Green tea has numerous benefits and is considered one of the most important healthy beverages. The latest studies suggest that it may combat baldness.
As people age, changes inevitably occur for most. Many suffer from hair loss, with some experiencing complete baldness. Health experts have discovered many astonishing health benefits of green tea over the centuries, the most recent being its potential role in hair restoration and the prevention of baldness. Green tea is known for being rich in antioxidants, primarily from compounds called flavanols, which are a type of antioxidant.
EGCG is the most abundant and potent antioxidant found in green tea, playing a significant role in reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. EGCG occurs naturally in many plant foods and is beneficial for the health of hair follicles and dermal papilla cells. This contributes to reducing hair loss and thinning, as well as treating dandruff, flaky scalp, and psoriasis. Additionally, green tea maintains appropriate protein levels for the scalp and also aids in hydration.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, further analysis was conducted on human hair growth through green tea. The study reported that "green tea is a popular beverage worldwide, and its potential beneficial effects, such as its anti-cancer and antioxidant properties, are mediated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a key polyphenol component." It added: "EGCG may be useful in preventing or treating androgenetic alopecia by selectively inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase activity." The study concluded: "We suggest that EGCG stimulates human hair growth through these dual proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs."
According to other studies, mice that received topical treatment with EGCG-rich green tea exhibited significantly less hair loss than those who did not receive treatment. How does EGCG increase hair growth? During hair loss, the normal hair growth cycle changes, which includes three phases: anagen (hair growth), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (hair shedding). There are two hormones that can decrease the hair growth phase and increase hair loss: testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
Research has shown that EGCG can inhibit the effects of these hormones and slow down hair loss.
