For centuries, hair has been a significant part of the human existence. People were born with distinctive hair textures and colors that represented a lot about their identity. Thus it is very crucial to maintain the health of your hair. Don’t worry if you are one of those who suffer from white or grey hair.
In this post, I will be sharing 10 melanin rich foods that are good for your hair health and appearance.
Also read: 5 Amazing Benefits of Eating Dates(Khajoor) For Hair
What causes your hair to turn grey or white?
The leading cause of your turning hair grey or white is a lack of melanin production. We all know that as we get older, our hair starts to turn grey and white. Also, because this is a natural process, we cannot stop it. But the least and the best we can do is slow down the process.
However, your body may stop producing melanin and the aging process of your hair may begin sooner than expected. There are many other factors that may cause grey or white hair.
The following are some of the most common factors:
Age
As you get older, your body’s melanin production decreases, and your once-beautiful hair turns grey and white. According to the study, hair begins to change colour around the age of 50.
Stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of hair loss in people all over the world. Some studies have revealed that stress from chronic disease, chronic pain, or unresolved emotional trauma can cause permanent hair loss in the long term.
Sun damage
Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage the outside layer of your hair called the cuticle. It also weakens the protein structure of your hair and reduces elasticity, resulting in more hair fall. According to Dr. Bergfeld of the Cleveland Clinic, the sun’s rays work in the same way that bleach does for hair. It harms the hair’s outer layer and protein.
Poor diet
The junk food you ate the night before could cause your hair to fall out the next day. Diet has a significant impact on the overall health of your body. A bad diet can cause more damage to your hair than anything else.
Environment
Several factors can cause hair loss, and while it may sound bizarre, the environment in which you grow older can be a major factor. The environment in which you live is full of harmful rays, toxic materials, and pollutants, all of which impact your hair and overall growth.
There are many other factors like smoking, medications, the use of harmful chemical products, and genetics that can cause your hairs to turn grey or white.
What is melanin?
Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment in your body responsible for the colour of your hair, eye, and skin. It’s made up of the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan and protects your hair from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Melanin is the pigment that gives your hair its colour; the more melanin your body produces, the darker your hair will be, and the less melanin your body produces, the lighter your hair will be.
Although, the body itself decreases melanin production after a certain age, resulting in grey or white hair. However, all the factors listed above can also reduce the production of melanin in your body in the early stages of your life.
It’s important to have healthy hair; melanin production should never stop and never exceed certain levels.
So, you now know that the more melanin your body produces, the darker your hair will be. But how can you increase your body’s melanin production? This is the big question, and you’ve come to find an answer to it.
Right?
Let’s find out.
How to boost melanin production for your hair?
You can increase the production of melanin in your body in a variety of ways. There are many chemical products or melanin supplements in the market that claims to boost melanin levels. However, the bad news is that there is no scientific evidence supporting these supplements. Also, using these products or supplements may lead to unwanted side effects.
Another bad news is that melanin is not found in any food. Melanin is produced in our bodies; it cannot be found in foods, but the good news is that some foods can help the body produce more melanin.
Vitamins A, C, and E and iron and copper-rich foods are said to boost melanin production.
Here is a list of melanin rich foods that you can include in your diet to boost your hair health.
Antioxidant rich foods
Studies has shown that antioxidants are important for your body as they help fight off free radicals and helps in boosting production of melanin.
Dark chocolate
Who doesn’t like chocolates? I could eat them all day if I wanted to. Dark chocolate contains cocoa, a rich source of antioxidants, which keeps your hair healthy and strong. It’s also linked to other great things like reducing hair loss, inflammation, heart disease, and stress.
Blueberries
Who doesn’t enjoy the taste of berries? Whether it’s blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries, they’re all delicious. Blueberries are said to promote hair growth and health by increasing the production of melanin. They’re also high in Vitamin C, A, and E, all of which contribute to hair growth.
Also read: 6 Walnut Benefits For Hair That You Absolutely Need To Know
Beans
It was something I didn’t care for until I learned that beans are excellent for hair nutrition. They’re high in vitamin B6, folic acid, and biotin, all of which have been shown to increase melanin production, restore hair colour and promote hair growth.
