Monday, June 29, 2009

The effects of all natural diet supplements on hair

A proper diet of vitamins, minerals, protein, amino acids and minerals play a major role in healthy hair growth. Any deficiency in these natural diet supplements can lead to gradual thinning of hair.

Some of these nutritional elements play an important role in hormone metabolism that affects the hair growth and hair loss to a large extent.

If the requirement of these nutrients is not adequately met with the diet these are to taken in the form of hair growth supplements.

Vitamins as natural diet supplement for hair growth

Vitamins are a common natural diet supplement for hair. The most important among them is Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), a water-soluble vitamin. This vitamin helps in the proper functioning of the digestive tract, nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.

Stress is one of the common causes of hair loss. Vitamin B12 is an anti-stress vitamin, which improves the condition of the immune system and helps the body to cope up with stress. As a stress inhibitor, Vitamin B12 is a potent hair regrowth stimulator. It is available in food sources like fish, dairy products, organ meats (the meat found in liver and kidney), eggs, beef, and pork.

The other important vitamin required for hair growth is vitamin E. Though this beneficial vitamin is required in little amount by the body, the deficiency of the same causes serious health hazards apart form major hair loss.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is best taken in its liquid form. It is an antioxidant required for the healthy growth of hair and skin. It is commonly found in food sources like citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables.

Protein and Amino acid supplements for hair

Protein and its constituent amino acids are important for hair growth and overall healthy functioning of the body. During digestion the dietary foods containing protein elements are broken into twenty two different types of amino acids.

In terms of hair growth, the most important amino acid is cysteine. It is particularly important because it contains sulfur molecules which cross link with each other to produce disulfide bonds. These chemical bonds are gives hair its strength. For this reason the most popular amino acid supplement taken for hair is cysteine.

Minerals as natural diet supplements for hair

Minerals are one of the important diet supplements required for healthy hair growth. Without adequate quantity of minerals, our body is not able to absorb the benefits of other nutrients like vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Among important dietary minerals, silicon is the most common for hair growth. It builds the connective tissues, like ligaments and tendons. It leads to the growth of hair, skin and fingernails. Silicon is largely available in foods like whole grain, breads, cereals, alfalfa, beet, bell pepper, bean and pea.

Zinc is another beneficial mineral required for the normal growth of the hair, teeth, bones, nails and skin. It builds the connective tissue like ligaments and tendons and takes care of the over all metabolism of the body. It ensures the normal functioning of the immune system and enhances various senses like sight, taste and smell. Zinc is largely available in food sources like whole wheat bread, seafood and other animal meats.

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