Time moves forward, and sooner or later, everyone notices the first silver hairs in the mirror. The appearance of gray hair is perceived by many as the end of youth, but there are products that can delay this process.
Why Do Hair Turn Gray?
Before we move on to the products, let’s find out why hair turns gray in the first place. Gray hair appears when hair stops producing enough melanin, the pigment responsible for its color. The main factors that influence the graying process are:
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Heredity and genetic predisposition;
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Deficiency of vitamins and trace elements (especially B vitamins);
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Frequent stress and emotional overload;
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Unhealthy lifestyle and bad habits;
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Disorders of the endocrine system and thyroid problems.
Heredity cannot be changed, but the other points can be adjusted, and an important aspect here is nutrition.
Vitamin B12
A deficiency of vitamin B12 is linked to early graying. This element is involved in the production of red blood cells, oxygen transport, and DNA synthesis. Its deficiency disrupts melanin production.
Where to find it: beef liver, cod, chicken eggs, cottage cheese, hard cheese.
Zinc
Another important participant in the pigmentation process is zinc. This mineral helps synthesize the protein necessary for forming the hair structure and regulating melanin synthesis.
Sources: walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, white beans, turkey meat.
Iron
Chronic iron deficiency also affects the condition of hair. Low hemoglobin levels reduce oxygen flow to hair follicles, weakening melanin production.
The best sources of iron are: spinach, lentils, chicken liver, pork, oysters.
Protein
Protein is the building material from which hair and nails are made. Hair is almost entirely composed of the protein keratin. Without adequate protein, neither active hair growth nor maintenance of their color is possible.
The best sources of protein for hair health are: seafood, poultry, dairy products, legumes.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are unstable molecules that form as a result of negative environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, air pollution, smoking, and stress. They destroy structural proteins, including collagen and keratin, which affects the quality of skin and hair.
Antioxidant-rich foods neutralize their effects and protect cells from damage.
Sources of antioxidants: broccoli, blueberries, pomegranate, dark chocolate, green tea.
Changing your diet won’t instantly restore hair color, but it will help gradually improve their appearance and slow down the progression of gray hair.
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