We normally think of chocolate as an indulgence, but did you know it packs in powerful nutritional benefits for your hair? It’s true! Enjoying dark chocolate (chocolate containing 70% cacao or higher) not only supports hair growth, it also combats some of the leading causes of hair loss.
Let’s take a look at the 5 ways chocolate can help you grow fuller, healthier hair!
1. High in Iron
Your hair follicles need a strong supply of oxygen, nutrients, and minerals in order to grow healthy hair.
You’ll also need good circulation and blood flow. That’s where iron comes into play. It helps form red blood cells to support blood flow to your scalp and is essential for transporting oxygen throughout your body.
If you are low in iron, the nutrient supply to your hair follicles is disrupted. This can affect your hair growth cycle and lead to shedding.
Additionally, one of the leading causes of hair loss in women is hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Iron powers an enzyme that helps your body produce thyroid hormones and it’s needed to convert your thyroid hormones to their active state.
One ounce of dark chocolate contains 3.4 mg of iron, which is 19% of the recommended daily value (DV)!
2. Rich in Copper
Like iron, copper is also key for the production of red blood cells supporting the circulation needed to nourish your hair follicles. Copper also plays a role in the production of collagen - a protein that supports healthy hair, smooth skin, and strong nails.
However, your body doesn’t produce copper naturally, so you’ll need to get it from your diet. Fortunately, you don’t need much, and dark chocolate contains 0.5 mg of copper per ounce, a whopping 25% of the DV!
3. Packed with Zinc
Did you know that low zinc levels can lead to hair loss and a dry, flaky scalp? No one wants that!
Plus, zinc is another nutrient needed to convert your thyroid hormones to an active state, powering your metabolism and fueling hair growth. It also helps regulate your levels of circulating thyroid hormones, so your body knows when you’re running low and need to ramp up production.
Your body doesn’t store zinc, so you’ll need to eat small amounts each day to maintain healthy levels. By enjoying one ounce of dark chocolate, you get 0.9 mg of zinc, which is 5% of the DV.
4. Contains Antioxidants
Scientists now understand that oxidative stress created by free radicals is what causes us to age. Oxidative stress plays a big role in hair aging, leading to hair loss and even graying.
Antioxidants, on the other hand, fight free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. It slows the aging process and the hair loss that goes along with it.
Dark chocolate, in particular, contains high levels of a type of antioxidant calls flavanols. In addition to fighting oxidative stress, flavanols have been shown to improve blood flow (getting essential nutrients to your hair follicles) and reduce blood pressure!
5. Improves Your Mood
Have you ever wondered why you get so much joy from indulging in rich, chocolatey treats? It turns out, it’s more than chocolate’s delicious taste!
Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that create feelings of pleasure. Plus, dark chocolate contains serotonin, a natural antidepressant that improves your mood.
This is great news for your hair since stress is another common cause of hair loss! According to the Mayo Clinic, stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase, essentially turning hair growth off. Stress also worsens alopecia areata, the autoimmune form of alopecia.
If you’re dealing with thinning hair or hair loss, try adding in a daily dose of dark chocolate in addition to wearing your Theradome hair restoration helmet. It’s powered by the state-of-the-art Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) technology to stop hair loss, thicken hair follicles, and regrow hair.
Bon Appetit!
FAQs
Is chocolate good for your hair?
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains several nutrients that can be beneficial for hair. It has fatty acids that are ideal for moisturizing and nourishing the hair strands, making curls softer, shinier, and restoring shine and health to your hair. Additionally, dark chocolate contains iron, antioxidants, and stress reduction properties that may potentially contribute to hair health.
Is cocoa powder good for hair?
Cocoa powder is a fantastic natural remedy for hair since it is packed with sulfur, a crucial mineral for hair health. Also it adds shine and softness to your hair. Incorporating cocoa powder into your routine can contribute to a luscious and glossy mane.