Summer sun, warm seas – we look forward to it practically year-round. We want to look fresh and vibrant, so we consciously expose ourselves to sunlight and saltwater. The things we enjoy can be damaging to our hair, so it's important to maintain its proper condition more than just periodically. So what can we do to enjoy lush and healthy hair year-round, and how can a proper diet ensure deep color and shine?
Stop hair loss
The first thing we should know about hair is that nature didn't create it for beauty, but rather to protect it from unpleasant conditions, such as cold or humidity. Hair is composed of 97% keratin, which contains a protein substance—protein sulfur. Protein deficiency causes hair to thin. This isn't about consuming more protein-containing foods, but about providing substances that enable the body to utilize what we eat. When there's too little protein, undigested protein molecules pass through the bloodstream to the skin, causing things like dandruff or hair loss. It's therefore worth incorporating vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain bread into your diet. The substances they contain regulate the acidity of gastric juice and the production of protein-degrading enzymes in the stomach and intestines.
Color depth
Wondering why you've recently noticed more gray hairs? A zinc deficiency may be the cause. When your body lacks this element, there's a greater risk of gray hairs appearing with every worry. Zinc combats copper concentration, the cause of gray hair. Therefore, it's worth reaching for foods that are natural sources of this element, such as pumpkin seeds, wheatgrass, beef, spinach, and nuts. Additionally, B vitamins, found primarily in grains, are essential for proper hair pigmentation.
A twinkle not only in the eye
Beautifully shiny hair is thanks to sulfur. It's supplied via the sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine. The best source is eggs – 100 grams of yolk contain almost 165 mg of this element. Due to its rapid absorption, it provides the beautiful shine we crave.
In the summer, however, you should be extra careful with sun exposure and saltwater. They dry out and damage the hair cuticle. It's worth wearing a hat and using lightweight cosmetics that won't weigh it down. A healthy diet is also important, as it should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grains. This will ensure your hair remains beautiful year-round.
Beata and Patrycja – authors of a book on healthy eating, and sisters in private. They're a harmonious duo, despite their different worldviews. Beata, a dietitian by profession, loves to set high goals for herself, which is why she turned to dietary catering, wanting to care not only for her own health but also for the health of all Warsaw residents. Patrycja, on the other hand, has a journalism degree and loves cooking and documenting her adventures in the kitchen. She works on the artistic side of her blog daily, and as she herself admits, nothing is impossible for her. She always strives for her goal, even though it's often uphill.
