Benefits of Spicy Food on Hair Growth
Studies have shown that a chili pepper extract can actually help to accelerate hair growth. 48 volunteers took a Capsaicin extract orally every day for 5 months. Over the course of the study they found an increase in Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1).
IGF-1 plays an important role in the level of activity in the Dermal Papilla, and a IGF-1 deficiency has been shown to contribute towards hair loss. IGF-1 production can reduce due to stress and aging. IGF-1 is thought to increase the blood flow to the hair root, promote hair growth and restoration, prevent hair loss and enhance hair luster.
If you want to add some spice to your diet, why not try Help Hair's Aztec Xocolatl Whey Protein Powder. A chocolate base with Help Hair's proprietary spice blend including cayenne, black and white pepper for a spicy kick.
As seen in The Metro this week there is a recent trend of people rubbing chili powders and pastes onto their scalp in the hope that it will aid their hair growth. A series of Youtube channels have posted videos instructing people on how to make and apply their own homemade chili pastes.
Here is what Dr. Farjo of the Farjo Hair Institute told The Metro on the subject "It's highly unlikely anyone who tries this will see any results, but there is a risk of causing skin irritation and inflammation to the scalp and subsequent hair loss."
When you are suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic Hair Loss), the DHT in your bloodstream attaches onto androgen receptor at the base of your hair follicles. This process causes inflammation in your hair follicles, and overtime damages the hair follicle to the point that it no longer produces a hair follicle. Causing inflammation in your cells in your scalp will only excesterbate your hair loss.
Dr Sharon Wong told The Metro "Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilies and is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, however the evidence of it regrowing hair is minimal. Rubbing chili in any forms directly onto the scalp can cause burning sensations, hypersensitivity and contact dermatitis, which if severe enough can potentially cause hair loss as a secondary effect."
