Food is the best medicine for healthy hair and skin

Experts suggest that the best medicine to have beautiful hair and skin will be our diet. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra Batra believes what you eat reflects on your skin and hair.

"Food can be the best medicine for healthy hair and skin. Hair loss might be due to various reasons, but nutritional deficiency might be one of them and you need to address that," she said during the discussion.

"People go for sugar free and fat free food items, but they are required by the body. Most people don't want to eat fat to avoid gaining weight. Food items like walnut and fish oil are important. Though olive oil is becoming favourite in many kitchens, it shouldn't be heated. It is just for dressing purpose. Mustard oil or ghee gel with Indian delicacies," added Batra, who stressed on the importance of a proper balance of protein, carbohydrates and micronutrients. The nutritionist also emphasised on the amount of nutrients to be consumed.

"We know that protein is needed for good hair, but women shouldn't consume more than 55 grams of protein. Men should stick to 65 grams. If you eat that in excess, it will stress out the liver and kidney. Similarly, excess of sugar is also not good. It will lead to dandruff," she said. Also reading ingredients is equally important.

"Food marketing can be misleading. For instance, many assume oat bread is good. But if the top ingredient is refined flour, it means it is mostly flour," she said.

"Applying coconut oil is good, but so is drinking coconut water. I know so many people who refuse to drink it as they think they will grow fat. It is rich in potassium, which is good for skin," she said.

So experts suggest making right choices to stay fit and feel healthy.

By Lizitha