FOODS THAT FIGHT HAIR LOSS BY BLOCKING DHT PRODUCTION-min

FOODS THAT FIGHT HAIR LOSS BY BLOCKING DHT PRODUCTION

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DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is produced when 5-alpha reductase transforms testosterone forms and is linked to hair loss. Lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes, quercetin-rich foods like onions, kales, asparagus, etc., pumpkin seeds, turmeric, green tea, and coconut oil may help block DHT production and promote hair loss.

Beautiful hair is admired by many, and most, if not all, women want to have beautiful hair. However, many reasons, some of which we have no control like genetic conditions, may lead to sudden hair loss. Diet, especially lacking particular nutrients, may also contribute to hair loss. Yet, there is another cause- DHT production. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a compound produced in men and women’s bodies when the 5-alpha reductase enzyme converts testosterone hormone into another form. The compound is linked to hair loss in men and women since it blocks the hair follicles from which the hair roots start growing. However, it seems like pumpkin seeds, turmeric, coconut oil, green tea, lycopene-rich foods such as tomatoes, and quercetin-rich foods like onions, asparagus, and kales could help block DHT and promote hair growth. Here is how.

DHT and hair loss- how?

During adolescence and before birth, the 5-alpha reductase hormone actively converts 5% of testosterone to DHT for the expression of male characteristics. As such, the process affects hair growth and the sizes of glands. Still, DHT is also found in women, and it is linked to hair loss in both genders. Studies have not revealed the exact mechanisms through which this happens, but there seems to be a relationship between DHT and hair loss.

When DHT invades a surface, they bind receptors and set them into activity. While this may sound good, I mean increased activities sound like faster metabolic processes and stuff like that. However, the phenomenon is counterproductive, at least to hair. DHT invades the scalp, sets the receptors into activity, and blocks the hair follicles. The effect can be mild to severe among different people who get different rates of hair loss. Thankfully, you might fight DHT-induced hair loss by incorporating the following foods into your diet;

i.                    Coconut oil

Coconut oil is extracted from the white flesh of coconuts. They have many health benefits, including promoting dental health for which they are used in pulling, improving skin condition, and boosting hair growth. They also have a high smoke point and are thus used in high-heat cooking. Preclinical studies show that coconut oil can help block DHT, especially in test tubes, and would help fight DHT-induced hair loss. Coconut oil comprises saturated fats, primarily the medium-chained triglycerides (MCT), lauric acids, and monolaurin. These have been shown to block DHT in test tubes, but further studies are needed since the results cannot be used to confidently state that the same effects can be translated on human beings.

ii.                 Green tea

Camelia Sinensis, or green tea, is a beverage many people celebrate. Apart from boosting energy levels because of its caffeine content, studies show that they could help lower the risks of certain cancers. Besides, they are packed with flavonoids and polyphenols, and these antioxidants boost the body’s ability to fight free radicals, preventing their accumulation from resulting in oxidative stress. Additionally, preclinical studies claim that green tea could also help in reducing or blocking DHT to enhance hair growth. This is because epigallocatechin (EGCG), a compound in green tea, has been shown to block DHT production. In fact, ointments and hair foods now feature EGCG in their key ingredients. Still, there is a need for further studies to reveal the efficacy of EGCG for blocking EGCG and if the same benefits would be reaped by drinking green tea.

iii.               Quercetin-rich foods

Quercetin is an antioxidant found in many foods, including kales, apples, onions, asparagus, and spinach. Like other antioxidants, quercetin helps the body fight free radicals, which, when left unattended, accumulate and translate to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, alongside inflammation, is linked to an increased risk of many chronic conditions, including cancers, heart diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Some preclinical studies claim that quercetin can effectively fight DHT production and minimize the effects of oxidative stress. Consequently, hair loss medications incorporate quercetin in their ingredients, but further studies will show clear relationships between these variables.

iv.               Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin is a rich vegetable celebrated for its mineral content, especially in magnesium, zinc, and iron. Besides, it is a rich source of antioxidants and is linked to boosted immunity. Besides, pumpkins are quite filling, considering they have a lot of fiber. Studies link pumpkin seeds to increased hair growth, particularly in men. For instance, one study gave men a placebo or pumpkin seed oil and noticed that the group on pumpkin seed oil had more hair growth than the placebo group. However, the two groups did not show significant differences in thickness. Still, clinical trials are needed before recommended pumpkin seeds for fighting DHT-induced hair loss.

v.                  Turmeric

Turmeric roots and powders make good spices that add flavor, taste, and seasoning to foods. Besides these culinary applications, turmeric is linked to many other health benefits, including reduced blood sugar and cholesterol levels. What’s more, some studies suggest that it could relieve arthritic pain. Some preclinical studies suggest that turmeric could help block DHT and fight hair loss. Curcuminoids, a group of compounds in turmeric, and primary curcumin could be linked to these benefits. Still, we are unsure whether these effects can translate to human beings, calling for more studies.

vi.               Lycopene-rich foods

Lycopene is an antioxidant linked to many benefits, including reduced free radicals. Studies show that lycopene-rich foods such as guava, carrots, tomatoes, and watermelon may help fight DHT-induced hair loss. One study involving mice found that lycopene reduced the expression of several DHT-related enzymes. However, it used mice tissues instead of human tissues, meaning that these foods could not affect human beings. Besides, there is a need for further studies to show the efficacy of lycopene for this role.

Conclusion

DHT is a hormone produced when the 5-alpha reductase enzyme acts on testosterone. It is linked to hair loss in men and women, and studies are ongoing to suggest how to block it. Although preclinical studies suggest that lycopene and quercetin-rich foods, turmeric, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, and green seed are good DHT blockers, there is a need for more in-depth studies to clear missing links.

Ksenia Sobchak

Ksenia Sobchak, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication: Fashion Journalism, Central Saint Martins

Ksenia Sobchak enjoys blogging on fashion, style, lifestyle, love and CBD areas. Prior to becoming a blogger, Ksenia worked for a renowned fashion brand. Ksenia is a contributing author to leading fashion, lifestyle and CBD magazines and blogs. You can bump into Ksenia at her favourite cafe in South Kensington where she has written most blogs. Ksenia is a staunch advocate of CBD and its benefits to people. Ksenia is also on the panel of CBD reviewers at CBD Life Mag and Chill Hempire. Her favourite form of CBD are CBD gummies and CBD tinctures. Ksenia is a regular contributor at leading fashion, lifestyle as well as CBD magazines and blogs.

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