Gray hair is a fact of life. The longer you live, the more gray hair you'll have. The only question remains how early in life your hair will begin turning gray. Typically, people experience their first serious encounters with gray hair during their 40s and 50s, but some unfortunate souls will have a full head of gray hair in their 30s. While genetics plays a major role in the onset of gray hair, diet can also be a determining factor.
Causes
Hair turns gray due to a lack of melanin, which is the chemical that gives hair its color. Each hair root produces its own supply of melanin. An abundance of melanin makes the hair darker, while little or no melanin makes hair lighter in color. As the body ages, the pigment cells that produce melanin falter, causing melanin production to cease and hair to turn gray.
Function
Free radicals and cell death cause hair pigment cells to quit functioning. Eating a proper diet can help slow the aging process, keeping the pigment cells producing melanin longer into life and fighting off the onset of gray hair. Eliminating unhealthy, processed foods will likewise keep cell damage to a minimum, further increasing your chances of maintaining hair color.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, like the ones found in blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cherries, kale, green tea, red wine and even chocolate, can neutralize harmful free radicals and keep hair pigment cells functioning properly. Whole grains, like barley and oats, are another good source for antioxidants to battle gray hair.
Protein
Protein acts as the building block for new hair growth. Consuming plenty of complete proteins can keep hair follicles healthy and strong, sustaining melanin production. Hair healthy protein sources include chicken, eggs, fish, turkey, kidney beans, lentils and other legumes. Protein shakes can also be added to your diet for a greater nutritional boost.
Fat
Healthy fats, like Omega-3 essential fatty acids, strengthen cell walls, preventing the deterioration that leads to a lack of melanin production. Eating a diet rich in salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts can provide ample Omega-3 fatty acids to delay hair's aging process. Other excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include cauliflower, cod, halibut, scallops, shrimp, tuna, tofu and soybeans.
Vitamins
Biotin, or vitamin B7, promotes cell renewal, including the cells of the hair follicle. Foods like carrots, cabbage, onions, romaine lettuce and tomatoes all contain beneficial amounts of biotin. Vitamins C and E, found in such foods as almonds, apples, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oranges, collard greens and other leafy green vegetables, improve scalp circulation, ensuring hair follicles get all the necessary nutrients to stay young. Zinc assists in vitamin absorption, so eating pumpkin seeds, spinach and lean beef can also help prevent gray hair.
References
- Grey Defence: Is Your Diet Causing Your Gray Hair?
- Natural News: Can hair loss be reversed through nutrition or other natural health methods?; Mike Adams; October 13, 2004
- Good Housekeeping; Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair; Hilary Parker
- Loving It Raw: Reverse Gray Hair With A Fruit and Vegetable Diet
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