Drink your way to a healthier beard // Nº5

This month, for our next instalment in beard nutrition, we go back to basics and look at hydration. In winter it’s very easy to forget to knock back the recommended six to eight glasses of water a day since you may not naturally feel thirsty due to perspiring less. It’s also easy to think you’re fulfilling your quota by drinking teas and coffees but these are believed to be diuretic due to the caffeine content, meaning they cause an increased loss of fluids. 

Hair, along with skin and nails, is part of our integumentary system, which is effectively our armour from the environment so it’s vital that we provide it with what it needs to function effectively. Cue water – some studies show that ineffective hydration can decrease testosterone production, meaning your beard growth can slow down. Not getting enough water also leads to the most obvious side effect – dry hair, which means your beard could be itchy, brittle and thin. 

Since the festive season is upon us, we love this seasonal cranberry and orange infused recipe from Well and Full. Keep a jug in the fridge or pop the fruit into your water bottle to make the task of guzzling water less arduous.

Ingredients 

* 1 Blood Orange, cut into slices 
* 1 Lemon, cut into slices 
* Handful of fresh cranberries 
* 2 litres of water 

Instructions 

1. Cut orange and lemon into slices. 
2. Put orange, lemon, and cranberries into a pitcher and add about two litres of water. Let fruit ‘steep’ for about 15-20 minutes. 
3. Serve in glasses with fruit, if desired. 
4. Enjoy!