The next time you find yourself calling your stylist to cover up those frustrating flecks of gray peeking through your dark tresses, hold on.
You might be intrigued to know that there’s a revolution taking its course in your kitchen, awaiting your discovery. Your gray hair might find its long-lost friends – your natural pigments – with just a few carefully picked items off your grocery list. Exciting, isn’t it?
We’ve listed five superfoods that are brimming with essential nutrients that nourish your hair from within and activate your melanocytes, the cells responsible for hair pigmentation. These hair therapeutics not only promise to fight graying, but also lend your mane the much-needed sheen, strength, and vitality.
1. Berries – The Flashpoint of Folic Acid
The nutritional richness of berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – is no secret. They combat hair graying by targeting it on two fronts. First and foremost, these juicy treats contain a bounty of folic acid, a B-vitamin known for its role in retaining our hair’s natural color by maintaining the health of our melanocytes.
In addition to the irresistible flavor, berries offer an ample supply of Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant. It protects our cells from oxidative stress that accelerates aging, which means fewer grays and more of a youthful, vibrant you.
2. Liver – The Powerhouse of Copper
While it may not top your list of favorite foods, the humble liver is an unsung hero laced with copper. It’s a pivotal trace mineral instrumental in the production of melanin. This natural pigment is responsible for not just your hair color, but also the hues of your skin and eyes.
A serving of liver a week can make up for your hair’s nutritional needs and provide a sturdy arsenal for your grays to wage a war, besides promoting hair growth, reducing hair loss, and strengthening your hair follicles.
3. Greens – The Alamo of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your mother was right all along – “Eat your greens!” Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens possess an arsenal of nutrients. Of those, Omega-3 Fatty Acids stand as a notable champion. This nutrient has anti-inflammatory properties, taking care of your hair health by soothing your scalp’s inflammation and promoting hair growth. A healthy scalp equates to healthy pigment-producing cells, reducing the chances of your hair turning gray.
Although they might not taste like the food of the gods, these greens will indeed make you feel divine with healthier, fuller, and grayer-less hair.
4. Seafood – The Titan of Taurine
Oysters, clams, mussels, just to name a few, kiss the sea and bring a gust of health-boosting taurine to your plate. Taurine is an amino acid known to shield hair follicles from oxidative stress, which leads to premature graying and hair thinning.
Besides, seafood has been loved for its collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, all of which play critical roles in maintaining hair health and color.
5. Nuts and Seeds – The Pantheon of Bioavailable Proteins
Your snack bowl can be given an upgrade with a handful of nuts and seeds added to your daily diet. Besides being a delicious addition to your breakfast, almonds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds are packed with Vitamin E and B-vitamins, which keep your hair bustling with health and color.
Nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin seeds, are also rich in zinc, a significant player in hair growth and repair. They also maintain the oil-secreting glands around your hair follicles, meaning less dry, brittle hair and more luscious, radiant locks.
While arming your hair with these five formidable foods, remember to give it a fighting chance by keeping up with a balanced diet, regular exercises, and a stress-free lifestyle. Furthermore, consistently using hair products free from harsh chemicals also goes a long way in preserving your hair’s natural color.
Incorporate these superfoods, and you might find yourself cancelling your salon appointment, while saving some bucks, and basking in the glory of your luscious, vibrant, and naturally colored hair! Now that’s a delicious solution worth toasting to. Cheers to healthy hair eating!
