Are you tired of dealing with hair thinning and hair loss? If yes, it’s necessary to examine your diet more closely. Biotin, commonly referred to as vitamin B7, is vital in supporting healthy hair growth. Biotin comes from the vitamin B category. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B vitamin found naturally in certain foods and supplements. It supports enzyme function in breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins while regulating cell signaling and gene activity. When biotin levels are deficient, hair follicles may become weaker, leading to hair thinning, breakage, and loss.
How does biotin work on the hair?
Biotin offers numerous advantages for your body. Biotin’s primary function is to convert food into energy and facilitate keratin production, the protein responsible for hair health.
Insufficient biotin levels can result in thinning and loss of hair. This is due to biotin’s involvement in keratin production. Biotin supplements and hair products with added biotin are often marketed to enhance hair growth and achieve fuller, thicker hair.
Benefits of biotin for hair
- Encourages hair growth: Biotin is believed to play a role in stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. It is thought to enhance the infrastructure of keratin, a protein that constitutes the structure of the hair.
- Enhances hair strength: Biotin may help improve the strength and resilience of the hair shaft, reducing the likelihood of breakage and split ends. This can lead to the appearance of thicker, fuller hair.
- Supports overall hair health: Biotin contributes to the overall health of your hair by assisting in the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Since hair predominantly comprises keratin protein, biotin’s involvement in protein synthesis can contribute to healthier hair.
- May prevent hair loss: Although biotin deficiency is rare, inadequate levels of biotin could potentially lead to hair loss. Biotin intake may help prevent hair loss in individuals with biotin deficiency. Still, it is essential to note that hair loss can have various causes, and biotin may not be effective in all cases.
The effects of biotin on hair growth may take several months to become noticeable. Biotin supports hair health by stimulating follicles, enhancing strength, and contributing to hair structure. Results vary, so it’s essential to consider overall hair care, consult a professional, and address underlying health issues before starting biotin intake.
Biotin rich food
- Egg– Cooked eggs, particularly the yolk, are rich in biotin. Raw egg whites, however, contain an antinutrient called avidin that hinders biotin absorption. Therefore, it is recommended to cook eggs thoroughly. Cooked eggs (50 g) contain approximately ten mcg of biotin.
- Salmon– Salmon is the seafood with the highest biotin content. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote hair growth and potentially prevent hair loss by providing healthy fats to the hair. Cooked salmon (85 g) contains approximately five mcg of biotin.
- Sunflower seeds– Sunflower seeds are a good source of biotin, providing approximately 2.6 mcg of biotin per 20 grams.
- Avocados– Avocados are a good source of biotin, providing approximately 1.8 mcg of biotin per 28 grams.
- Sweet potato– Sweet potatoes are a great vegetable source of biotin, containing approximately 2.4 mcg of biotin per 125 grams.
- Mushroom– Mushrooms are fungi that are a rich source of biotin. Due to their effective biotin content, they possess a natural defense against parasites and predators in their wild habitat. Canned button mushrooms contain approximately 2.6 mcg of biotin in 120 grams. Fresh button mushrooms, when chopped into a 1-cup, i.e…. 70g serving, offer 5.6 mcg of biotin. Both canned and fresh mushrooms can be used in various dishes such as noodles, pizzas, sauces, gravies, stuffing, baking, sautéing, and salads.
- Banana– A small banana weighing approximately 105 grams provides about 0.2 mcg of biotin. Bananas are commonly eaten as is, but they can also be added to smoothies, paired with nut butter, or frozen to create dairy-free ice cream.
- Almond – Although not as high in biotin as other foods on the list, almonds are a nutritious option. They provide a range of essential nutrients, including a small amount of biotin.
- Broccoli– Broccoli is a very good source of biotin. A half-cup (45 grams) of raw, chopped broccoli provides approximately 0.4 mcg of biotin. There are various ways to enjoy broccoli: raw with hummus or dip, steamed, roasted with olive oil and seasoning, blended into soups, or sautéed and added to pasta and casseroles.
- Sunflower Seeds– These seeds make for a delicious and nutritious snack, offering around 2.6 mcg of biotin per 20-gram serving.
The dangers of consuming excessive biotin intake
While biotin supplementation or topical application may benefit individuals with biotin deficiency, despite claims, there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of biotin supplementation or topical application for promoting hair growth in individuals without biotin deficiency.
It is essential to consult a doctor before consuming biotin supplements. Instead of relying solely on supplements, it is beneficial to prioritize natural sources for biotin intake.
Conclusion
Increasing your biotin intake through natural food sources can be a simple and effective strategy if you’re concerned about hair thinning or loss. Incorporating biotin-rich foods such as eggs, salmon, sunflower seeds, avocados, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, bananas, almonds, and broccoli into your daily diet can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth. Remember, a well-balanced diet, proper hair care, and overall health practices contribute to maintaining luscious and vibrant hair.