We do and eat all kinds of things to maintain the health of our hair – endless hair mask sessions, expensive oils, and even expensive diets that promise us thick and long hair. But, what many people are not aware of is that the health of our hair is deeply linked to our nutrition. Nutrients like protein, zinc and biotin obviously grab the spotlight when it comes to maintaining our hair, but there’s another nutrient that’s often overlooked – copper. Lack of copper in your body can actually cause your hair to gray early. Can your diet be deficient in copper? How does copper help keep your hair long and black? Let’s find out what experts say and what foods they recommend to deal with this problem.
Also read: Hair Health: 5 Juices That Help Fast Hair Growth
How does hair turn prematurely gray due to copper deficiency?
Copper is one of the most important nutrients required by our body. Often neglected, if your hair has started graying prematurely, it could be a sign of copper deficiency in your body.
Why?
Because copper is responsible for melanin production – which is a hormone that gives your hair color. According to Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangra, when melanin production decreases, your hair starts turning gray quickly.
Photo: iStock
Which foods are rich in copper?
The expert shared four foods that can help deal with copper deficiency in your body and give you long and shiny hair.
1. Leafy vegetables: Eating leafy vegetables like spinach and kale can increase the copper levels in your body. These foods can also support your overall health because they are rich in nutrients.
2. Nuts and seeds: If you eat nuts and seeds daily, especially sunflower seeds and cashews, it can help contribute to your body’s daily copper intake.
3. Whole grains: According to Jangda, consuming whole grains like quinoa and barley can do wonders for your hair health. This is because both grains are loaded with copper.
4. Lentils and gram: Eating lentils and gram regularly can provide you nutrition as well as improve the copper levels in your body. Be sure to include these in your diet at least once a day.
Additionally, experts suggest that you can also eat dark chocolate in moderation.
Photo: Pexels
Is copper the only cause of premature graying of hair?
No, but copper is one of the most important nutrients needed to maintain long and shiny hair. According to dietitian Manpreet Kalra, premature graying of hair occurs when your diet lacks micronutrients, you are exposed to too much sunlight, or you have stress levels in your body. Let’s experience.
If you want shiny black hair, include these 5 superfoods in your diet:
1. Amla
Amla, known for its immense benefits, can do wonders for your hair health. Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help prevent early graying of hair.
2. Nigella seeds
Also known as nigella seeds, these tiny black seeds can help stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which makes your hair grow longer and healthier.
3. Curry leaves
As mentioned above, melanin is important for dark hair and curry leaves can help restore hormones in the hair follicles, which can slow down the graying of hair.
4. Wheat Sorghum
Like curry leaves, wheatgrass can also help stimulate hair follicles, thereby strengthening hair. Apart from this, it can also help in removing toxins.
5. Black Sesame Seeds
Another superfood for your hair are black sesame seeds, which can protect your hair from oxidative stress and help nourish the scalp.
Also read: 7 Diet Tips To Grow Hair Naturally – Expert Explains
So, include these foods in your daily diet to get thick, long and black hair.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
