It is an alarming moment for any parent to discover premature greying hair in their kids. Premature greying happens for multiple reasons, but largely for two reasons when victims are young kids. The doctors attribute this issue to either heredity or to the nutrients’ deficiency in the body.
The factors causing grey hair
The hair follicles in the roots of strands carry a protein called Melanin in their cells. This chemical is visually responsible for our original hair color, black or any other. When these cells die with the growing age or for the reasons described, the grey hair starts replacing them.
Heredity– If the heredity is the diagnosis of premature greying then one can hardly do anything about it.
Nutritional Deficiency causes– the cause of premature greying is because of deficiency of the nutrients and other elements in the body such as proteins, folic acid, iron, copper, zinc, and vitamins that include vitamin B-12 & D3 etc. A study highlights that low calcium in the body as also one of its causes.
Prevention of Premature Greying through Nutrition
Our bodies fight their own battle with the health disorders and invading infections. Thus, the food becomes the most potent cure, presenting a shield against various diseases in the body. Our bodies only need our support, in the shape of healthy food that would prevent premature greying hair too.
Here are few foods suggested for its prevention.
- Leafy vegetables- Enriched with vitamins and other nutrients, leafy veggies must be an essential part of your meals.
- Dairy Products- Yogurt, milk, and cheese are rich in calcium, copper, zinc and other minerals and vitamins.
- Poultry products- Chicken and eggs are rich in vitamin B12 and other nutrients.
- Seafood- Zinc enriched seafood that includes prawn and shellfish is good to curb greying of hair.
- Walnut & Almond- Walnut is a good source of copper that prevents grey hair, almond is also filled with various important nutrients.
- Broccoli- It is rich in folic acid.
- Amla- Its iron also helps in greying hair.
External use
Coconut oil and vitamins enriched curry leaves boiled nourishes hair and prevent greying when regularly applied.
Remember this quote and make it your life’s mantra. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
written by Avni Kaul – Nutritionist and Wellness Coach
