The appearance of gray hair is associated with agingHowever, there are a series of factors that can accelerate or delay its arrival.
Among the main factors are: genetics, stress and various habits of daily lifeall of them influence hair pigmentation. Besidesfood plays a key role.
Consuming the right nutrients can help maintain the production of melanin – the pigment responsible for hair color – and thus help delay the appearance of gray hair.
Why do gray hair appear
One of the most common factors that cause gray hair is stress. This causes a phenomenon called effluvium telógenowhich accelerates hair loss and for this reason gray hair becomes more visible.
Another reason for the premature appearance of gray hair is chronic tension and it can influence both men and women.
A study of the Harvard University showed that the stress triggers the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects the stem cells in the hair follicles responsible for producing pigment. When these cells are depleted, the hair loses color and begins to turn gray.
Stress is not the only thing responsible for premature graying. Genetics plays a key role, but there are also external factors that can speed up the process. Among them are:
In addition to him stress and the geneticsthere are other external factors that can accelerate the process of graying. The most notable are:
- Smoke
- UV exposure
- Lack of essential vitamins and minerals
- Environmental pollution
- Excessive alcohol consumption
According to a study by the Mayo Clinic the lack of vitamina B12 It is directly related to the appearance of premature gray hair. Research showed that 55% of people with severe anemia turned gray prematurely.
In what foods is vitamin B12 found?
The vitamina B12 It is found naturally in foods of animal origin such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products.
In foods of animal origin, such as fish, red and white meat, eggs and dairy products, vitamina B12 It is present, however, it can also be found in foods of plant origin, although with a more limited presence.
For this reason, for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, it is best to obtain this vitamin through supplementation.
