How Biotin Benefits Health and Hair/Skin Care

Biotin is a body nutrient belonging to Vitamin B complex group. It is also known as vitamin H or B7. It is present in numerous foods and so you can obtain daily biotin requirements from food sources. Biotin is a key nutrient for healthy body metabolism, as well as digestive, neurological, and cardiovascular functions. Similar to all B vitamins, biotin is water soluble, which means the body will not store it. Know about the biotin benefits for health as well as hair care and skin care.

Biotin Health Benefits

• It acts as an enzyme to metabolize the body’s amino acids, fatty acids, and blood glucose. This is why it is important to consume biotin rich foods along with good sources of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
• Biotin is essential for production of insulin in the body. Low biotin diet would lead to imbalance in blood sugar levels.
• Since biotin rich foods are the good sources of fiber, it makes a great staple for diabetes patients to combat their blood sugar problems. It also prevents the risk of developing diabetes.
• Biotin also helps in converting and using the macronutrients in body for energy, and psychological functioning.
• Biotin plays a prominent role in lowering cholesterol level reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body. This helps in preventing heart diseases and strokes.
• Biotin rich foods diet is great for lactating mother as it reduces symptoms of cradle cap in babies.

Biotin Benefits for Hair and Skin

Apart from health benefits of biotin, it has so many benefits for hair and skin.

• Biotin deficiency can cause various skin problems like rashes, acne, and irritation. This is because, biotin is essential to build healthy skin fats, which keep the skin soft and supple by moisturizing. It also prevents flaky dry skin problems.
• Biotin is often linked with hair health. Studies show that deficiency of biotin in body leads to possible hair loss and prevents hair growth.
• Biotin vitamin helps strengthen nail cuticles and prevents any breakage.

In recent times, many cosmetic companies use biotin widely in their hair and skin care products. Though the effects of external use are minimal, it is advised to take oral intake of biotin through food sources. Biotin supplements might be necessary in case of any biotin deficiency.

Some of the foods rich in biotin are

1. Egg yolk
2. Nut butters and nuts, like almonds, pecans, peanuts, and walnuts
3. Organ meats (liver, kidney)
4. Soybeans and other legumes
5. Whole grains and cereals
6. Bananas
7. Cauliflower
8. Mushrooms
9. Berries,
10. Fish.