Zinc & Healthy Hair
Our body needs a variety of essential nutrients and minerals to function, grow and thrive. Essential means that our body does not produce it and we derive it from our diet. Zinc is one such vital mineral that’s required for our overall health, including the growth of healthy hair. Mild zinc deficiency is getting more and more common these days, estimated to affect about one-third of the world’s population. Let’s find out how zinc and healthy hair works!
Our hair and nails are considered non-essential parts of our body. When there’s a deficiency in any nutrient, our body would divert and focus the available nutrients to more important areas such as the brain, heart and other organs. Our hair cells are one of the fastest growing cells in our body and need a lot of nutrients to keep up with it. This is why when there’s a deficiency in zinc, our hair usually takes the blow first, possibly leading to hair loss.
Other common signs of zinc deficiency includes;
- Slow wound healing
- Skin conditions such as acne or eczema
- Lethargic
- Affected cognition and concentration
- Affected sense of taste and smell
So What Does Zinc Do?
Zinc is a trace element that is essential for a lot of biochemical processes in our body, such as cell reproduction (repair and healing of injuries), production and maintenance of hormone levels, protein synthesis and aids in the absorption of other minerals and vitamins. It also has antioxidant properties which helps protect your hair cells from free radicals. All of which are beneficial towards a healthy hair growth.
Zinc aids in the sebum production, our hair’s natural protective oil that keeps our scalp and hair nourished and moisturized. A disruption in sebum production could lead to other hair problems such dry hair.
Sources of Zinc
Our body doesn’t store zinc so we will need to get the daily intake from our diet. The good news is that We only need very small amounts of zinc to meet our daily requirements and zinc is found in many common foods such as;
- Red meat such as beef
- Whole grains
- Beans and nuts such as cashew and almonds
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Seeds such as pumpkin, flax and sesame
- Shellfish such as shrimp and mussels
- Spinach
- Dairy products
Though zinc is an essential mineral towards our overall health, do take note of your daily intake value and aim to achieve good dietary habits and a well-balanced diet. Remember moderation is key and do consult your doctor or nutritionist when in doubt.
Are you ready to get started on your journey towards a healtier scalp and beautiful hair? We provide organic and natural solutions for hair & scalp problems such as chemically damaged hair, dandruff and hair loss. We also provide organic hair colouring services too!
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