Are you looking for a way to prevent greying of your beautiful locks? Unfortunately, even though aging is inevitable, there is one easy solution to maintain your vibrant hair colour. And it is to eat food! Sounds easy enough? Certain foods have properties that will keep your natural hair colour streak-free for as long as possible. Moreover, these foods are as tasty as white chocolate, and they are high in vitamins and minerals.
Generally, stress and old age cause greying of hair. The pigment cells slow down, and it results in reduced melanin in the hair. That’s why when your hair receives less pigment, it starts to worsen and turns grey.
Keep reading the article if you want to find out about the delicious superfoods that can help you prevent greying of hair.
The Role of Melanin
Melanin consists of melanocyte pigment cells that are responsible for the colour of your hair, eyes, and skin. Have you noticed that most babies are born with light hair and eye colors? As children grow, the colors change. This is because the body produces melanin at different speeds through the growing process.
Premature Greying
Premature greying occurs when the hair turns grey in your 20s. Various factors can cause your hair to turn white. One of them is chemicals. Before buying hair products, make sure to check the ingredients. Some of them can badly damage your hair, making it dry and tough and prone to premature greying. Smoking has a negative influence on both your skin and hair. It can ruin hair follicles, causing them to turn grey at a young age.
Other factors that cause premature greying are genetics and certain autoimmune disorders. And if there is nothing you can do to slow down the greying, embrace it with a smile. You can opt for scissors, for example, from Scissor Tech UK, and start experimenting with your tresses.
So, which foods can help you prevent greying of hair? Read on!
Copper-Rich Foods
If you want to boost melanin growth naturally, you should consider eating copper-rich foods. Copper is involved in energy production and a physiological process like pigmentation.
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Mushrooms
- Chickpeas
- Potatoes
- Dark chocolate
- Avocado
Lack of copper can lead to muscle weakness, anaemia and paleness, while too much of it can be toxic—an adult needs around 1.2 mg of copper per day.
Iron-Rich Foods
Iron-rich foods also have properties to increase melanin in the hair. These foods are:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Bananas
- Lentils
- Tomatoes
- Red meat
Iron also plays a role in making red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. If you lack iron, you might have anaemia. An adult needs around 14.8 mg of iron per day. Taking too much iron (over 20 mg) can make you feel sick.
Antioxidants-Rich Foods
The foods high in antioxidants help increase melanin production, too. These include:
- Dark chocolate
- Blueberries
- Pecans
- Artichokes
- Beans
Your hair and skin can benefit from antioxidants that combat free radicals. Free radicals damage skin and hair cells functioning, and they also tend to speed up the ageing process.
Foods Rich in Vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is crucial for your health because it supports the immune system, vision, and growth and development of the body. Since your body does not produce vitamin A, you need to get it from food or supplements. The foods that have high concentrations of vitamin A are:
- Egg yolks
- Beef liver
- Chicken Liver
- Pumpkin
- Kale
- Carrots
- Parsley
- Salmon
Vitamin A does not have to be obtained daily. For example, you should eat liver only once a week. And if you use supplements, do not take too many pills because they can be harmful. And it is better to choose whether you wish to receive vitamin A through food or supplements.
Vitamin C
Berries and fruit have a high concentration of vitamin C that maintains healthy hair and prevents greying process. Look for these foods to include to your diet:
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Oranges
- Brussels sprouts
Like vitamin A, the human body does not produce vitamin C, so it is recommended to add certain food to your diet for daily intake.
Vitamin B6 and B12
Vitamins B6 and B12 boost melanin formation. You can obtain them from foods like:
- Dairy
- Fish
- Eggs
- Meat
- Poultry
Vitamin B6 also helps your body use and preserve energy gained from the protein in food. And vitamin B12 assists in making blood cells and supporting the nervous system.
The Bottom Line
A healthy and balanced diet is the key to boosting your melanin and maintaining your overall health. This article has collected some of the most nutritious and yummy foods for you to choose from. Make sure to add enough vitamins and minerals to your diet. Even small amounts will let your body function properly. If you are not sure what your body lacks, it is recommended to consult with your doctor to find out about any deficiencies.
The greying of hair is the natural process of ageing that cannot be fully reversed. However, by implementing these healthy foods into your diet, you can stop worrying about premature greying.
