If you’re wondering how to prevent gray hair naturally, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables might be the answer. According to new research from Japan’s Nagoya and Chubu Universities, an antioxidant found in many common fruits, vegetables, and herbs could help slow down or even prevent the graying of hair.
Published in the medical journal Antioxidants, the study followed a group of mice for 16 weeks, during which they were treated with luteolin, a naturally occurring flavonoid. Luteolin is commonly found in produce like celery, peppers, and parsley. Some mice were given luteolin topically, applied to their skin, while others consumed it orally.
At the end of the 16 weeks, the researchers observed that mice treated with luteolin had significantly less gray hair than untreated mice, along with healthier hair follicle stem cells. Mice that were topically treated showed a 50% reduction in gray hair, with only 40% of their hair turning gray compared to 80% in untreated mice. The orally treated mice saw a 25 to 30% reduction, with 55 to 60% of their hair turning gray compared to 80% in untreated mice.
Although luteolin isn’t yet available in any hair care products, researchers believe that in the future, it could become a key ingredient in topical treatments to combat graying hair. In the meantime, consuming more luteolin-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and herbs could help slow down the graying process, making it a natural and accessible way to support healthy hair as you age.
This exciting study suggests that our diet could play a significant role in how our hair ages, offering hope for those looking to maintain their natural hair color longer.
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