Hair Color Reveals Health Risks

The color of our hair can clue us in on our health risks. We will cover the risks associated with every hair color, and learn what preventative measures can be taken. Who would have known that our lovely locks had a deeper purpose? Let's get to the root of the problem. "Hair" we go!

Do blondes really have more fun?

I don't know if blondes have more fun, but they are more prone to Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Women have a greater risk of getting AMD, yet even more so if they have golden hair. This information comes from Svetlana Kogan, M.D., who is the founder of Doctors at Trump Place in New York City.

Eating foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin can help protect against Age Related Macular Degeneration.

Lutein is a carotenoid vitamin. Vitamin A is good for the eyes, but did you know that numerous people view lutein as the "eye vitamin?"

Foods that are loaded with lutein include:

* Kale

* Spinach

* Collards

* Turnip greens

* Green peas

* Spinach

Brunettes

According to dermatologist Joel Schlessinger M.D., brunettes usually have hair that is coarser and thicker than those with red or blonde strands. In addition, people with tawny tresses usually make less strands of hair, causing it to be more apparent when the hair follicles die. This results in thin spots that are more eye-catching.

Since low iron levels can contribute to hair loss, eating 18-mg of iron every day can help.

Foods rich in iron include:

* Dried fruit

* Eggs

* Fortified cereals

* Lean red meat

* Oysters

* Tuna

* Whole grains

Fiery red heads

A Harvard study concluded that redheads had a surprisingly greater chance of developing Parkinson's Disease. How much of a greater chance? Redheads are nearly 90 percent more likely to get the illness than those with brown or blonde hair. Ruby hair is a result of a hereditary DNA mutation, and that same gene mutation may be responsible for the increased risk of getting Parkinson's.

According to research, folic acid may delay the advancement of the disease. Margaret Lewin, M.D., medical director of Cinergy Health, suggests taking 400 micrograms a day. Multivitamins supply all the folic acid needed by most women.

Pregnant women should get 600 micrograms of folic acid every day, and women who are breastfeeding need 500 micrograms.

Foods high in folate include:

* Beans

* Fortified bread

* Fruit

* Lentils

* Nuts

* Vegetables

Sources:

Women's Health Magazine (online)

Web MD