Nutrition plays a critical role in promoting healthy hair growth for women. Hair is comprised mainly of the protein keratin. Hair growth begins below the surface of the skin, in the hair follicle and grows from inside and permeates the skin through small openings called pores. Because hair grows from the inside, external hair products can only do so much for the health of your hair. Consuming key nutrients through diet or supplements helps facilitate healthy hair growth.
Biotin
Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that plays a role in metabolic functions, as well as hair and nail growth. Dietary sources of biotin include egg yolks, soy, peanuts and organ meats. Biotin is also produced in human intestinal bacteria.
Iron
Iron is an element that forms a variety of proteins and enzymes in the human body. Iron binds with the protein hemoglobin in red blood cells and helps transfer oxygen from the lungs to the muscles of the body. Iron is found in red meat, eggs, seafood, beans, grains and leafy greens, such as spinach. Consuming iron-rich food with food high in vitamin C increases the amount of absorbed by your body.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a precursor form of Vitamin A that functions as an antioxidant in the body. Beta-carotene is found in dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, broccoli and spinach. An excessive amount of beta-carotene can cause your skin to turn slightly yellow, but that goes away once you decrease beta-carotene intake.
Essential Fatty Acids
You must consume essential fatty acids Omega-6 and Omega-3 in your diet. Omega-6 and Omega-3 assist your body with hormone production, blood pressure regulation, growth of hair and nails, control of body temperature and nutrient absorption in the intestines. Known as good fats, essential fatty acids are found in olive oil, nuts, flaxseed, cold water fish and soybeans.
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