Vitamins to Prevent Graying Hair

Gray hair is a natural process of aging where there is a loss of hair color. Most people experience gray hairs when they reach 50, but anyone can get gray hair at any age. Getting gray hair before the age of 35 is considered premature graying. Getting gray hairs is a gradual process that can be prevented or slowed through vitamins.

Cause of Gray Hair

• Gray hair results when there is a decline in the pigment, melanin, at the root of the hair. White hair is when no pigment remains. Graying hair is a gradual process as each hair responds differently, but the first gray hairs usually appear around the temples and then proceed to the crown and back of the head.

Vitamins to Prevent Graying Hair

• Vitamins can help keep melanin producing at steady levels to prevent gray hair, as well as keep a healthy scalp to grow shiny hair. Vitamin A is needed to maintain a healthy scalp and grow shiny hair from the follicles. To get vitamin A, include dark, green vegetables and orange and yellow fruits and vegetables in your diet.

  B-vitamins are essential for preventing gray hair. B-vitamins regulate the secretion of oil to keep hair healthy and moisturized. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is one of the B-complex vitamins needed to keep the hair bulbs producing melanin. Additionally, pantothenic acid (B-5) when taken with folic acid (B-9) restore's the hair's natural color thereby preventing graying. Good food sources for B-vitamins include green leafy vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, cauliflower, cereals, yogurt, yeast and wheat germ.

Other Dietary Tips for Preventing Gray Hair

• Premature graying can be a result of excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, meat, and fried/greasy, spicy and acidic foods, as these reduce the moisture and nutrients that are carried to the hair follicles. Excessive carbohydrate intake can lower antioxidant levels in the body needed to fight free radicals. Similarly, foods with artificial colors and preservatives overwork the digestive system to remove toxins from the body and thereby cause dry, brittle hair.

  Melanin-production levels can drop due to a lack of copper in the body. Eat foods such as crabs, oysters, cashews, sunflower seeds and almonds to restore the body of this mineral.

  Zinc and iron are also important for the hair and are usually needed to also prevent hair loss. Zinc is found in red meat, chicken and green vegetables. Iron is found in red meat, parsley, eggs, wheat and sunflower seeds.

  Proteins keep the hair strong and shiny. Include whole grains, nuts, soy and lean meats in your diet.