Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.
We all dream of having luscious locks and there’s a simple place to start—load up on the right nutrients, especially proteins and vitamins. Pulses are a hidden gem in this area, capable of sending our hair health soaring.
Article Contains
Importance of Protein
Think of protein as the building block for strong and thriving hair. Pulses—like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and split peas—are jam-packed with 21% to 25% protein. Munching on these regularly keeps our hair strong, all-together, and ready to face the day.
| Type of Pulse | Protein Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Lentils | 26 |
| Chickpeas | 19 |
| Black Beans | 23 |
| Split Peas | 25 |
Vitamins for Hair Growth
Let’s chat about vitamins—pulses are bursting with them, supporting hair growth like champs. Take Vitamin A, for example. It safeguards our hair from getting roughed up by bad actors like free radicals and keeps thinning hair at bay. Plus, it can whip dry, brittle strands into shape, reducing hair loss.
And don’t overlook those B vitamins—B1, B2, and niacin—in pulses. They’re like secret agents for our hair, providing cell nourishment and delivering shinier, more manageable strands. These nutrients come together, making pulses a powerhouse in our hair care toolkit, boosting health and looks alike.
Bringing pulses into our food routine ensures our hair gets the kickstart it needs to grow strong and vibrant.
Pulses for Healthy Hair
Protein Content in Pulses
Pulses pack a punch when it comes to nutrition, offering a solid 21% to 25% protein. Now, why is that important for our hair? Well, protein is the building block for those luscious locks! Keeping our strands strong and encouraging new growth, protein is a cornerstone of hair health. Let’s peek at the protein power in some common pulses:
| Pulse Type | Protein Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Lentils | 24 |
| Chickpeas | 20.5 |
| Black Beans | 21 |
| Kidney Beans | 23 |
| Peas | 21 |
Toss these tasty pulses into your meals, and you’re on your way to stronger, healthier hair. It’s an easy-peasy hair care boost!
Selenium Benefits for Hair
Let’s talk selenium – a small mineral with a big impact on hair. Pulses are a surprising source of this nutrient, which plays a role in hair growth. How? Selenium helps protect those strands from sneaky free radicals thanks to its antioxidant support. Think of it as armor for your hair’s integrity.
Here’s a quick glance at the selenium content in some pulses:
| Pulse Type | Selenium Content (mcg per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Lentils | 0.6 |
| Chickpeas | 1.5 |
| Black Beans | 2.0 |
| Kidney Beans | 1.4 |
| Peas | 0.7 |
So, what does it all mean for us? With a pulse-rich diet, you’re giving your hair the nourishment it craves, potentially sidestepping issues like thinning or loss. For those interested in diving deeper into hair care tips, we’ve got more juicy details in our article on how to boost the tensile strength of your hair.
Minerals in Pulses
Pulses—like lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas—not only pack a protein punch, but they also come loaded with key minerals that your hair secretly craves. Let’s chat about why zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium are the unsung heroes of hair care.
Role of Zinc and Iron
Zinc and iron are like the hidden MVPs (most valuable players) when it comes to keeping that mane on point.
Zinc:
Zinc helps with the growth and repair of tissues, which keeps those hair follicles happy and healthy. It also ensures your scalp doesn’t have a meltdown, acting like the oil control authority. Skimping on zinc can leave you dealing with hair that says, “I quit.” To dodge the drama, make sure pulses are a part of your meals—they’ve got your back on the zinc front.Iron:
Iron is like the Uber for oxygen, getting it delivered to your hair follicles via your bloodstream. Without it, your hair ends up looking tired and might even give up. Pulses are ace when it comes to offering iron, especially if you’re going the plant-based route. They’re a must for anyone wanting vibrant, energized hair.
Here’s how various pulses stack up with zinc and iron content:
| Pulse Type | Zinc (mg per 100g) | Iron (mg per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils | 0.9 | 3.3 |
| Chickpeas | 1.0 | 2.9 |
| Kidney Beans | 0.6 | 2.9 |
| Black Pulses | 0.4 | 2.1 |
This chart shows how each type of pulse adds to your daily zinc and iron tally.
Calcium and Magnesium in Hair Care
Calcium and magnesium might not be flashy, but they’re doing a lot of work behind the scenes for your hair.
Calcium:
Calcium strengthens your hair structure—it’s like the cement holding up a skyscraper. Pulses such as chickpeas can really boost your calcium intake, making sure your hair grows like it’s got goals.Magnesium:
Magnesium keeps stress at bay, and less stress means happier hair that stays put. If your hair’s thinning or breaking up with you, magnesium might be the missing link. Pile pulses onto your plate to make sure you’re not running low.
Here’s the scoop on the calcium and magnesium content in your favorite pulses:
| Pulse Type | Calcium (mg per 100g) | Magnesium (mg per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils | 19 | 36 |
| Chickpeas | 49 | 30 |
| Kidney Beans | 28 | 25 |
| Black Pulses | 27 | 53 |
This little comparison card helps you see which pulses have your back when it comes to minerals. By packing pulses into your routine, you’re giving your locks the VIP treatment they deserve. And if you’re curious about other hair-strengthening secrets, check out our stories on how to boost the tensile strength of your hair and beetroot for hair. Keeping pulses close to your heart (and mouth) could just be your hair’s new BFF.
Vitamins in Pulses
Let’s get straight to the point: We all want healthier, stronger hair, right? Guess what? Vitamins are your hair’s best friend. Now, before you roll your eyes and think about those giant pills, consider this: you can score essential vitamins from good ol’ pulses. Yep, those trusty beans and lentils! Let’s dig into how Vitamins A and B found in pulses can give your hair the love it badly needs.
Vitamin A for Hair Nourishment
Vitamin A sounds like a superhero cape, and for a good reason! It’s a champ at nourishing our hair. Pulses hoard plenty of Vitamin A to pamper dry, brittle locks, help prevent hair from taking a vacation from your scalp (a.k.a hair loss), and even provide some armor against damage from free radicals (1).
Vitamin A steps up and keeps our hair flourishing by ensuring that every strand is fed right. Slip some pulses into your meals and let that vitamin help maintain moisture in your locks, avoiding that crispy feeling nobody wants.
| Benefit of Vitamin A | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Nourishes Hair | Keeps it lush and not thirsty |
| Prevents Hair Loss | Reduces enough shedding to clog a drain |
| Guards Against Harm | Battles those pesky free radicals |
B Vitamins for Hair Strength
Say hello to the big boys in the B vitamin family, like B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), and niacin. They’re crucial for strong, lively hair. B vitamins spruce up your hair cells, making them beam with shine and smoothness (1).
If your hair feels like it’s letting you down, maybe it’s screaming for some B vitamins. Munching on pulses can give your hair the gear it needs to look and feel fab.
| B Vitamin | Superpower |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | Keeps growth on track |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | Adds in a bit of sparkle |
| Niacin | Boosts blood flow to the scalp |
Adding pulses to our diet spruces up the vitamin intake and does wonders for our hair woes. If you’re scratching your head for more hair hacks, check out our handy guide on how to boost the tensile strength of your hair.
