What to eat for shiny, healthy hair
We pay attention to what we eat when we want to lose weight, but as our good friend and "Today" show health expert, Joy Bauer, has been gently explaining to us, our diet is a powerful tool. You can use your diet to address all sorts of physical issues, from migraines to diabetes to creating shiny, healthy hair. If you want your locks to look as full and glossy as the stars', you must give your hair the right nutrient-rich foods. In this episode, Joy lays out the five items you should add to your shopping carts right now to get the luscious locks you're after.
It would be nice if gorgeous, shiny hair would just happen, but the truth is, even when it comes to hair the old saying "you are what you eat" tells the story. "Today" show health expert Joy Bauer recommends the following for great-looking locks:
Shrimp
This crustacean is packed with iron-rich protein, which helps to circulate oxygen to the scalp and to hair follicles. Order up some shrimp cocktail or make a stir-fry with shrimp and broccoli.
Chickpeas
Eating chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, is a great way for vegetarians to get iron-rich protein. Toss them in a salad, sprinkle them with spices and roast them in the oven, or puree them with olive oil, garlic, and lemon to make hummus.
Pumpkin seeds
These are a great snack-food option. They're rich in zinc, which contributes to the production of your hair's natural oils. Eat them right out of the bag with the shells, or roast them and sprinkle them over cold cereal, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or a salad.
Oranges and grapefruit
If you want to add length to your locks, eat one of these every day. Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, which is a key player in collagen production, which helps hair grow.
Kale
This leafy vegetable is rich in beta-carotene, which helps add life and shine to your hair. Saute with olive oil or make kale chips. Place the leaves on a foil-lined pan, spray with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and roast until they're crispy. They're like healthy potato chips! I got the recipe from Joy, and I am addicted.
Do you have any shiny hair tips to share? Post on our Facebook wall and let us know. For more health and beauty advice, check out JoyBauer.com and follow her on Twitter at @joybauer.
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