Hair Raising Foods

This is a subject close to many men’s hearts (and heads).  There can be any number of reasons for losing your hair, from environmental factors to genetics but good nutrition can play a vital part in hair growth.

Vitamins and lifestyle changes have been shown to encourage hair to grow and reduce hair loss.  Hair products, such as masks, shampoos and leave on conditioners can also prevent hair loss and restore healthy, vibrant hair.  This is a small number of essential elements and foods that can help you improve and even restore your hair.

Iron is an essential mineral, found in liver, beef, pork, fish, leafy greens, fortified cereal, beans, and pumpkin seeds.

Protein is absolutely essential for strong hair, but it's the protein from your food, not from shampoo!  A deficiency in protein can lead to hair loss whereas sufficient dietry protein can help to provide the amino acids that strengthen hair. Some good sources of protein include: seafood, white-meat poultry, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beans, pork tenderloin, soy, lean beef, and protein bars. For vegetarians, vegans and dairy-free consumers, good non-animal protein can be found in tempeh, tofu, wholewheat bread, peanut butter, brown rice, lentils, quinoa, nuts, seitan, beans, broccoli, potatoes.

 

Vitamin C is another essential in your diet, vitamin C foods help in the good absorption of iron. Good sources include: citrus fruit, green leafy vegetables, salad, baked potatoes, tomatoes.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to keep hair healthy and aid in preventing it from becoming dry and brittle. Good sources include: tuna, salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Biotin is a B vitamin which is important in the structure of healthy hair too. Good sources of biotin include: brewer's yeast, bulgur wheat, lentils, sunflower seeds, soybeans, and walnuts.

Zinc is another important mineral in the makeup of the hair follicle and provides essential hair nourishment too. Good sources include: oysters, lean beef, peanut butter, turkey, and pumpkin seeds.

Did You Know?
And finally, onion juice could be a natural hair restorer of immense potency!  A study published in the Journal of Dermatology examined the results when onion juice was used in people with alopecia areata. Twenty-three people applied onion juice directly to the scalp twice daily for two months. Participants began to experience hair growth after just two weeks of treatment. At four weeks, hair regrowth was seen in 17 people and at six weeks, hair growth was apparent in 20 people.

What can Aloe Vera do for me?

Aloe Vera’s first recorded use was over 5000 years ago in early Egyptian times  but this amazing plant now is used to treat hundreds of different ailments ranging from sun burn to constipation and is growing in popularity and an amazing pace.

The aloe vera plant is constructed with the basic building blocks of life, including essential vitamins and minerals, proteins, polysaccharides, enzymes, and amino acids. (Some people drink aloe vera for physical endurance and stamina, instead of energy drinks!) The bulk of the aloe vera leaf is filled with gel, which is approximately 99% water. The other 1% contains over at least 75 known nutrients including 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 active plan compounds called phytonutrients, enzymes and of course, water.

So what can it do for me?

Currently there is an ever grown body of evidence suggesting Aloe Vera can help diabetics by helping to control blood sugar levels. Another is its ability to lower cholesterol although data is still insufficient to support these claims

What we do know?

Anti-fungal / Anti –inflammatory

It’s these properties that make Aloe Vera the ideal choice for minor burns and skin conditions as well as fungal infection such as athlete’s foot.

Use as a moisturizer

Aloe Vera is an Emollient they work by binding on the surface of the skin helping to prevent loss of moisture.

Internal uses

• Available source of several vitamins and minerals that are vital to healthy cell growth.
• Contains several antioxidants that protect the body against free radical damage.
• Contains multiple enzymes to aid the process of digestion.
• Helps stop Candida overgrowth in the body.
• Helps the body’s natural wound healing process function properly.
• Aids in detoxification and helps keep the colon clean and regular.

How to take it?

There are no official guidelines as to use of Aloe Vera but here are some guidelines to help you get the most from your supplements.

Creams and gels with aloe vera vary in dosage. Some creams for minor burns have just 0.5% aloe vera. Others used for psoriasis may contain as much as 70% aloe vera. As an oral supplement, aloe has no set dose. For constipation, some use 100-200 milligrams of aloe juice — or 50 milligrams of aloe extract — daily as needed. For diabetes, 1 tablespoon of the gel has been used daily. High oral doses of aloe or aloe latex are dangerous. Ask your doctor for advice on how to use aloe.daily. High oral doses of aloe or aloe latex are dangerous. Ask your doctor for advice on how to use aloe.

Source:

bobby's healthy blog