| schema:text
| - Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
The Claim
In his Instagram video, ramane.aarya27 claimed that consuming almonds has the natural ability to transform grey hair into black.
Fact Check
Is it possible to reverse greying of hair by diet?
No. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that diet alone can reverse grey hair into black. Grey hair occurs due to a reduction in melanin production, which is the pigment responsible for hair colour. While diet can influence overall hair health, including its strength and shine, melanin production is primarily determined by genetics and ageing. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that certain nutrients like vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid may support hair health, but their ability to reverse grey hair is not supported by scientific studies.
According to Dr. Swati Watwani, a Dermatologist and Medical Director at Persianlily Clinic, “Grey hair typically begins in the late 40s to early 50s, while premature greying can start in one’s 20s. Slowing down premature greying involves identifying its cause and providing appropriate treatment. However, complete reversal of grey hair is not possible.”
Why does our hair turn grey?
Our hair turns grey due to a natural process involving a reduction in melanin production. Melanin is a pigment responsible for giving hair its color, whether it’s black, brown, blonde, or red. As we age, the cells responsible for producing melanin, called melanocytes, gradually produce less pigment. This reduction in melanin results in hair that appears grey or white.
Several factors contribute to this decrease in melanin production:
1. Genetics: The timing and extent of greying are largely determined by genetics. If your parents or grandparents experienced early greying, you are more likely to as well.
2. Ageing: As we age, the melanocytes naturally produce less melanin, leading to grey hair over time.
3. Stress and Oxidative Stress: Chronic stress and oxidative stress can accelerate the greying process by damaging melanocytes and affecting melanin production.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies: Certain vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins like B12 and folate, have been linked to premature greying.
5. Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and thyroid disorders, can also cause premature greying.
While greying hair is a natural part of ageing, its onset and progression can vary widely among individuals based on these factors.
According to Dr. P. Rammanohar, Research Director at Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA), “Greying of hair is a natural part of aging influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Age-related or genetically determined greying cannot be reversed. However, greying caused by environmental and lifestyle factors can be slowed down with appropriate measures.”
Does eating almonds help reverse greying of hair?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eating almonds can reverse greying of hair. Greying of hair is primarily attributed to natural ageing and genetic factors that lead to a reduction in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for hair colour.
However, almonds are nutritious and contain beneficial nutrients such as vitamin E, biotin, and essential fatty acids, which are important for overall hair health. These nutrients may support hair strength, shine, and growth, but they do not specifically target melanin production or reverse greying.
To maintain healthy hair, including its colour, it’s essential to have a balanced diet that provides all necessary vitamins and minerals. While almonds can be part of a healthy diet, their impact on greying hair is limited to supporting general hair health rather than reversing the natural ageing process of melanin reduction in hair follicles.
Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition said, “Consuming foods rich in protein, folic acid, iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Copper, and Selenium is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and skin, including a healthy scalp. Almonds are particularly beneficial and should be included in your daily diet. However, these dietary changes are most effective when adopted consistently over a long period. If started after hair greying has already occurred, they may not reverse the hair to its original colour of black. It’s important to incorporate these nutrient-rich foods into your diet early on to potentially prevent or slow down the onset of greying hair.”
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)