Why celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar wants you to eat this ignored leafy green for better hair

In the age of viral reels and “superfoods of the week,” it’s easy to forget that some of the most powerful beauty foods aren’t trending at all. They’ve been quietly sitting in our kitchens for generations.

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recently nudged us in that direction with a simple reminder: look closer to home.In a recent Instagram video, Rujuta spoke about a humble green that barely gets a moment online - shepu, or dill leaves. Delicate, feathery and deeply aromatic, shepu carries notes of fennel and celery with a slight bitterness that grows on you. It may not be glamorous enough for Instagram, but according to Rujuta, it’s a beauty secret we’ve been overlooking.“Shepu is the green vegetable reels don’t talk about,” she said, pointing out that it has long been used in Indian households, especially as a post-natal food. And there’s a reason it has stood the test of time.

This modest herb is packed with nutrients that quietly work wonders from within. Regular consumption of shepu is believed to help calm the nervous system, improve sleep quality, reduce stress levels and boost everyday energy - all things that show up clearly in your skin and hair.

When your body is balanced, beauty follows.Shepu is also rich in flavonoids, vitamins and essential minerals that support overall health, including scalp strength and hair vitality. For anyone struggling with hair fall or dull, lifeless strands, this green could be a gentle, natural ally. Its nutrient profile supports hair growth, strengthens roots and helps protect against damage.There’s more. Thanks to its Vitamin A, Vitamin C and antioxidant content, shepu supports immunity and helps the body fight infections - an often-forgotten link to healthy skin.

Strong immunity means less inflammation, fewer breakouts and better glow.

Bone health is another quiet win. Dill leaves are loaded with calcium, magnesium and Vitamin K, nutrients that support bone density and help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This makes shepu especially beneficial for pregnant and lactating women, who need extra nutritional support during those phases.Rujuta’s larger message goes beyond just one vegetable. “Everything you need isn’t on your phone,” she reminded her followers.

Real nourishment, she said, grows in fields - not on feeds. When it comes to good hair and glowing skin, we often search in the wrong places.The good news? Shepu is easy to add to your meals. It works beautifully in theplas, parathas and bhajis, and even as a flavourful addition to dals and curries. For better hair benefits, Rujuta suggests pairing it with Vitamin C and B12-rich foods. Her personal favourite? A shepu paratha with amla achaar and a bowl of dahi - simple, comforting, and surprisingly powerful.Sometimes, the best beauty fixes aren’t new at all. They’re just waiting for us to remember them.