Seven food secrets to healthy and luscious looks

By Dr.Dimitrios Ziakas, M.D., DHI clinic UAE

Long, thick, bouncy, beautifully voluminous hair is a sign of vitality and youthfulness.  It is every woman’s dream – yet it can be difficult to achieve if we don’t eat right.

As much as you rely on the best shampoos and conditioners available, we need to remember that what we eat can have an effect on the condition of our hair. Just like skin, the condition of your hair is an outward sign of inside health. The cells that make up each strand of hair require a regular supply of key nutrients.
The secret to thick, strong, shiny strands isn't about a fancy salon treatment —it's all about your diet.  At DHI, we have drawn a roadmap for healthier hair. 

Salmon for extra shine
The key ingredients for a healthy scalp are protein and vitamin D. So pack it up with protein with Salmon for that extra shine, to help improve hair strength and prevent breakage.  Remember extremely low protein diets may result in hair loss.

Lean meats to boost your iron levels
Iron is an important mineral for hair. Hair follicle and roots are fed by a nutrient rich blood supply. So feast yourself with a big fat steak every now and then to boost your iron levels.  Vegetarians can opt for lentils, spinach and other leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and kale.  Remember extremely low levels of iron are a major cause of hair loss.

Sunflower Seeds for healthier locks
If you need healthier hair with intense and beautiful color, sunflower seeds are your go-to munchies during the day. These mild nutty-tasting seeds are packed with vitamin E, B6, zinc and vitamin B2. Vitamin B6 is essential in transporting oxygen to the scalp which in turn helps towards hair growth and avoids excessive shedding.

Prunes
Including prunes in your diet can help to improve hair texture. They are rich in iron and a good dose prunes every week can help avoid the bad hair days – dull hair, thin hair, and discoloration of your hair. Prunes also contain a high levels of copper which helps to prevent hair loss and contribute to hair thickness .

Sweet potatoes
Regenerate your hair health diet by regularly consuming sweet potatoes. Being one of the most nutritious vegetables, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that maintain hair health. They contain plenty of vitamin C, vitamin B6 and copper. In addition, sweet potatoes contain unique root proteins which may have significant antioxidant properties.

Coconut
Coconut oil, which is high in healthy fats and minerals, is one of the best natural nutrients for your hair, boosting growth and shine by moisturizing the scalp. It is also highly effective in reducing protein loss when used as a pre-wash conditioning treatment – protein loss can leave strands weak and prone to damage.

Spinach
This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants and excellent for your body for many reasons including hair health. Spinach is loaded with iron and other nutrients, which keeps your hair healthy and fresh.  Trade your lettuce for spinach, or sauté spinach for a quick, healthy side.