Hair loss, often linked to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), can be managed by incorporating certain natural DHT-blocking foods into your diet. Although most of us turn to external treatments like shampoos or topical products, following a balanced diet & certain dietary modification can help regulate hormone levels and slow down hair loss naturally. Read on to know more.
Listed below are six foods that could help you block DHT and fight hair loss.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in vital mineral zinc, which stops DHT production. The mineral encourages general scalp health by providing a path which inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Pumpkin seeds also contain a hair growth-stimulating compound called cucurbitacin.
• Why it works:
High in zinc and other helpful nutrients
• How to include in diet:
Mix into salads and smoothies or even eat them as a snack.
Green tea, another item in DHT blockers in the food list, is packed with the most efficient forms of antioxidants called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. According to studies, EGCG is a powerful compound in green tea that prevents hair loss by inhibiting transformation of testosterone into DHT. The anti-inflammatory properties contribute to a healthy scalp; hence, hair grows even stronger and denser.
• Why it works:
It works because it contains EGCG, which is quite an effective blocker of DHT.
• How to include in diet:
Drink it as regular tea or green tea extract in food supplements.
Saw palmetto is a DHT blocker food item and a popular herbal therapeutic agent commonly found in nutritional supplement forms for treating conditions of prostate and hair loss. This works its magic by preventing the action of 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. The addition of saw palmetto to one's diet could be quite helpful in reducing DHT levels naturally.
• Why it works:
It blocks 5-alpha reductase, thereby reducing the amount of DHT in the body.
• How to include in diet:
You can take this both as an extract and a supplement. Some also consume saw palmetto tea.
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a potent antioxidant that can inhibit DHT growth. Lycopene enhances blood circulation to the scalp, passing nourishment to hair follicles and leading to better and fuller hair.
• Why it works:
Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that could lower DHT levels
• How to include in diet:
Consume tomatoes raw or cooked. The lycopene content can increase when cooking tomatoes.
Almonds are packed with magnesium, a key mineral and natural DHT blocker in food. Magnesium helps prevent the formation of DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. Incorporating magnesium-rich food items like almonds into your daily diet can significantly reduce DHT levels and improve hair health.
• Why it works:
Rich in magnesium, almonds help block DHT
• How to include in diet:
Eat a handful of almonds daily or include almond milk in your smoothie recipes.
Carrots are rich in antioxidants and a source of beta-carotene, which in the human body gets converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A ensures scalp tissue is healthy and aids hair growth. It can also reduce DHT levels in the body and thus works as a natural solution against hair loss.
• Why it works:
High in beta-carotene, carrots ensure a healthy scalp and reduction in DHT.
• How to include in diet:
Use carrots in salads and juices, or simply steaming them.
Adding DHT-blocking foods into one's diet helps treat hair loss and improve hair health. These foods prevent hair thinning and reduce levels of DHT. These powerfully nutrient-rich foods energise your body from the inside out to take a more active step toward healthier, stronger hair. You can also opt for good hair care practices for better results and consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
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Source: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, webmd.com
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.
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