5 Foods That Prevent Premature Greying & Boost Melanin

Premature greying is a reality that has been affecting a large number of youths all over the world today. A number of factors including lifestyle, genetics, stress and nutrition deficiency play a central role in the development of this issue. Many of us might know that melanin is the pigment that provides hair its colour. In fact, some minerals and vitamins can maintain the right balance of melanin in our skin and hair follicles, thereby preventing or even reversing premature greying. Let’s explore the food items that support melanin production in our body, as recommended by Science.


Copper plays a key role in ensuring the generation of melanin. It achieves this goal by promoting tyrosine which is an important enzyme that is necessary for hair pigment. Indeed, a study that was published in 2018 in National Library of Medicine concluded that those individuals who experienced premature greying had much lower amounts of copper inside their bodies compared to their dark-haired counterparts. Health experts say that an average adult require 0.9 mg of copper everyday. We can achieve this through food items such as potatoes, mushrooms, dark chocolates, cashews or whole grains.


Many of us might know the fact that deficiency of iron saps our energy. Nonetheless, iron deficiency will also take away the essential pigments from our hairs too. Iron provides the natural black colour tone to our hair by synthesising the enzymes that are present in our hair follicles with melanin. Thinking about the about the food items rich in iron? Red meat, dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, beans, chicken are all good sources of iron.


We may have observed some people taking vitamin D supplements for strengthening their bone health and immunity. But this vitamin also plays a very important in melanocyte activity and hair growth. Another study published in the National Library of Medicine showed that those experiencing premature greying had much lower amounts of Vitamin D3 in their body. Some of the best foods that are rich in Vitamin D include egg yolks, fatty fish such as sardines or salmon, milk, orange juice and cereals.


In an indirect way, Vitamin B12 promote healthy melanocyte function by helping DNA synthesis and by lowering oxidative stress that inhibits melanin production. Eggs, seafoods including crab, sardines and tuna, diary products such as paneer, cheese, milk, yogurt and so forth are good sources of Vitamin B12.

Folate increases red blood cells production and repairs DNA. These activities are very important for ensuring the health of our hair follicles and melanin generation. Foods that contain enough folate include black-eyed peas, spinach, oranges, walnuts and eggs.

Once you consistently start eating these food items, you will start experiencing palpable results. However, along with a balanced diet, make sure that you reduce stress, maintain a heathy lifestyle and avoid smoking for reaping the best results.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does amla increase melanin?
   Yes. Amla or Indian gooseberry can help support and potentially increase melanin production in hair due to its rich antioxidants like Vitamin C and nutrients.
2. What is the fastest way to increase melanin?
   Start consuming more dark green leafy vegetables, dark berries, dark chocolate, and colourful vegetables to increase melanin.
3. Which seeds have high melanin?
   Seeds like black sesame seeds, chia seeds or sunflower seeds contain copper, zinc and antioxidants that play major roles in melanin production.