6 Benefits Of Folic Acid For Beautiful And Healthy Hair

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of each of the body’s organs.

It is a water-soluble vitamin that participates in the formation of red blood cells and in the activities of the central nervous system.

A deficiency of this can lead to the development of various health disorders, including abnormal hair loss and dryness. On the other hand, it can also cause growth retardation of the mane and premature aging.

The benefits of folic acid for hair

Low levels of this nutrient is one of the causes of many hair problems. Problems that afflict us regularly and that sometimes worry us so much.

Due to this, it is essential to know what its benefits are and in what type of food it can be found. Next, we want to highlight its 6 most important effects and some of its natural sources.

1. Strengthens hair

Regular consumption of folic acid or vitamin B9 promotes cell repair to strengthen hair roots and prevent their weakening. Dryness and breakage can often be treated by increasing the consumption of foods that contain it.

Combined with other essential nutrients such as vitamin C, biotin and magnesium, it creates a protective layer against external agents that mistreat it.

2. Promotes growth

If your hair is having difficulty growing, it is likely that it is missing some of the B-complex vitamins, including folic acid. Vitamin B9 stimulates hair follicles, promotes cell regeneration and accelerates the action of other nutrients that participate in hair health.

It also plays a major role in the formation of red blood cells, responsible for transporting oxygen to the scalp for healthy growth.

3. Prevents anemia

Adequate folic acid intake is one of many ways to avoid the development of anemia. Characterized by decreased hemoglobin and iron deficiency, anemia causes obvious weakening of the capillary structure, skin, and nails.

4. Participates in the absorption of nutrients

Vitamin B9 contributes to the efficient metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In turn, it participates in the absorption of several important nutrients for health.

In this way, the hair follicles receive the nutrition they need to remain strong and unaltered.

5. Provides shine

Soft, voluminous and shiny hair requires good amounts of vitamin B9. This accelerates cell division, improves the absorption capacity of the scalp and allows the properties of aesthetic products to be better absorbed.

6. Prevents premature gray hair

Inevitably, gray hair is a sign of age that we have to accept from 40 or 45 years of age. However, if these begin to invade the mane from an earlier age, it is likely that a little more folic acid is required.

What happens is that a condition known as megaloblastic anemia develops, where the production of red blood cells is abnormally increased. It is essential to increase the consumption of foods or supplements of this nutrient in order to regulate its production.

What are the natural sources of folic acid?

Although folic acid supplements represent a good alternative to absorb sufficient amounts, the best way to obtain it is by consuming the natural sources that contain it. We name the most important ones:

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, provide up to 63% of the daily requirement for vitamin B9.

Vegetables

Lentils, beans, and other varieties of legumes are one of the greatest sources of this important nutrient. For example, half a cup of lentils provides 180 mcg of folic acid, that is, 50% of the required values.

Asparagus

Each cup of asparagus contains up to 262 mcg of folic acid, which translates to 62% of the recommended daily allowance.

Avocado

In addition to its fiber and essential fatty acids, avocado is a significant source of this vitamin. It contains roughly 90 mcg for each serving.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are the richest fruits in this nutrient. An orange contains about 40 mcg per unit, while lemons have up to 55 mcg.

Are you sure you include it in your diet? If you have problems with your hair, check your food and make sure to incorporate this important nutrient, yes, without exceeding 500 mcg a day.