What can you eat for luscious locks no matter your age? At True Grit we believe in nourishing from the inside out, and teaching ourselves how we can gain miraculous results from the kitchen.
INSIDE-OUTSIDE BEAUTY – Eat Up!
Eating a variety of nutrient-rich, strand-strengthening foods is a must for your body, skin and hair.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds have been linked to positive effects on hair growth. They contain cucurbitacin (a type of amino acid) that is responsible for those strands to grow. Other micronutrients found in pumpkin seeds also help to improve the texture of the hair and make it strong (and long).
carrots
Carrots are rich in vitamin A, so win the award for making your hair stronger, longer and thicker. Carrots help in improving blood circulation and prevent the growth of grey hair. They contain a lot of antioxidants, along with Vitamin C, which also boosts your immune system.
radishes
Radishes are rich in dietary fibre and helpful in effective digestion that keeps the gut healthy. As a result, the roots of your hair will become strong and healthy. High in fibre content, the amount of roughage will keep hunger at bay. You’ll look radishing!!
nutritional yeast
Nutritional Yeast can combat brittle hair loss. Packing a punch this is an easily absorbable protein that can also help supply your hair with the protein it truly needs to be strong. Nutritional yeast contains an incredible 9 grams of protein in as little as three little tablespoons. It also boasts essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. In fact, it’s brimming with B vitamins, which support healthy hair. Sprinkle it over a salad for a power-packed lunch.
cucumbers
Cucumbers contain a high silica content for silky locks. Being made up of 80% water, they also hydrate the skin. Keep your cool vitamins and snack on this little friend packed with minerals that help your hair to grow well. It contains vitamins A and C, silica, Potassium, Alkaline material, Manganese, Magnesium, and many other minerals also. Vitamin A, C, and silica in cucumber helps for hair growth. You can achieve smooth locks and help them to grow faster!
shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, antioxidants, selenium, and copper, all of which are essential for healthy hair. They also contain a heap of iron, which combats anemia and can therefore help prevent hair loss. Make room for the mushroom as they are a leader in the hair care stakes!
There is actually copper in mushrooms that helps with the absorption of iron, which can, in turn, assist with producing melanin, (remember), the chemical that gives our hair and skin their colour. This means it can keep those unwanted grey hairs fat bay.
selenium
Meanwhile, selenium, an antioxidant also in these little wonders, helps rid the body of free radicals and is thus essential to healthy hair. Selenium is often found only in animal protein, so this can be very useful for vegetarians and vegans too of course. It also encourages hair growth and prevents dry flaky scalps. Let’s have them, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
strawberries
Strawberries are jam-packed with Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is extremely beneficial for your hair. Not only helpful in nourishing your locks, but strawberries also have the ability to get rid of any excess oils from your scalp. Magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, and copper are found in strawberries which are all essential for healthy hair.
what to look for in a beauty supplement
Looking after your scalp is essential if you want to grow your hair long and strong. There are some generous ingredients that can help to optimise the scalp environment to encourage and support healthy hair growth, but it’s important to note that these are heavily dependent on the concentrations of the ingredients, the quality of them, and how they are formulated into the product. Here are some names to look out for although you’ll be familiar with them: Keratin, Collagen, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
keratin
Keratin is the key structural, protective protein making up hair as well as other types of cells in the body. Since keratin is the structural building block of your hair, some people believe that keratin supplements, products, and treatments can help strengthen your hair and make it look healthier. They can contain the right ingredients to improve the suppleness and sheen of your skin and nails. Some supplements block the DHT hormone responsible for hair loss. An increase in the DHT hormone, caused by stress, menopause, pregnancy, and/or traumatic events isn’t a goodie so Keratin can be a winner to throw into your hair care routine.
collagen
Collagen is a protein found throughout the body especially in the skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissues. With celebrities and products preaching countless benefits of the best collagen supplements, you’re probably not a stranger to some of its terminologies. Boost your chances and use collagen hair care to infuse nutrients into every strand and create the appearance of thicker, fuller, healthier-looking hair.
peptides
Peptides are a perfect supplement for any hair type and texture. They help hair to look thicker, denser, fuller, and healthier. Most commonly found in serums, the peptides effectively penetrate your scalp and work deep within hair follicles. Ideally, use it at bedtime, applying it to a clean, dry scalp before massaging it thoroughly and leaving it on (some may prefer to rinse in the morning).
hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body (who knew)?! Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. Let’s call it the moisture magnet! Hyaluronic acid has the remarkable ability to hold up to six litres of water so you know you’re in safe hands. When applied topically to damp hair, hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge. It soaks up outside moisture and holds it in, making hair strands more hydrated, elastic, and overall more healthy. If your hair is particularly dry or damaged (or both), this one is your ingredient go-to!
Its deficiency can lead to thinning of the hair, supplements in oral form, or using a biotin-enriched shampoo/ hair products that can thicken your strands and stimulate growth.
omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are a no-brainer all round! Hair follicle inflammation is a factor that can directly contribute to hair loss. Omega-3 Fatty Acids provide essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles and skin. Abundant in foods like nuts, seafood, and certain seed and plant oils, they’re subdivided into three types: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It all sounds a little scientific but the main news is, they can boost hair growth (amongst other things)!