Health

Black Beans, Seaweed Said to Help Prevent Graying
By Najla Zaidi | 29 Aug, 2025

Eating black beans, sesame seeds and seaweed will help you resist premature graying and hair loss.

Eating black beans, sesame seeds and seaweed will help you resist premature graying and hair loss, according to an article in Chosun Daily. These traditional remedies are supported by biochemistry, according to the article.

Protein is important because it is the basic building block of hair.

Black beans contain not only protein but vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids that promote blood circulation and provide nutrients beneficial to hair follicles. They are also an excellent source of other nutrients that promote healthy hair — calcium, potassium, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin A, folate, iron, magnesium, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, phosphorus and niacin.

Sesame seeds are rich in mono-unsaturated oleic acids which helps lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol in the blood, thereby improving circulation in the head. The seeds also contain amino acids essential for growth. Four ounces of sesame seeds provide about 20 grams of protein, about 35% of the daily recommended amount for the average adult male. They also contain an abundance of calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper — all of which are helpful to keeping hair healthy.

Seaweed and kelp can also provide quality protein, as well as iodine that helps hair grow and prevents graying. Kelp is 28% minerals by weight and includes a large number of trace minerals naturally chelated to enhance their bio-availability. In fact, kelp contains virtually every mineral needed to replenish those lost through intensive exercise.

The biggest preventable cause of prematurely gray hair graying hair is stress which causes peripheral blood vessels to contract. The decreased blood circulation hinders the ability of melanin cells to produce pigment. Stress also promotes secretion of adrenalin which also constricts blood vessels, depriving hair follicles of oxygen and nutrients. Exercise, listening to music and engaging in relaxing hobbies are good ways to ease stress while drinking or smoking will only damage healthy blood circulation and nutrient metabolism.

Graying is hereditary and varies among individuals. Typically for men it begins between 30 and 34 and for women between 35 and 39.