According to Dr. George Obikoya of Vitamins-nutrition.org, vitamins play a vital role in promoting hair growth. Vitamins and minerals must be present to keep the cells of hair follicles healthy and active. Many elements in the environment weaken and damage your hair, but taking the proper vitamins can help protect and nourish it, ultimately resulting in faster growth.
Beta-carotene & Vitamin A
According to Vitamins-supplements.org, beta-carotene has two functions in the body. Beta-carotene is sometimes converted to vitamin A, an essential nutrient in growth and development of the human body. Vitamin A aids in bone development, protecting sheathing around nerve fibers, as well as promoting healthy skin, hair and nails. If the body has enough vitamin A, beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Your hair is constantly exposed to these toxins in the environment. Exposure to the sun, cigarette smoke, excess alcohol consumption and a poor diet make hair weak, unhealthy and susceptible to damage. The antioxidant qualities of beta-carotene guards hair from these damaging toxins. Foods that are good sources of beta-carotene include yellow, orange and green vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and broccoli, and fruits like cantaloupe are also a good source.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E also has protective properties. Vitamins-supplements.org says the most important function of vitamin E is to provide a defense against tissue damage caused by oxidation. Vitamin E works to maintain intracellular membrane integrity and physical stability. Like vitamin A, vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage and stabilizes cell membranes and protects parts of the body that are more sensitive to oxidation. When hair is protected from free radicals, it stays stronger and growth becomes more feasible. Nuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole grains, fish and peanut butter are good sources of vitamin E.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another antioxidant. However, vitamin C does not just defend against free radicals. In addition, Vitamin-supplements.org says vitamin C is essential to the production of collagen. Hair is a connective tissue consisting of protein and collagen. Therefore, not only does vitamin C foster hair growth by protecting against free radical damage, but it also directly aids in the synthesis of the essential protein that comprises your hair. All fruits and vegetables have vitamin C in them, but the foods with the highest levels of it are citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and green peppers.
Vitamin B-complex B-6, biotin, inositol and folic acid
Dr. George Obikoya of Vitamins-nutrition.org recommends vitamin B-complex to boost hair growth. Dr. Obikoya suggests the major B-vitamins, including folate, biotin and inositol. According to Vitamins-supplements.org, folate, or vitamin B-9, aids in cell division and protein synthesis. The major benefit of biotin is the strengthening of hair and nails. Biotin helps to support enzymes, which are natural substances that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Biotin is utilized to synthesize intracellular carboxylase enzymes, which are essential for hair growth among many other health benefits. Inositol is responsible for cell communication, and it has been suggested that it prevents hair thinning and hair loss. Foods that are a good source of of vitamin B-complex include beans, broccoli, brewer's yeast, liver, molasses, nuts, peanut butter, poultry, wheat germ, whole grains, bananas and raisins.
References
- Vitamins & health supplements guide: Beta-carotene (vitamin A)
- Vitamins & health supplements guide: Vitamin E (tocopherol)
- Vitamins & health supplements guide: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamins & health supplements guide: Biotin (vitamin H, vitamin B7)
- The Vitamins & Nutrition Center:Vitamins for Your Hair
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