5 important nutrition choices to prevent hair loss

Do you want strong and healthy hair? What if someone asks you this question? A majority of people would say ‘Why not?’ Everyone wants to look good and hair is an essential part of your personality.

The important question is ‘What do you do when you see your hair falling from the head?” A majority of people would try different shampoos and oils, visit salons, and take spa treatments to combat hair loss problem. But, how many of you actually know that your diet could be a possible cause for hair loss?

You would be surprised to know that your hair grows around 1.25 cm per month and 15 cm per year. The growth of your hair depends on a variety of factors such as your age, overall health, genetics, and your diet. Although you cannot do anything about your age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over. In fact, lacking important nutrients in your diet can lead to hair loss without even letting you know.

Therefore, it is very important to keep a track of what you eat, not only for your hair but your general health.

Here are 5 important nutrition choices that can prevent hair loss:

1. Proteins

Protein is the major constituent of hair fibers. Therefore, reduced protein intake in your diet can impair hair growth, make your hair look dull, and promotes hair breakage. Hair elasticity is reduced and hair feels weaker and softer.

Protein-rich sources: Lean meat, pulses like whole moong dal, rajma, chickpeas (kabuli channa), soybeans, nuts, grains, soya, fish, eggs, and dairy products

1. B-Vitamins

B-Vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, which aids in hair growth. Lack of this vitamin in your diet can cause brittle hair and may lead to hair loss. 

B-vitamin sources: Beans, green peas, cauliflower, soybean, bran, nuts and eggs

1. Iron

Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your cells. This makes it an important mineral for many bodily functions, including hair growth. Iron deficiency, which is commonly called anemia, is a major cause of hair loss, especially in women.

Iron-rich sources: Dark leafy greens, black dates, black raisins, banana, apples, fish, poultry, lentils

1. Vitamin A

All cells require Vitamin A for growth including your hair follicles. Vitamin A also helps skin glands make an oily substance called sebum which moisturizes your scalp and helps keep hair healthy. Its deficiency may lead to several problems including hair loss.

However, too much of Vitamin A consumption can also trigger hair loss. In such case, moderation is the key to follow.

Vitamin A Sources: Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, Mangoes, Papaya, Apricots, Pumpkin, Cantaloupe, Pink Grape fruit

1. Zinc

Zinc helps strengthen your hair follicles and prevent hair loss, by binding its proteins. It also plays a role in your oil glands functioning properly, which protects your locks from dryness and dandruff.

Zinc-rich sources: Sunflower seeds, peanuts, pine nuts, beef, lamb, pork and cereals with whole grains

Please remember that your diet can have a huge effect on the health of your hair. A lack of nutrient can make your hair look dry, dull, frizzy, and even cause hair loss. Fortunately, correcting the deficiency may help you treat hair loss and even make your hair quality better.