Nutrition and hair: the top 10 autumn foods

Nutrition and hair: an unbreakable bond

"Man is what he eats". It was 1804 when Ludwig Feuerbach, one of the most famous philosophers of his time, pronounced these words destined to reach our days. In summary, he argues that every food we eat affects our body, our health and our mind. Adopting this vision, it is easier to understand how nutrition and hair are closely related to each other.

The hair health doesn’t come by itself, but is the result of a number of factors strictly related: a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, the right dose of sport and the choice of appropriate hair products. When one or more of these elements fail, the balance breaks and in this game the nutrition plays a key role. In fact, hair, just like the rest of our body, needs the right amount of vitamins, trace elements and proteins to be healthy.

However, mother nature facilitates our work by making available every season the foods we need to take care of our body and, consequently, also to undertake the right hair diet. Below, we have selected the ten best autumn foods for an ideal hair nutrition.

1. Chestnuts: the seasonal must-have

In the first place among the most loved foods of the autumn season there are undoubtedly chestnuts. Symbol of autumn par excellence, chestnuts are not only good, but they really do well. Specifically, they are known for their beneficial properties for the bowel, nervous system and circulation. However, being particularly rich in iron, they are the ideal fruit for the hair. Indeed, iron deficiency is one of the most common causes in case of abnormal and abundant hair loss (especially in women). Finally, the chestnuts are equipped with a good dose of B vitamin, essential for maintaining the hair health.

2. Mushrooms: a timeless food

Rich in niacin, riboflavin and B vitamin, mushrooms are another great classic of the autumn season. Among them, a very important variety stands out when it comes to hair and nutrition: the shiitake mushrooms. They are particularly rich in copper which helps the hair to longer maintain their natural color and a high degree of shine.

In fact, copper is another essential oligomineral for hair health and it is no coincidence that it is used in hair products such as Kmax Stimulating Follicle Spray. It is a lotion based on copper-peptides designed specifically for the scalp and hair wellness. 

3. Pumpkin: not only on Halloween

Immediately after chestnuts and mushrooms, one of the foods that should never be missing in the perfect autumn hair diet is the pumpkin. In fact, it is particularly rich in vitamins and minerals that give well-being to the hair. In addition, pumpkin appears to be a good ally against common baldness, as it can promote the inhibition of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the most powerful male hormone after testosterone.

Controlling and inhibiting DHT is essential to avoid the process of hair miniaturization: that’s why the use of specific products as the Kmax anti-DHT supplements it is recommended to those suffering from androgenetic alopecia 

4. Mandarins & Co

Just like the pumpkin, also mandarins and oranges are fruits belonging to the autumn particularly rich in beta-carotene. In fact, it is this element that gives them a bright orange color. Beta-carotene is one of the precursors of vitamin A (retinol) and, for this reason, helps to prevent hair loss and to improve the overall consistency of the hair.

5. Hair Power and Pineapple

The pineapple season begins in October and this tropical fruit is very popular in both autumn and winter. It is known to be a true ally of skin, hair and nails. In fact, thanks to the high presence of vitamin C, it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, keeping it clean and helping to free it from acne. In addition, the same anti-inflammatory action is particularly useful for the scalp to maintain its balance. Finally, it helps to prevent hair loss and to promote the overall hair health.

6. Pomegranate: the fruit of life energy

According to Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite planted this fruit on the island of Cyprus and since then it become the symbol of vital energy, fertility and abundance. The pomegranate, another super beneficial fruit that nature offers us in autumn. In fact, pomegranate is a food particularly rich in antioxidants and, for this reason, it helps to combat cellular ageing. In addition, it has a powerful regenerating action that should not be ignored even for the hair: using a pomegranate extract in a mask helps to treat brittle and dry hair.

7.  Healthy hair nutrition: do not forget cranberries

The best cranberries are harvested in the second half of October. Several studies have shown that cranberries can be used in the treatment of some urinary tract disorders (cystitis is an example). However, the high presence of A and B vitamins with their antioxidant power make them a valuable aid in the diet for healthy hair.

8. Apple, preferably Annurca Campana IGP

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, an annurca IGP apple helps to reduce hair loss and increases its regrowth. It is a specific type of apple, which contains a high amount of procyanidine B2, a molecule belonging to the flavonoid family. Precisely this characteristic makes it an essential food in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and, in general, in hair care. 

9. Grapes: not only the fruit of sportsmen

Being rich in magnesium, it is considered the fruit of sports. In fact, it is particularly useful in case of cramps. However, grapes are also a powerful natural antioxidant due to the high presence of flavonoids in the polyphenol family. For this reason, it is a fruit allied to hair health and skin care. However, if grape is recommended in a proper nutrition for the hair, it is not the most indicated fruit for people who suffer from diabetes because their sugar content is not low for sure!

10. The good diet for hair? It includes nuts

Every year, the walnut harvest period runs from September to November, in the middle of autumn. Nuts are particularly rich in vitamin B5 and, for this reason, are considered an excellent aid to promote hair growth. Another reason why they are essential when it comes to the good diet for the hair is that they are rich in selenium, a mineral that can counteract dandruff and keep the scalp healthy.

Food and hair: let’s sum it up!

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is the first step to take care of your hair (and your body) starting from the inside. On the other hand, it is equally important to care about the health of your hair by always choosing the best hair products. Here you can find a selection of essential products to stimulate hair growth, reduce the hair loss and give the right volume.

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