This blog is fully evidence based, in this blog you can see my opinion as well as what research says about those certain foods. Click (link) to see the research.
We have discussed a lot about DHT or Dihydrotestosterone and you can understand that having less or more DHT can be harmful for your hair loss. Good amount of DHT is required in our human body specially in men but we never want to flow DHT to our bloodstream to our scalp and destroy those amazing follicles.
We have discussed follicles in our previous blog, that it holds or helps to grow new hair, stronger and thinner. Flow of DHT to our hair follicles can damage the Cycle Of hair follicles which leads to thinning of hair follicles and break down which results in hair loss as well.
We know that our body converts about 5% of the testosterone into DHT with other enzymes. (link)
Some of these enzymes are found in foods, and you can have some of the following foods to block your DHT production from testosterone to stop hair loss. (Link)
Here are some foods:
Turmeric
Amazing indian spices used in every food can Help to prevent hair loss.
Yes you heard it right. Turmeric is not only helps to prevent from but also help to improve cholesterol levels, enhance recovery after workout, and many other benefits (link)
These effects only took place because of the highly beneficial active compounds found in turmeric which helps in health benefits and these compounds are also found in curcumin and these active compounds are known as curcuminoids.
In studies, it was that this curcuminoids compound can able to lower the effect of DHT levels by blocking the receptors to for hair loss (link) (link)
But it was only done in animals and studies are insufficient for humans as well because hair loss can be a factor for many causes. Tho we know that turmeric does not harm our body in any way though we must try it.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is commonly used in india for oil oil or cooking and very famous. Coconut oil is preferred to be the best because it has many health benefits as well as it is cheaper than those olive oil or almond oil.
Coconut oil has the capacity to withstand high cooking temperatures, as well as coconut oil have a kind of fat chain which is called medium chain triglycerides (MCT) which was studied to help to block DHT productions.
Though these studies are only done with animals and can't be transferred to humans so studies on humans still have to be done. Though it was not clear that coconut oil helps to stop hair loss.(link)
Onions
Onions are great for giving the food the taste and have many antioxidants which our body needs to protect from chronic health issues.
Onions not only have antioxidants but also help to boost testosterone levels as well.
As onions have antioxidants, they have a certain kind of antioxidants which is quercetin.(link)
Quercetin is also found in other foods like apples, grapes, berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, cherries, green tea, coffee, red wine, etc. (link)
So you can take any of these foods to have quercetin. In studies it was found that having quercetin enriched foods can help to decrease the production of DHT from testosterone and stop DHT from combining with enzymes which damage our hair.
This food with quercetin was also found to normalise the oxidative stress in the human body. (link)
One of the studies done with a rat, that when quercetin was given to the rats with hair loss medication, the results were positive and decreased the amount of production of DHT. (link)
Studies are still awaited for humans, still you must combine Onions on your diet. It might work though it has many antioxidants.
Soy Products Or Soy Beans
Soya beans are always neglected because they can lead to man boobs but science has proved that it was just a myth by animal marketers.
Soybeans contain a high amount of plant based protein and high in fibers, but it also has a compound known as isoflavones. Isoflavones are the beneficial plant based compounds that help to lower the DHT levels and block the action of combining with alpha 5 enzymes.
In one of the studies where 58men have participated and given a diet with soy protein or foods high in isoflavones and milk protein for around 6 months. (link)
After 6months it was found that the group having a high diet from soy protein have decreased the amount of DHT levels then that in the milk protein group.
Soy has isoflavones but due to other nutrients in soy also helps to lower the levels of DHT.
In another group it was found that high or low isoflavones don't matter. Soy protein soy products have the property that they can lower the DHT levels. (link)
Pumpkin Seeds
We all know that seeds are the powerhouse of the nutrients and have many healthy benefits.
Pumpkin seed is also one of them and have many antioxidants with a lots of magnesium, zinc, iron a lots of vitamins.
In a 24-week study in 76 men with male pattern hair loss, those taking a 400-mg pumpkin seed oil supplement daily had significantly more hair growth. (link)
So it was seen that Pumpkin seeds can able to reduce the production of DHT from testosterone and help to block DHT to combine with alpha 5 enzymes. Though it was also said that Pumpkin seeds have many other nutrients which contribute in this activity. (link)
Research regarding decrease in DHT have to be studied more with Pumpkin seeds, but it was that Pumpkin seeds help to protect from hair loss.
Green Tea
Green tea is a popular drink for weight loss and for good immune system and also for a good reason. Green the have said to be having more natural compounds and acts as an antioxidants in our body(link)
It was said that green tea have some elements or chemicals which have a lots of health benefits and help maintaining weight, keeping the heart healthy, and boost brain health as well. (link) (link) (link)
This chemical also helps to protect follicles in hair from DHT and protect hair from hair loss and promote hair growth. (link)
When this chemicals are applied on the scalp of 3men for 4days then it was found that stimulated hair growth by preventing the death of cells that regulate the growth and development of hair caused by DHT (link)
Conclusion:
DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in both men and women.
Green tea, onions, pumpkin seeds, and Soy Products , among other foods and beverages, contain nutrients that may lower DHT levels and may prevent hair loss.
However, based on the limited research, additional studies in humans are needed before in the absence of a nutrient deficiency any foods or specific nutrients can be recommended to prevent hair loss.
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