When we are young, we like to enjoy the many benefits that come with it. But we also start worrying about how to delay ageing. One of the most visible aspects of ageing is its effect on our skin and hair. While many of us aim to age gracefully and accept the changes that come, premature developments can dampen our spirit. For instance, we are observing that more and more young people are suffering from premature greying of hair nowadays. According to celebrity nutritionist Nmami Agarwal, "The advent of fast food and instant meals is leaching our meals of essential nutrients." But that's not the only reason behind the problem.
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What Causes Premature Greying Of Hair?
Low or no melanin production leads to the loss of natural hair colour. Genetics, stress, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, etc., can also cause premature greying. But these may not always be totally in our control. This is why you cannot ignore the role of diet. Nmami explains that specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies can contribute to the problem. Thus, it is important to make strategic choices and ensure you follow a diet that includes hair-friendly foods. Here's what the nutritionist advises:
Here Are 4 Key Vitamins And Minerals That Can Help Prevent Premature Greying:
1. Folic Acid
Foods For Hair Health: Certain leafy vegetables are a good source of folate. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, while folate is the naturally-occurring form. While the former may be taken in the form of supplements, the latter can be consumed through specific foods. Nmami recommends:
Dark leafy veggies:spinach (palak), fenugreek leaves (methi), mustard (sarson) greens, amaranth leaves (cholai), etc.
Legumes: beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas.
Nuts and seeds: peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Fruits: oranges, grapefruit, lemons, etc.
2. Vitamin B12:
The nutritionist explains that vitamin B12 is involved in the production of RBCs (red blood cells) as well as that of melanin - the pigment responsible for your hair colour. Egg yolks, dairy products and shiitake mushrooms are good sources of this vitamin.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Hair Growth: How To Grow Hair Naturally With Good Food
3. Copper
Including nuts in your diet provides you with numerous benefits. Photo Credit: iStock
Nmami points out that copper is also important for the production of melanin. It can be found in sesame seeds, cashew nuts, almonds, whole grains and other food items. Non-vegetarians can opt for lean red meats, shellfish and freshwater fish to keep up their copper intake.
4. Zinc
This mineral helps hair follicles protect themselves from damage, according to Nmami. It also plays a role in the production of new hair cells. Consuming seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, watermelon, black sesame, etc., can help you ensure your zinc intake. Apart from this, you must also include f pistachios, almonds, kala chana, black gram, etc., in your diet.
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Follow a balanced diet and take care to eat these foods regularly. It may help you prevent your hair from turning grey too soon, while also boosting your overall hair health.
Also Read: Nutritionist Reveals Secrets For Achieving Youthful And Glowing Skin In Your 40s
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.