Pumpkin seeds are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, but one particular ingredient is especially beneficial to men. Find out why a handful of pumpkin seeds a day may keep hair loss away.
Men with excessive levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) typically develop hair loss. Hair loss occurs because DHT shortens the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle, this then leads to finer, weaker hairs that eventually stop growing. Pumpkin seeds provide a great defense because they contain the super ingredient beta-sitosterol, which acts an inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT.
While men are supposed to have some DHT in their bodies, too much of it may cause problems such as male pattern baldness and even enlarging of the prostate. Snacking on a handful of raw pumpkin seeds regularly may be a good means for lessening testosterone conversion to DHT and thereby, minimizing hair loss.
Some people even massage their scalp with pumpkin seed oil before bed. This allows the beta-sitosterol along with other beneficial nutrients such as delta-7-sterine and essential fatty acids to penetrate directly into the skin at the hair follicle sight. The oil will leave a green tint that will need to be washed off in the morning.
Tip: If you are going to take advantage of this super food, raw pumpkin seed oil capsules are among the best options. If you enjoy the taste of pumpkin seed oil, you can add pumpkin seed oil to smoothies or use it as a healthy salad dressing.