Greying of hair is a natural course for aging. But sometimes premature greying may be triggered due to harmful chemicals, pollution, malnutrition, stress and other health reasons. In some cases hormones trigger the greying so early in life that it becomes a nuisance. So we have compiled a list on superfoods to prevent grey hair, these are not medicinal treatments but more healthy lifestyle choices, to delay the greying and discoloration of hair.
Premature greying of hair occurs when the hair loses its capacity to produce color sustaining hormones. Rather, these hormones start greying the hair. Health and nourishment of hair requires Vitamin B9, B12, E, C and minerals like copper, silicon, iron. Hair strength also requires some fatty acids. These below 9 superfoods to prevent grey hair are not only helpful for hair color but also overall health and nourishment.
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Superfoods To Prevent Grey Hair Include:
1- Onion Juice:
Onion is rich in catalase enzyme which helps in neutralizing hydrogen peroxide in our follicles and scalp. Catalase is an antioxidant. Onion has ample benefits for skin and our entire body system. Onion is a powerful antiseptic too. It helps in improving immunity. It also improves circulation and provides sufficient nutrition to the hair follicles.
Procedure:
– Onion and Lemon juice:
Just apply onion and lemon juice mixture to your scalp and leave for 15 minutes. Now wash with lukewarm water. Repeat every 3-4 days for preventing premature greying
– Onion and coconut oil:
Add a few drops of onion juice in coconut oil. Now apply on your hair and gently massage with your fingers. Keep it for overnight and shampoo the following morning. Repeat every time you wash your hair
2- Almonds:
Almonds are amazing superfoods and they are rich in magnesium which is essential for having healthy hair. Almonds are also enriched with Vitamin E and A. When we age our body produces less catalase and thus triggering the hydrogen peroxide deposit. This causes greying of hair. But almonds are superfoods that increase the levels of catalase in our body and help in reducing hydrogen peroxide. This helps in preventing grey hair for long. Best way to take almonds is soak them overnight and remove its shell and eat. Do not grate or break but a complete almond has more nutrition.
3- Spinach:
Spinach is rich in iron and as well as folate. It is rich in Vitamin B too and helps in the formation of red blood cells (RBC) of hemoglobin in our blood. Iron also helps RBC to carry sufficient amount of oxygen. Deficiency of iron leads to low oxygen in the blood. This results in anemia in addition to fatigue and hair loss. Spinach also has a rich vitamin C and A content, they lead to the production of oil in the scalp which help in hair color enrichment and hair growth.
4- Alfalfa:
Alfalfa is rich in minerals and vitamins necessary for skin and hair nourishment. Alfalfa is a flowering plant. It contains all vitamins A B C E K and calcium, carotene, potassium, iron and zinc. It is also rich in protein and has been used for preventing greying of hair from decades.
Procedure:
Mix one teaspoon of alfalfa with one teaspoon of carrot oil and 15 teaspoons of avocado oil. Apply to scalp and hair every time you wash. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then take head bath. This helps in reducing the impacts of grey hair considerably.
5- Yogurt:
Yogurt is a rich probiotic, containing necessary vitamins, minerals and all properties for skin and hair nourishment. Yogurt triggers the growth of certain beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract which supply essential Vitamin B elements which help in secretion of sebum from sebaceous gland. Thus helps in premature greying of hair.
Procedure:
Apply yogurt on your hair before shampoo and leave it for 20 minutes. Or even after shampoo you may use it as a conditioner. Repeat every time your wash your hair for prolonged benefits.
6- Indian Gooseberry:
Indian gooseberry or Amla is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C which promote hair growth and prevents premature greying. It also revitalizes the pigmentation from hair.
Procedure:
Amla can be taken in raw form or pickled with sugar and salt for preserving it for long. Just eat one Amla a day and the hair starts getting black and shiny again
7- Hibiscus flowers and its leaves:
Hibiscus flower is known for its wide benefits for hair and skin. It promotes hair growth and delays greying also removing toxins from the hair.
Procedure:
Boil a few leaves and petals of hibiscus flower, pink flower is known to have most enriching benefits. Then keep it to cool down and crush the flowers and leaves. Now make a paste and apply on your hair before washing. Keep it for 30 minutes and wash.
8- Henna:
Indian Mehandi or henna is widely used for hair texture and color from centuries. It is a natural hair conditioner and a hair coloring agent. With least side effects henna is known as the best remedy for temporary prevention of grey hair. And using it over time delays greying of hair.
Procedure:
Soak Henna and Amla in an iron bowl. Keep overnight. Now apply on your hair and put a shower cap. Keep it for 2 hours and then wash with lukewarm water. Do no shampoo after applying henna. It gives a natural brown shade to your hair.
[Read: Secretes of shiny long hair]
9- Black Tea with ginger:
Tea has immense benefits in preventing premature greying of hair and it also acts as a natural conditioner.
Procedure:
Just boil tea leaves and add ginger juice to it. Let it boil for 10 minutes and then strain it. Let it cool down and use it in place of conditioner for amazing benefits in darkening your hair naturally.
The above compilation on 9 Superfoods to prevent grey hair is based on learnings and experiences over time. These are natural and home based foods which are known to have absolutely no side effects under normal conditions. But be sure to check with your dermatologist before opting any. Do check for probable allergies from these, if any.
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Minu Manisha
