There's many signs of aging that we might start to notice as we get older. One of those might be if you start to develop a receding hairline or a bald patch.
Experts say this is likely a combination of genetics and the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Currently, the most effective way to prevent hair loss is by blocking DHT using finasteride — a prescription hair loss medication - claim medics.
Some research also suggests that certain foods and supplements may be able to reduce your DHT levels. While adding certain foods to your diet isn’t likely to be as effective as treating hair loss using medication, prioritising DHT-blocking foods may enhance your efforts to reduce DHT and help you to keep as much of your hair as possible.
Dr. Aimee Paik from Hims & Hers has now revealed which five foods can reduce hair loss. These range from turmeric to pumpkin seeds.
Turmeric
Dr Paik said: “Turmeric is a spice that’s made from the Curcuma longa plant. It’s a common ingredient in many curries and other recipes. It’s also a popular nutritional supplement. Although there’s no evidence that turmeric works for hair growth, some early-stage studies have found that it may have effects against DHT.
"For example, an animal study published in the journal Cancer Science found that daily use of a curcumin supplement reduced testosterone and DHT levels in the prostate tissue of mice. However, because this study wasn’t conducted on humans, it’s important not to view the findings as conclusive proof that circumin blocks DHT."
Soybeans & Soy Protein
Research shows that soy protein, which is found in soybeans and other soy products, may help to lower DHT levels in the body. In a six-month study, men at high risk of prostate cancer — a disease that’s aggravated by DHT — were assigned to consume either soy protein isolate, alcohol-washed soy protein isolate or a milk-based protein isolate on a twice-daily basis.
After six months, the men who used the soy protein products showed a small decrease in DHT levels, says Dr Paik. In contrast, the men who used the milk-based protein isolate showed a small increase in DHT levels. Despite the small drop in DHT levels, the men’s testosterone levels remained steady throughout the study period.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient that’s widely promoted as a natural treatment for various hair, skin and general health ailments. Most content on coconut oil and hair focuses on its use as a topical treatment for preventing hair damage and stimulating hair growth.
Some research has found that coconut oil may help to reduce hair protein loss and prevent hair damage. However, there’s currently no evidence to show that coconut oil speeds up hair growth when it’s applied to your hair topically.
When it comes to DHT, a few small-scale studies have found that certain compounds in coconut oil may be effective at reducing its effects. For example, one study found that coconut oil reduced prostate growth — an issue that’s usually caused by DHT — in rats. Another study found that lauric acid, a substance found in coconut oil, may — in concert with other components — have an effect on the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. It’s important to note that neither of these studies had human participants, meaning their results shouldn’t be viewed as authoritative proof that coconut oil inhibits DHT or prevents male pattern baldness.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin is rich in nutrients, as are its seeds, which contain minerals such as zinc, magnesium and iron. Some research has found that pumpkin seed oil, an oil that’s cold pressed from pumpkin seeds, may help to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that men with male pattern baldness who used a pumpkin seed oil supplement for 24 weeks experienced a 40 percent increase in mean hair count. In comparison, men who used a non-therapeutic placebo only saw a 10 percent increase in hair count over the same period. With this said, there’s currently no scientific research that shows a direct link between pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil and lower DHT levels.
Green Tea
Green tea is a popular tea that’s rich in antioxidants and well known for its large range of health benefits. One of the most important compounds found in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, an antioxidant that’s linked to many of green tea’s positive effects on health.
Some scientific research has found that EGCG may help to reduce the effects of DHT on your hair follicles and prevent hair loss. For example, a study published in the journal Annals of Dermatology found that EGCG protects human dermal papilla cells — cells found in human hair follicles — against DHT-induced cellular damage.
Another study found that EGCG promotes growth in human hair follicles. However, this was an “ex vivo” study, meaning it was carried out on extracted hair follicles in a lab setting, not a group of live participants.
While this research is interesting, there are currently no studies showing that drinking green tea directly reduces DHT or stimulates hair growth. At the moment, there isn’t any conclusive research showing that changing your diet can reduce your DHT levels and prevent male pattern baldness.
However, some foods and ingredients do appear to have mild effects on your body’s production of DHT. If you’re beginning to lose your hair, combining these foods with science-based, proven hair loss treatments like finasteride and minoxidil might enhance your results and stop your hair loss from worsening.
