur helps to form the chemical bonds that give structure to the hair shaft, imparting strength and resilience to the hair. Sulfur-rich foods include garlic, onions, and vegetables in the mustard family such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
4. Vitamin C is an important structural component of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. It provides strength and flexibility to the scalp around the follicles, protecting them from physical stress during grooming and styling. It’s also an excellent free-radical scavenger that protects hair follicles against oxidative stress. Because our body is unable to manufacture vitamin C, we must continuously obtain it from our diet or from supplements. Calcium ascorbate is a supplemental form of vitamin C that is optimally absorbed for maximum benefit.
5. Rice bran contains more than 100 different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is a rich source of the moisturizing fatty acid, oleic acid. The amino acids in rice bran are incorporated into the protein (keratin) that comprises the hair shaft, promoting stronger hair that is less prone to breakage and split ends. -Paula Nelega, Registered Clinical Herbalist for Hair Essentials
Paulina Nelega is a registered clinical herbalist for Hair Essentials and has been assisting individuals facing hair loss for almost two decades. Hair Essentials is a breakthrough proprietary blend of more than 20 herbs, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids and other nutrients. Learn more at www.HairEssentials.com.
[Image courtesy of Hair Essentials]
