The Good & Bad of Hair and Skin Gummies

The rise of skin and hair gummies has been pretty sharp. More and more people want to invest in them. While walking down the aisle of any supermarket, you’d find loads of options to choose from. What’s worth noting here is, the need to understand what is it all about? How do you know if you need them? And if you need them, do you have to at all have them? Are there any better alternatives or are the gummies worth the nitty-gritty? 

Let’s dive deep to know more. 

What exactly are skin and hair gummies?

These are basically skin, hair and nail supplements which bills to contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, A and E, biotin; a B-complex vitamin or B7 and minerals such as manganese and selenium. Deficiencies of these nutrients, for a long period of time, can cause conditions like eczema, hair loss, scaly and rough skin patches. 

Note: There is no clear evidence that these supplements can actually make a difference for those who have no signs of deficiency. 

Do you actually need them?

Determining the preliminary cause of hair fall or any existing skin condition is important. It’s true that deficiency of biotin can cause skin and hair problems. But, on an average, healthy and nutritious diet and special nutrients that are found in food sources like avocados, eggs, nuts, salmon, sunflower seeds, broccoli and sweet potatoes are enough. So, if you are able to get them from your diet, that’s the best. Because more isn’t merrier in this case. Hence, it’s best to consult a doctor before popping them into your mouth.

If you are looking for an answer to the question do you actually need these gummies then the answer is no! A healthy, balanced diet potentially takes care of all the required vitamins and minerals by the body. There are certain nutrients that add the lustre to your hair, adds strength to your nails and makes your skin look all glowing. Think of foods like methi, oats, eggs, amla and green leafy vegetables. 

Hence, a proper balance of the healthy and nutritious diet is what you might need not the gummies. 

What are the possible side effects of these gummies? 

-Constipation, diarrhoea, upset stomach might temporarily happen. 

-They have sugar content and added colour for an appealing taste and appearance, which is linked to obesity, heart disease and cavities.

-Might contain different elements than actually listed.

-A possible overdose can lead to vitamin or mineral toxicity. 

How can you derive all the necessary nutrients from the diet? 

Vitamin A: 

The fat-soluble vitamin is essential for vision, skin health and immune system. The sources of it are- fatty fish like salmon and fish oil, milk, cheese, eggs, carrots, mangoes, papayas, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, etc. 

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is water-soluble and our body doesn’t produce it. Hence, it’s important to maintain adequate levels of it, as it produces collagen, reduces the risk of certain cancers, reduces the damage from inflammation and oxidation. 

Sources- Bell peppers, spinach, berries, orange, kiwi, lemon, amla, etc. 

Zinc:

It is a trace element, necessary for a healthy immune system, wound healing, diarrhoea and acne. 

Sources- wild rice, green peas, yoghurt, legumes, pecans, peanuts, beans, etc. 

Vitamin E:

Together in efforts with vitamin C, it strengthens cell walls. It has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which work on sagging skin, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Sources: dark green leafy vegetables, avocados, extra virgin olive oil, eggs, etc. 

Healthy Fats:

They are how your skin gets the glow. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from nuts and seeds make your skin stay firm, moist and they are also good for your heart.

Sources: almonds, walnuts, pumpkin, sunflower, chia, flax seeds, pistachios, cashews, etc. 

Over to you.

A healthy diet is all that you need to take care of your skin and hair woes. Incorporate the goodness of naturally available nutrients to maximize health and you would never need to gulp in any gummies in the course of your life.