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Thinking your locks could use a little luster but you’re not quite sure what to do about it? How about changing your diet?  Very often we see the effects of poor diet in our skin quickly; have a fast food weekend and watch a field of pimples erupt a few days later, etc.  Just because your hair didn’t go dull in a day doesn’t mean that your diet isn’t affecting its health.  Having healthy hair means having healthy hair follicles, and a healthy scalp and nutrients are the keys! So, do your hair a favor and load your plate up with some of these hair-healthy foods!

Salmon:  We all know salmon is a powerhouse source of omega-3 fatty acids (also Vitamin D and protein), but did you also know that about 3 percent of the hair shaft is made up of fatty acids?  And what’s more–your body can’t manufacture those on its own; you have to go out and get them!  The cell membranes in the skin of your scalp and the natural oils that keep your hair and scalp hydrated contain omega-3’s as well, so keep ‘em coming!

If salmon doesn’t float your boat, try pumpkin seeds, avocados and other fish.

Walnuts:  Walnuts are the only type of nut that has a significant amount of omega-3s—lucky for us, they also have loads of      biotin and vitamin E which helps protect your cells from damage (think sun).

Oysters:  Did you know that a lack of zinc can cause hair loss and even a dry, flaky scalp?  If this happens to you, break out the hot sauce and tip back some oysters! Oysters happen to be very rich in zinc, and just three ounces of oysters can give you 493% of your RDA of zinc!  Oysters are also loaded with protein, so while  you may be able to get some zinc from fortified cereals and whole grain breads, oysters give you that protein boost that grains can’t; and hair is 97% protein, so if you’re not getting enough protein, your hair may be dry, brittle and weak.

Sweet Potatoes:  Sweeter cousin of the famous spud, sweet potatoes are super-rich in beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A.  Basically, every cell in your body needs vitamin A, but in the case of your tresses, it helps to protect and produce the oils that keep your scalp healthy.  A vitamin A deficiency can leave you with a snow shower of dandruff all year long.

Eggs:  Easter is over but keep your basket out and stocked with these babies!  Eggs are rich in protein (which we already know is a hair bonus) but they also contain: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron.  We’ve already talked about zinc (see “Oysters” above), but we need to talk iron.  Iron carries oxygen to the hair follicles and anemia (anemia deficiency) is a major cause of hair loss (especially in the case of the ladies).  So, boil, poach, scramble or fry them, but eat your eggs!

In our next blog, we’ll tell you all about 5 more foods that are good for your hair.  In the meantime, eat up, research some recipes and let us know if you find some new and delicious ways to work some of these foods into your diet!