Eat your hair HEALTHY

Everyone knows that your diet can impact your weight, skin and overall health, but not many people know that it can impact your hair. According to Philip Kingsley, you have around 120,000 hairs growing on your scalp at any given time that need support too grow. As your hair isn't a vital organ, when you are experiencing a nutritional deficiency it will show up first in your hair. Not only can your diet negatively impact your hair, it can really positively impact your hair too. Here are three changes that will transform your hair through food!

Maybe it's just me, but I've always been a Rapunzel wannabe and I'm sure some of you must be able to relate to wanting super long thick hair. When stretched, my hair reaches down to my hip bone which is personally quite impressive and these beloved foods have helped me to achieve this length.

• Sweet potatoes – Vitamin A
• Salmon – Omega 3 – Protein
• Eggs – Omega 3 – Vitamin A

What makes these ingredients powerful are that they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that promote hair growth. A proper amount of omega-3 in your diet nourish your hair follicles, encouraging hair growth. Nourishing omega 3 fatty acids also soothe and moisturise the scalp, and promote blood circulation, preventing dryness and dandruff. These fatty acids also encourage the production of scalp oils, which naturally coat and nourish hair strands, helping to transform dry or lifeless hair. Vitamin A also helps skin glands make an oily substance called sebum. Sebum moisturises the scalp and helps keep hair healthy. However, too much Vitamin A can also contribute to hair loss. Protein in your diet helps the body to produce keratin, which is fundamental to the hair structure.

I know many people want to achieve thick, full hair, and struggle with a visible scalp or being able to 'see-through' their hair, if this is you, try and incorporate these foods into my meals. While there is no way to change the texture of the hair follicles, there are many things people can do to make hair appear thicker and to reduce breakage and hair loss.

• Mushrooms – Vitamin D – Selenium
• Bell Peppers – Vitamin D – Vitamin C
• Tuna – Vitamin D – Omega 3

These foods are great at making the hair appear thicker and fuller. All the ingredients include Vitamin D which is great for hair because it can help create new follicles (little pores where new hair can grow) which makes the hair fuller. Selenium aids in hair growth as well as prevent dandruff. Selenium is mostly found in animal proteins and therefore, the mushroom can be a good alternative for vegetarians. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens the hair shaft and hair follicles, as well as prevents breakage.

My diet definitely consists of more than just meat and vegetables.

• Chocolate – Cacao
• Broccoli – Vitamins A – Vitamin C
• Vitamins

Chocolate is life, and I am happy to inform you that while it may not be great for waist, it is good for your hair. Cacao in chocolate adds shine and rebuilds the hair's structure in particular dark chocolate can help make your hair super-glossy and voluminous. Dark green veggies like broccoli contain vitamins A & C – these vitamins are needed for the body to produce sebum, the natural oil that conditions your hair and skin which can help your hair to grow thicker. Too little sebum can cause dandruff. Dark green vegetables also contain zinc which is a very important mineral for healthy hair, and too little can cause hair loss. I've already mentioned how vitamins so beneficial for hair health and I am saying it here again.

Eating can be and should be fun. While we don't recommend pouring chocolate on your broccoli, by incorporating these foods into your diet you are helping your hair from the inside.