Don't Skip The Greens! Broccoli And Celery May Help Prevent Grey Hair

Green vegetables are good for health—they hydrate us, keep our skin glowing and boost the functioning of our organs by providing the required nutrition and antioxidants. But what if we tell you that they can also slow down signs of ageing?

A new study published in Antioxidants reveals that luteolin, an antioxidant found in broccoli and celery, may slow the progression of grey hair. Researchers from Nagoya University in Japan tested the effects of luteolin on genetically modified mice, designed to mimic early graying in humans. For their study, which was spread over 16 weeks, some mice received luteolin treatments orally or topically, while others went untreated.

All mice had around 20% grey hair at the start of the study. However, by the end of the study, untreated mice saw their grey hair rise to 60–80%, while those treated with luteolin showed little to no increase. This prompted researchers to conclude that luteolin helped mice maintain their original hair colour. It was because this antioxidant maintains endothelin, a peptide linked to hair pigment production. "When hair turns grey, it is due to the gradual loss of melanin from pigment cells in hair follicles," explained lead researcher Professor Masashi Kato. While age and genetics are major factors, diet, stress, and lifestyle choices also contribute.

Kato noted that while this research focused on animals, the findings might translate to humans. "A diet rich in luteolin could potentially slow greying, but more testing is needed," he underscored. Though genetics play the biggest role in grey hair, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet can support overall hair health. Researchers are hopeful this breakthrough could lead to treatments for slowing or even preventing grey hair in the future.

Besides broccoli and celery, here are nutrients that you must add to your diet to prevent grey hair

Calcium: You can include common sources of dairy in your diet like milk and yoghurt. You can also include dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals and aim for at least 3 servings.

Copper: It also helps in melanin production and creates new blood cells. If you lack copper then your energy levels can be impacted along with your hair pigmentation.

Iron: It is important for creating haemoglobin that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels may lead to premature greying. To control this, include meat, lentils, and dark leafy vegetables to your diet.

Protein (Keratin): It is found in hair that supports its length and health. You cannot consume keratin, however eating a protein-rich diet can help your body produce it naturally.

Vitamin Bs:

Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): It aids in energy production and red blood cell creation.

Vitamin B-6: It is important for metabolism and the immune system and its deficiency can lead to dry hair.

Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid): It supports amino acid metabolism, which is important for DNA and metabolic functions. Its deficiency can cause pigmentation changes in hair, skin, and nails.

Vitamin B-12: This is one of the most common reason why you may be greying your hair. You can eat meats, dairy and fortified cereals to combat the lack of vitamin B-12 in your body.

Vitamin D: It is linked with bone health, and also influences melanin production.

Zinc: It supports cellular protection and protein synthesis, which makes it essential for hair health.