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4 foods that can help to prevent – or at least delay – grey hair

Look younger for longer

By Helen Wallace

Smiling-woman-touching-hair-(cutting-your-hair)

Grey hair is great. It adorns the head of many distinguished people. Like former US president Barack Obama. 

via GIPHY

But that doesn’t mean that everyone is looking forward to this inevitable part of the ageing process, or that it even suits everyone particularly well. This didn’t stop it from becoming a major hair-colour trend some years back, but as we get older, we aren’t left with much choice other than whether we want to cover it or embrace it. But apparently you can delay it, and it has a lot to do with the food you eat. Here are five that keep your locks looking younger for longer. 

Related: Scientists discover the grey-hair gene

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1. Salmon

We all know that fish, especially fattier ones like salmon, are great for keeping hair glossy and healthy because it’s rich in omega-3, essential fatty acids and protein. It’s also rich in vitamin D, which is known for helping to retain the hair’s natural, youthful colour. Now you needn’t feel guilty about your sushi obsession!

2. Lentils

Hair sometimes turns grey prematurely if you have a vitamin B9 deficiency because this is important for the production of the amino acid methionine, which is linked to hair colour. Luckily lentils, as well as chickpeas, are loaded with it, so incorporating them into your diet can help to preserve your shade. 

Related: This trick will show if you’ll look good with short hair

3. Seaweed

Another seafood snack that can help to retain the hair colour you were born with is seaweed (okay, now we’re definitely going to be having Japanese for dinner!). This oceanic plant is loaded with collagen, zinc and a whole host of other vitamins and minerals that can preserve the overall health and appearance of hair. 

4. Liver

If you have always turned your nose up at liver, you might want to stop, as it has so many benefits for your overall health, and the same applies when it comes to your hair. It has high levels of vitamin B12, copper, iron and vitamin B9, which work together to keep hair youthful, colourful and beautiful. 

Bon appétit!

ALSO READ:

Your 8 grey-hair questions answered

How to fix 7 common hair stresses

15 tips for colouring your hair at home

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