Fruit & Vegetables That Reverse Grey Hair

Fruit & Vegetables That Reverse Grey Hair
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Grey hair develops due to a lack of pigment in the hair shaft. Normally, proteins such as melanin, act as pigments within the hair shaft, giving hair a range of colors from blonde, to red, to brown and black. Grey hair can develop naturally as you age, or may develop as a result of a nutritional deficiency, and eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair color may help reverse or slow the development of grey hair.

Radishes

Radishes provide vitamins and minerals that may help reverse grey hair. Specifically, radishes contain high levels of the mineral copper, a mineral that plays a role in hair and skin pigmentation. The coloring in your hair comes partially from a protein called melanin, which gives off a brown-black hue. Your hair contains varying amounts of melanin, but almost all hair colors involve the presence of some melanin. Copper is involved in melanin production, according to the Linus Pauling Institue at Oregon State University, so eating adequate amounts of the mineral allows for proper melanin production, preventing or reversing grey, colorless hair. You can add radishes to your diet as part of salads or in soups.

Avocado

One fruit that may help reverse greying hair is avocado. Like radishes, avocados are a rich source of copper, supporting the melanin production required to keep your hair its natural color. In addition to its copper content, the University of California explains that avocados are a rich source of dietary fiber, with one quarter cup of mashed avocado providing 3 grams of fiber -- or about 10 percent of your recommended fiber intake. They also contain nutrients such as vitamin A and potassium to help keep you healthy. You can enjoy avocados on their own, mashed into guacamole, slice and topped with salsa, or as a salad garnish.

Spirulina

Another vegetable rich in copper, that may help reverse grey hair is spirulina, a type of blue-green seaweed. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, spirulina provides a number of nutrients in addition to copper, including vitamin A, zinc, selenium, manganese and vitamin E, as well as B-family vitamins. The seaweed also contains high levels of protein, so it is commonly used as a protein supplement in shakes. You can incorporate spirulina into your diet by mixing powdered forms of the plant into juices or smoothies to help restore your hair color.

References

Article reviewed by M. Gladden Last updated on: Dec 5, 2010

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