Grey hair is one of the most tell-tale signs of ageing, with many of us spotting our first greys in our mid-thirties – an occurrence that’s seldom greeted with joy. However, the key to pushing back the arrival of grey hair, possibly even avoiding it entirely, might just be a short trip to the local supermarket.
Instead of resorting to hair dye, which can appear quite unnatural unless applied by a skilled colourist, pharmacist and nutritionist Paula Martín Clares suggests an affordable and straightforward remedy priced at merely 42p a bag.
Paula highlights that deficiencies in iron, zinc, copper, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, or selenium can cause not only lacklustre hair but also premature greying.
The solution lies in your daily diet, according to Paula. To preserve your hair’s natural hue and sheen, she advises incorporating certain foods into your grocery list, starting with carrots, which cost just 42p a bag at Tesco.
Carrots
Carrots have long been mythologised – thanks to World War II British propaganda – as a superfood capable of enhancing night vision, but while that claim was fictitious, their benefits to hair health are real, notes Paula: “This is the food I most recommend and with which I’ve seen the most results in delaying grey hair,” she comments.
Another vegetable to consider is broccoli, reports Surrey Live.
Broccoli
Another powerful ally in maintaining hair health is this surprisingly adaptable vegetable. Whether it’s steamed, stir-fried, or incorporated into a cheesy pasta bake, broccoli is a dietary staple due to its high vitamin C content (ideal for combating oxidative stress) and vitamins B5 and A.
Nuts
Nuts, rich in zinc (which enhances hair volume and structure) and selenium (for elasticity), contribute to hormone production associated with greying and accelerated hair ageing. As an added benefit, nuts – especially almonds – aid in heart health, weight management, and immune system function.
Oily fish
We’re all aware of the significant benefits oily fish provide for preserving our bones and joints as we age, but these foods, abundant in omega-3 and calcium, can also fight against hair ageing. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are all excellent choices for maintaining a healthy head of hair.
Eggs
Eggs have been suggested in some studies to help prevent heart disease, stroke, and macular degeneration when consumed up to seven times per week. However, as Paula notes, they’re rich in biotin, like whole grains and kefir, which prevents hair dehydration.
Many individuals swear by applying egg yolks to the hair as a conditioner, but be careful not to rinse with extremely hot water, or you’ll end up with a head full of scrambled eggs.
Lentils.
Lentils, packed with iron, are undeniably the most advantageous legumes for tackling hair ageing. Many experts believe that they not only prevent hair loss but also contribute to a rich, glossy condition.
Lentils can also be used directly on the hair as a conditioning mask.