4 Diet Tips for Fabulous Hair

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http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/02/06/life-fit-chat-with-laura-lewis-4-diet-tips-for-fabulous-hair/

Life Fit Chat with Laura Lewis: 4 Diet Tips For Fabulous Hair
Goldilocks didn't get her head full of healthy hair from eating porridge all day. When she was not pilfering breakfast from the neighboring bears, she must have been eating a diet rich in the following ingredients:

1. Iron-rich protein. Protein is necessary for all cell growth in our body, and that includes the cells in our hair. Our hair gets its structure from hardened proteins called keratin. Iron is found in foods rich in protein such as tofu, soybeans, lentils, beans and black-eyed peas. Our bodies rely on iron to carry red blood cells filled with oxygen to all cells in our bodies--including our hair. Eating a diet rich in iron and protein helps new hair to grow in nice and strong.

2. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for everyone, but vegetarians especially should consume vitamin C when eating a plant-based protein in order to fully absorb the iron the plant has to offer. Vitamin C assists the body in forming collagen, which is necessary for optimal hair growth. Great sources of vitamin C include guava, peppers, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapple, papayas, lemons, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts.

3. B-vitamins-folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12.
The B vitamins are big players in the creation of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen and other nutrients to every cell in our bodies. Our bodies must have enough B vitamins in order to grow healthy, strong and beautiful hair.

Good sources of vitamin B6 include fortified whole-grains, garbanzo beans, lentils, white potatoes (with the skin) and bananas.

Good sources of Vitamin B12 include fortified whole-grain breakfast cereal, soymilk and low-fat cottage cheese.

Good sources of folate include fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, lentils, black-eyed peas, soybeans, oatmeal, turnip greens, spinach, green peas, artichokes, okra, beets, parsnips, and broccoli.

4. Zinc. Zinc is necessary for the growth of all new tissue, as well as tissue repair. Zinc also keeps the oil glands surrounding the hair follicles working in tip-top shape. Good sources of zinc include peanut butter, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas.

So, eat well and watch your own locks grow and grow!
 
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