Eat your way to healthy hair — foods that fight gray

It's impossible to stop your hair from going gray completely — it's a natural process. However, you can slow down the process and maintain a youthful appearance for a while. It's not just about cosmetics; what we eat plays a key role. After all, vitamins and minerals are what maintain hair health, elasticity, and natural color.

RBC-Ukraine shared the opinion of nutritionist on the issue.

According to specialist, once hair has turned gray, it cannot be restored with nutrition or dietary supplements. The pigment is produced directly in the follicle, and once lost, it cannot be restored. However, there is good news: a healthy diet can slow down the process and strengthen hair. The hair becomes stronger, shinier, and healthier.

What foods are good for hair?

Copper is one of the most important elements. It helps the body produce melanin, which is responsible for the color of hair, skin, and eyes. Melanin also supports the synthesis of keratin, which makes hair strong and elastic.

Without enough copper, hair turns gray faster. Therefore, it is important to include foods rich in copper in your diet.

• nuts and seeds;
• dark chocolate;
• meat;
• legumes: beans, chickpeas, beans;
• whole grain products: oats, wheat, barley;
• dried fruits: dried apricots, figs;
• seafood: mussels, shrimps, lobsters.

In addition to copper, hair needs vitamins B, C, E, zinc, selenium, and other antioxidants. They maintain hair color, structure, and shine.

Foods to add to your diet:

• spinach, dill, parsley — increase melanin production;
• carrots, beets, tomatoes — rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals;
• salmon, sardine, cod — a source of Omega-3 for healthy scalp;
• eggs — contain biotin (B7) to maintain natural hair color and structure;
• dark chocolate — in addition to copper, it is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that strengthen hair.

Thanks to this diet, you can slow down graying and maintain healthy hair for a long time.

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