Apple Cider Vinegar for Gorgeous Hair? NOT!

Apple Cider

Vinegar Is Not the Key to Beautiful Tresses
By Cal Orey

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Can you eat your way to beautiful hair? Yes, say experts. But it may be more of a quick fix like turning to apple cider vinegar used internally or externally. Recently, I've read many articles which claim "ACV Can Help Prevent Hair Loss!" Yeah right. And I am Jennifer Aniston. But don't despair. (I'm a baby boomer and I still have healthy, long, curly locks. But it's not because of apple cider vinegar.)

According to research, there's a direct relationhip between what you eat and the health and beauty of your hair. Many of the same nutrients that protect your health also nourish your hair. "Good nutrition is essential for your hair follicles to regenerate to keep your hair in its growth phase," a New York hair expert commonly known as a "trichologist" once told me during my Diet and Nutrition column days for Woman's World magazine.

Since your hair is 97 percent protein and 3 percent water, the experts agree that a diet rich in protein is must to properly nourish your hair. No protein, no thick and shiny mane. But it's not just protein. Vitamin A, B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Essential Fatty Acids, Protein, Biotin, Silica, Iron, Fat, Calcium, and Zinc--are all top hair boosters. And these nutrients shouldn't be replaced with a pipe dream that a miracle cure like ACV will give you miracle hair.

In other words, eat a balanced diet--such as the Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, legumes, fish, olive oil) and exercise regularly to destress.

Let apple cider vinegar do it's work in other areas: good for heart health, health improvements, weight loss, and home cures. So, I'm dishing out a real recipe for your hair health to help you, like me, lose doggone bad hair days and have a crowning glory like a drop dead gorgeous Afghan Hound. One more thing: Fatty fish (such as salmon) contains both good for your hair protein and essential fatty acids. And yes, extra virgin olive oil used topically on your hair and also in your overall diet can protect your crowning glory. (This yum recipe is for humanoids only.)

HAIR VOLUMIZING SALMON

(Roast Salmon with Balsamic Glaze)

5 pound whole salmon center, bone removed

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespon grated lemon rind

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup red wine

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter

lemon slices

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place salmon in baking dish. Chop together lemon rind, garlic, and thyme. Brush oil over salmon and inside cavity. Rub herb mixture over. Prepare up to 24 hours ahead of time. Roast 40 minutes or until white juices appear on top. Meanwhile, combine balsamic vinegar, wine, and sugar in skillet. Bring to boil and reduce until syrupy. Turn heat to low and whisk in butter. Remove skin from salmon. Serve with sauce and lemon slices. Serves 8-10.

P.S. Team this fish plate with a spinach salad and mixed fresh vegetables and nuts to ensure getting more nutrients to feed your hair.

(Source: Recipe from The Vinegar Institute published in The Healing Powers of Vinegar, Revised and Updated by Kensington)