5 Melanin Rich Foods to Prevent Premature Greying Naturally

Premature greying is an issue that has been pricking the peace of lakhs of youths all over the world. Our lifestyle, stress, food habits and genetics play an important role in this phenomenon.

As we all know, the deficiency of melanin in our body is a key determinant of hair greying. This is a natural pigment created by our cells called melanocytes and it nourishes the colour of our eyes, skin and hair. The good news is, we can solve this problem to a certain extent by eating foods that are rich in melanin. In this article, we will discuss five of the best melanin rich foods that are cost effective, easily available and tasty.


Tomatoes are a key ingredient in most, if not all, of the dishes that we cook daily. What makes this vegetable special when it comes to maintaining hair health is the presence of lycopene, a type of carotenoid that is rich in antioxidants.

Tomatoes support our hair and skin by neutralising free radicals and by providing protection from UV rays. These rays are harmful as they decrease our melanin levels and can result in the development of dark spots.


Eggs are rich in protein and tyrosine. When tyrosine directly generates melanin in our body, protein supports the process. Furthermore, eggs are also rich in Vitamin B, B12 and biotin. These are essential nutrients that promotes cell turnover and thwarts hair fall problems.


This food item is an underrated nutrient powerhouse that is filled with melanin and zinc. These two elements are crucial for regulating oil production and in maintaining healthy hair follicles. Additionally, pumpkin seeds also contain Vitamin E that protects our skin from environmental issues.


Our mother’s scolding face might come to our mind when we think about leafy green veggies. She knew from experience that not only for hair, these vegetables are necessary for the healthy functioning of our entire body.

For example, kale, spinach, collard greens and so forth are rich in folate, Vitamin C, iron and beta-carotene. These are vital substances that our body needs, especially for melanin production and for repairing damaged skin cells.

You can use them everyday by preparing hearty soups or salads. Within a few weeks or months you will experience the difference for yourself.


This easy to carry and tasty seeds significantly support the melanin production in our body as it contains a lot of antioxidants like Vitamin E and minerals such as copper. These elements also protect our skin from oxidative damage, improves skin texture and make sure that dryness issues remain at bay.

Whether we have them as a morning or evening snack, sprinkle into breakfast meals or toss them in our salads, don’t forget to have these crunchy nuts. The benefits they bring about are numerous.

These are five key melanin rich items that we can start eating today onwards. Almost all of them are affordable. Hence, when you get a chance to grab any of these foods next time, don’t hesitate to eat a little more than usual. Its totally worth it.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can walnuts reverse grey hair?
   Walnuts alone cannot reverse grey hair problem. However, they contain Omega 3 fatty acid and important minerals like copper and zinc that help fight against premature greying.
2. Does oiling hair stop greying?
   Oiling the hair can prevent premature greying by providing antioxidants, nourishing our scalp and by improving blood circulation. But it cannot stop the hair from greying as a result of natural ageing.
3. Why is gen Z greying so early?
   Gen Z individuals are greying so early due to lifestyle choices like smoking, stress, unhealthy food habits, genetics and disrupted sleep patterns.