Keeping your locks luscious and firmly rooted on your head could be more about what's in your fridge than your bathroom cabinet, according to one nutritionist. Mario Oritz has become a TikTok sensation, amassing over a hundred thousand followers for his health tips and insights.
In a recent video, he took his fans on a virtual supermarket sweep, pointing out five foods that can help prevent baldness and keep hair healthy. The Spanish expert's first recommendation was fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, which are "foods rich in omega three that reduce inflammation and moisturise the hair. They are also rich in protein and vitamin D."
Next, he suggested eggs as a fantastic source of "biotin", which boosts hair growth by enhancing keratin production. Eggs also contain vital vitamins A and D for hair health. His third suggestion was a bit of a curveball - walnuts.
While many see them as just a garnish or occasional snack, Mario encouraged people to increase their consumption, saying: "Walnuts provide healthy fats, zinc and selenium. These minerals are related to preventing hair thinning and keeping it shiny, so don't forget."
Focusing on the health of hair follicles, the expert advised: "The fourth food would be spinach, which is rich in vitamin C, iron and folic acid, helping transport oxygen to the hair follicles. It also has vitamin A, which helps produce natural oils.
"The fifth food would be citrus fruits such as oranges, a fruit that is very important for the production of collagen, a protein that helps hair follicles. In addition, vitamin C makes it easier to absorb iron, and that also helps. Fruits rich in vitamin C are essential."
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Mario emphasised the importance of nutrition with a clear message: "Remember this, strong hair starts with a good diet." This advice comes as Spain, where Mario hails from, ranks second worldwide for baldness rates.
reported on a study showing that nearly half of Spaniards experience hair loss, attributing over 90% of cases to genetic or hormonal factors. Alarmingly, the 2020 study noted a significant number of young people affected by alopecia to some degree, an incurable condition.
The study pointed out that Spain's national diet, which is high in fatty foods, sausages, salt, sugar and alcohol, could be the culprit. In contrast, the research found that , South Korea and Taiwan were the top countries with the most hair, largely due to a diet rich in legumes and vegetables.