Biotin and Saw Palmetto: The Nutrients for Healthy Hair

Do you wish you had thicker, fuller hair? If you do, you’re not alone. In fact, according to The American Academy of Dermatology, 40 percent of women experience hair thinning by the time they are 40 years old. With the stress related to the worldwide pandemic, the number of women experiencing hair thinning is likely to rise. While there are a number of factors that can contribute to hair loss, such as genetics, age, hormones, and stress, one common thread is poor nutrition. When the body isn’t getting the right mix of vitamins and minerals, it can show up in the form of unhealthy hair. Signs of unhealthy hair are dullness, dryness, split ends, and hair loss.

That’s where biotin and saw palmetto come in. These two nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy hair. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s part of the B-complex group. It’s often referred to as “vitamin H” or “coenzyme R.” Biotin plays an important role in cell growth and the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. It’s also necessary for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Saw palmetto is a small, dark purple fruit that resembles a grape. It’s often used as an herbal remedy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate gland. Additionally, saw palmetto is sometimes used to treat hair loss.

So how do these nutrients help with hair health? Biotin helps your body produce keratin, which is a protein that’s essential for hair growth. Keratin helps to protect your hair from damage and makes it stronger and less likely to break. Saw palmetto, on the other hand, inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that’s linked to hair loss and is often high in men with BPH. By inhibiting the production of DHT, saw palmetto can help to prevent hair loss.

If you’re looking to improve the health of your hair, adding biotin and saw palmetto to your diet is a good place to start. You can find both of these nutrients in supplements at your local pharmacy or grocery store. You can also get them from foods like eggs, nuts, and legumes. So make sure to include these nutrient-rich foods in your diet and take supplements if needed. These nutrients can help increase hair strength and volume, and they may even help to prevent hair loss. Your hair will thank you! Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian if you have any questions about whether these nutrients are right for you.

Do you take biotin or saw palmetto? Have you noticed any benefits to your hair health? Let us know in the comments below!