We do and eat all sorts of things to maintain our hair health – limitless hair mask sessions, expensive oils, and even expensive fad diets promising us thick and long hair. But, not many people are aware that our hair’s health is deeply connected to our nutrition. Nutrients like protein, zinc, and biotin obviously take the spotlight when it comes to maintaining our tresses, but there’s one more nutrient that often gets overlooked – copper. Copper deficiency in your body can actually cause your hair to turn grey early. Could your diet be copper-deficient? How does copper help in keeping your hair long and black? Let’s find out what the experts have to say and what foods they recommend to tackle this problem.
Also Read:Hair Health: 5 Juices That Help In Faster Hair Growth
How Does Copper Deficiency Cause Premature Greying Of Hair?
Copper is one of the most important nutrients required by our body. Often neglected, if you experience premature greying of hair, 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 colour to your hair. According to Ayurvedic health coach Dimple Jangda, when melanin production goes down, you start having early greying of the hair.
Photo: iStock
Which Foods Are Rich In Copper?
The expert shared four foods that can help tackle copper deficiency in your body and give you long and shiny hair.
1. Leafy greens: Eating leafy greens like spinach and kale can increase your body’s copper levels. These foods can also support your overall health because they are nutrient-dense.
2. Nuts and Seeds: If you eat nuts and seeds daily, especially sunflower seeds and cashews, it can help contribute to the daily copper intake of your body.
3. Whole Grains: As per Jangda, consuming whole grains like quinoa and barley can do wonders for your hair’s health. This is because both grains are packed with copper.
4. Lentils And Chickpeas: Having dals and chickpeas on a regular basis can improve copper levels in your body while providing you with nutrition. Make sure to include them at least once a day in your diet.
Moreover, you can even have dark chocolate in moderation, the expert suggests.
Photo: Pexels
Is Copper The Only Reason For Premature Greying?
No, but copper is one of the most important nutrients required to keep long and shiny hair. According to dietician Manpreet Kalra, premature greying happens when your diet lacks micronutrients, you are exposed to sunlight a lot, or you experience stress levels in your body.
If you want shiny black hair, include these 5 superfoods in your diet:
1. Amla
Best known for its immense benefits, amla can do wonders for your hair health. Amla is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help prevent the early onset of grey hair.
2. Kalonji Seeds
Also known as nigella seeds, these tiny black seeds can help stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, which makes your hair long and healthy.
3. Curry Leaves
As mentioned above, melanin is important to have jet-black hair and curry leaves can help restore the hormone in hair follicles, which can slow down greying.
4. Wheatgrass
Just like curry leaves, wheatgrass can also aid in stimulating hair follicles, thus promoting stronger hair. Moreover, it can also help remove toxins.
5. Black Sesame Seeds
Another superfood for your hair is 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 Reveals
So, include these foods in your daily diet to get thick, long and black hair.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic 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.
