New Delhi, January 30 (IANS). In today’s time, graying of hair is no longer a problem of only elderly people. Now many people start seeing white hair on their heads even at a young age. Changing lifestyle, stress, diet and environment have increased this problem. Science says that the color of our hair is determined by a natural pigment called melanin.
According to scientists, melanin decides whether someone’s hair will be black, brown or light in color. This pigment is produced by special cells present in the hair roots. As long as these cells continue to function properly, the natural color of the hair remains. But as age increases, these cells become weak and gradually stop producing melanin. The result is that the color of the hair starts to fade and they start appearing gray or white.
This entire process is called cellular aging in the language of science, that is, the cells of the body start losing their functionality with time. Initially some hairs are white, then gradually their number starts increasing. Apart from age, genetics also play an important role in this. If the hair of parents or grandparents in the family started turning gray at an early age, then the possibility of it increasing in the next generation also increases.
Scientists say that the timing of graying of hair is largely determined by genes. This is why the age at which hair turns gray may be different in different people and different races. Some people’s hair starts turning white at the age of 30, while some’s hair remains black even till 50.
Lack of nutrition is considered to be a major reason among these. The body needs vitamins and minerals to function properly. Due to deficiency of Vitamin B12, Iron, Copper and Protein, essential nutrition does not reach the hair roots. This affects the pigment producing cells and the hair starts turning gray prematurely. Therefore, doctors emphasize on a balanced diet, which includes green vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts and dairy products.
Stress is also a factor which is now being taken seriously. Prolonged mental stress causes hormonal imbalance in the body. Excessive stress can damage pigment-producing cells.
Apart from this, wrong lifestyle also affects the health of hair. Lack of sleep, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and dependence on fast food increase oxidative stress in the body. Due to this the cells start aging quickly and the color of the hair is affected. Experts say that this effect can be reduced to some extent by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
–IANS
PK
