Dietary intake is considered one of the prominent reasons for good (or bad) skin and hair. As such, it is not surprising that experts stress consuming healthy and fresh foods. One such dietary hack that we spotted on Instagram recently was a ‘powerful’ smoothie for stronger, longer hair.
“Try this powerful hair smoothie for stronger, longer hair! It contains no dairy and no refined sugar but I promise it still tastes good,” read the post on Hairfall-Solutions.
The smoothie was made after blending roasted seeds into a powder and mixing it with nuts and water. Take a look.
How to make the smoothie mix?
*Roast the following and blend into a powder
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Chia Seeds
Flax Seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Lotus Seeds
*In the blender, add water, two scoops of your seed powder, two dates, and a small handful of almonds
*Blend and enjoy. “It’s a rich, luscious smoothie that tastes incredible,” the description added.
“Save the rest of your seed blend in an airtight container to enjoy all week,” it read.
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Here’s what to consider about hair growth (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Is this smoothie as powerful as it claims to be?
Stressing that low intake of protein can lead to dull and dry hair, Dr Vandana Punjabi, dermatologist and trichologist at Khar, and Nanavati Hospital, said that recommended dietary allowance to prevent protein deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. “For example, someone who weighs 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day. Hence, we should include protein-rich foods such as soya, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils (all plant-based protein) or lean meats such as chicken, variety of fish or seafood; egg whites and low-fat dairy in our daily diets,” said Dr Punjabi.
She added, “Mixed seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and lotus seeds are a good source of essential fatty acids like omega 3 and essential amino acids. Nuts like almonds and walnut provide good protein for hair growth.
Dr Santosh Pandey, acupuncturist and naturopath, Rejua Energy Center, Mumbai listed the benefits of each of the ingredients.
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Lotus seeds contains flavonoids, fatty acids and proteins and have anti-inflammatory properties that can naturally nourish damaged skin cells, hair and scalp. “Sunflower seeds contain a unique ingredient called gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps in deep conditioning the hair. Pumpkin seeds contain micronutrients that help improve the texture of the hair and make it strong. Flaxseeds have vitamin B and vitamin C which help reduce hair fall, increase hair strength and growth. Chia seeds are powered with zinc and copper, help in preventing thinning of hair and helping hair growth,” Dr Pandey mentioned.
Although a healthy diet is important for healthy hair, Dr Punjabi highlighted that one must understand that hair loss has many causes.“Sometimes, genetic factors like male or female pattern baldness can play a role. Thyroid disease, iron deficiency anaemia, autoimmune diseases, hormonal issues, recent illnesses or surgery and acute or chronic stress may also cause loss of hair,” said Dr Punjabi.
Therefore, according to her, it’s important to have a dermatologist examine your scalp with a ‘dermatoscope’ to guide you about the cause of your hair loss and treat it accordingly.
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