Your hair is made of keratin, which is a form of protein. It consists of the hair shaft, the root, the hair bulb and the follicle, which are located beneath the surface of the scalp. Hair growth occurs within the follicle when cells produce keratin. A healthy diet free of nutritional deficiencies prevents dull, dry hair. The nutrients your normally get from food are important to follicle health, which is critical for the growth of healthy, shiny hair.
Hair Growth
Your diet provides the nutrients your body uses for healthy growth and development, including the growth of shiny hair. An artery located in the papilla, which is at the base of the follicle, nourishes the cells that create keratin and the hair root. Keratin-hardened hair roots push up through the follicle and the skin's surface to emerge as three-layered shafts of hair. The medulla is the soft center layer; the cortex, which is the main layer of hair, surrounds the medulla; and the cuticle is the hard, protective outer layer.
Shiny Hair
Shiny hair is healthy hair. Healthy scales overlap tightly on hair cuticles to protect the inner layers of the hair shaft from damage. The flat scales reflect light, which contributes to the appearance of shine. Unhealthy, separated scales cannot protect your hair from breakage, which causes dullness. Sebum, which is the hair's natural oil that is secreted by glands in your skin, contributes to your hair's shine.
Nutrients
Certain nutrients help produce and maintain shiny hair by nourishing hair as it grows. Protein, which you get from meats, eggs and diary products, is an essential building block of hair. Selenium, which is found in turkey and tuna, maintains the elasticity of your scalp and skin. Foods such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, walnuts, and flaxseed have omega-3 fatty acids that help keep your hair follicles healthy and prevent skin dryness. Prevent dry hair by adding foods that contain zinc, such as poultry and oysters, and iodine to your diet. Add broccoli, berries, carrots and melons to your diet to maintain shiny hair.
Vitamins
Vitamin A helps your body product healthy sebum in your scalp. Vitamin A is found in liver, cantaloupe, Swiss chard, carrots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes and cabbage, helps maintain the health of your scalp. Prevent dry hair by adding foods to your diet with vitamin E, such as avocado, green leafy vegetables and almonds.
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