Found a grey hair and freaked out? Or have you been trying to hide a grey root that threatens to surface every time you part your hair? Premature greying is a common issue for many which can be the result of severe stress, anxiety or even nutrition deficiencies. Evidently, early greying of hair is as much about lifestyle issues as about quality food intake. When the body lacks important nutrients like zinc, selenium and vitamin B12, these deficiencies can manifest in prematurely grey hair and a weak scalp.
While it is recommended to seek professional medical advice in severe cases, it is also necessary to pay attention to mental health if you suffer from premature greying. Stress has a drastic effect on hair follicles which produce melanin that gives hair its natural colour. So, along with eating good food and using organic hair products, it is equally important to focus on mental wellness. Simultaneously, there are some superfoods readily available in the kitchen which can do wonders to boost hair health and reduce the tendency of premature greying. Read on to know more about these nutrient-rich foods which can reduce grey hair:
Mushrooms
White mushrooms are rich sources of copper. A severe copper deficiency can lead to grey hair because it reduces melanin production and weakens connective tissues in the body which can affect overall hair health. Copper deficiency can also cause hair thinning. Incorporating mushrooms in every day diet through stir fries, soups and salads can strengthen the scalp and improve hair health.
Eggs
Eggs are a first-class source of protein and are extremely important for growth and nourishment of hair quality. While taking protein or keratin treatments for hair might be a temporary cure, eating eggs is a far more sustainable and effective way of giving hair their required portion of protein. Eggs are also rich in vitamin B12, which will reduce premature greying. Consume the whole egg for maximum benefit.
Dark Chocolate
With almost 70% cocoa, dark chocolate has numerous health benefits from improving brain function to reducing cardiovascular stress. Dark chocolate is also an excellent source of antioxidants which help in cleansing the body of toxins that can be a cause of premature greying. Additionally, dark chocolate also contains copper which boosts melanin production and gives hair a lustrous, natural colour.
Fish And Seafood
Foods rich in fatty acids such as sardines, salmon, mackerel are extremely good sources of nutrients for healthy hair growth. Cod liver oil tablets are also recommended for a healthy dose of the Omega-3 fatty acid which can reduce hair thinning and fortify the scalp to give hair a healthy texture. Eat anchovies, sardines and salmon along with other Omega-3 rich foods like walnuts and flax seeds for good hair health.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables are rich sources of iron, vitamins and folate, all of which are extremely essential for good hair health. Green leafy vegetables also contain vitamin B9 or folic acid which strengthens metabolism. A healthy digestive process also promotes overall growth, slows down ageing and effectively reduces the tendency of premature greying. Add spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage to every day meals for a steady intake of vitamin-rich foods.
Curd
Curd is rich in probiotics which means it promotes digestion. A good digestive system improves biotin, or vitamin B levels in the body which is extremely essential in helping bodily enzymes break down nutrients and use them for optimum growth. This has a direct impact on hair, skin and nails. Eating probiotic-rich fermented food ensures that the body can better its gut health in turn reducing hair thinning and premature greying.