Turmeric is a
root in the same family as ginger, and is rich in compounds called
curcuminoids. These natural phenols are thought to stop the
overproduction of DHT, a chemical converted from testosterone that the
body naturally produces, which leads to hair loss at the follicle level.
A recent study published in Biospectrum Life Science Institute Journal takes a closer look at this relationship between DHT and curcumin. According to a section of the report published on HairGrowthSOS,
"The study involved transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1). This
protein has been associated with hair follicle inflammation and hair
loss, and also becomes active in the presence of androgens including
dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When DHT was added to human epidermal cells,
TGF-beta1 levels increased. But when they were subsequently treated with
curcumin, the TGF-beta1 levels decreased. This suggests that curcumin
can reduce inflammation through TGF-beta1 suppression and, therein,
might be able to successfully treat the component of hair loss related
to inflammation." Another benefit of the unique compounds found in
turmeric is that it stimulates vitamin D absorption, which has also been
linked to hair growth.
However, much like its effects
on other inflammation related ills like arthritis and ulcers, the jury
is still out on whether or not turmeric, or its active compounds are
really capable of stopping hair loss on their own. Higher level clinical
studies have been conducted and the results, unfortunately, haven't
been definitively proven one way or the other.
While the benefits of turmeric for hair are
still up for debate, that doesn't mean you shouldn't get in on using it
in your everyday life! This is a spice that has been used throughout
much of southeast Asian medicine, food, and beauty regimens for
centuries after all. Can 1/3rd of the world's population be all wrong?
We certainly hesitate to say yes!
There are turmeric
supplements available to help add this super spice to your diet.
However, because turmeric is not water soluble, taking it with your
morning tea as a capsule doesn't allow your intestines to fully absorb
the properties of it the same way as cooking it with oils and other
fats, so sprinkling some of the spice on food is a better way of adding
turmeric to your routine. Even those of us with an all-white color
scheme in the house can't argue with a good curry. And if you notice
your hair's looking better and better while scientists try to find a
definitive answer for that aspect of the spice, then consider it an
added bonus to an already delicious flavor! You can also find turmeric
in products for topical beauty use like My Honey Child's Type 4 Hair Creme and Reshma's Moisturizing Soap Bar and anti-aging Face Mask.
Courtesy: NaturallyCurly
