No, coffee does not directly cause hair whitening.
Hair whitening, also known as gray hair, is primarily caused by a decrease in melanin production in the hair follicles. Melanin is a pigment that gives hair its color. As we age, the production of melanin naturally slows down, leading to graying hair.
While coffee contains antioxidants that may offer some health benefits, it does not have any direct impact on melanin production in the hair follicles.
The belief that coffee might cause hair whitening could stem from the fact that caffeine can cause dehydration, and dehydration can sometimes lead to hair loss. However, hair loss is different from hair whitening.
If you are experiencing hair whitening, it is likely due to genetics, aging, or other factors unrelated to coffee consumption.