Oranges
According to studies, people who eat oranges are less likely to suffer from heart disease and certain cancers. It is also high in antioxidants, which aid in the production of melanin in the body.
If you want to keep you hair shine, keep eating oranges. You can also drink orange juice on a regular basis.
Kale, red cabbage, and beets are other foods that are high in antioxidants and you can include in your diet.
Also read: 5 Amazing Benefits Of Prunes For Hair
Iron rich foods
Spinach
This food is low in calories and high in nutrients and iron, making it ideal for nourishing hair growth. It’s also high in vitamin C, an antioxidant, which means the more you eat, the less likely you are to develop cancer.
Now I understand why Popeye had such great hair.
Broccoli
Broccoli is considered an incredibly nutritious food. It increases sebum production (an oily substance found on the skin), which moisturizes and softens the hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
Legumes
Legumes are a type of vegetable that belongs to the bean family. They are high in protein, fibre, and potassium and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Dried peas, beans, tofu and Tempeh (fermented soybeans) are some of the legumes that are high in iron.
Also read: 7 Awesome Benefits of Masoor Dal for Skin and Hair
Oats
Oats are not only tasty, but they are also good for your health. It’s a good source of healthy nutrients like fibre, which can keep you full for a long time. It’s also a good source of iron, which can help improve the health and appearance of your hair.
Shellfish and pumpkin seeds are other iron-rich foods you can include in your diet.
Copper rich foods
Oysters
This seafood is excellent for hair because it is low in calories and high in nutrients like selenium, zinc, and vitamin B12. It is also a good source of copper, which is a necessary nutrient to increase melanin production.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are an essential part of a balanced diet. They are regarded as the nutrient’s powerhouse. Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and sesame seeds are high in nutrients like biotin, magnesium, and copper, which all help to nourish your hair.
Important note: All of the foods listed above can help your body produce more melanin, but what if your hair turns grey or white due to genetics? Will melanin be able to bring back the colour of your hair? According to studies, restoring your hair colour in this situation is nearly impossible. It is suggested that you try other methods or natural processes, such as dyeing.
What other safety measures you can take to keep your hair healthy?
While eating a healthy diet is undoubtedly the best thing you can do, there are some other safety precautions that you should know to keep your hair shining all day.
Less sun exposure
It is true that exposure to the sun can cause our hair to produce more melanin. However, prolonged exposure to the sun or ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer, such as malignant melanoma.
Not using harmful chemical products
Skin and hair products advertised on television or large banners on the side of the road may not be safe or effective for you. There is a vast range of hair products available in the market that claim to make your hair look beautiful, but often these products contain chemicals, which can make your hair weak and dull.
Washing your hair regularly
While you’re busy picking out the most flattering haircut and hairstyle, many celebrities and models with long and beautiful hair are busy washing their hair and extending its life. When you wash your hair with shampoo, you clean it properly and leave it in good condition for growth with a conditioner.
Choosing the right shampoo
Washing your hair is the second thing, but what if the shampoo you’re using isn’t safe? There will be no point in washing your hair. With so many brands and variations of shampoo on the market, it can be confusing to choose the best shampoo. Choose wisely.
Is there any side effects of too much melanin?
Melanin is not only responsible for the colour of your hair but also for the eyes and skin. A high level of melanin production can have negative consequences such as darker skin and poor vision.
However, if you want to decrease melanin levels in your body, there are many possible ways available, like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, hydroquinone, and retinoids.
However, it’s crucial that before taking any action, you must consult with a dermatologist.
Final words
While your hair is made up of many different components, the truth is that melanin plays an important role in how darker your hair will be. By eating these 7 melanin rich foods, you should be able to achieve healthier, more vibrant hair, as well as the confidence that comes with it.
So what are you waiting for? Include some of the foods listed above in your daily diet to help your hair stay healthy and shine like a rainbow.
You can show your love by spreading this information to those in need.❤
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