Progressive hair loss has a cosmetic and social impact. Hair undergoes three stages of hair cycle: the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. Through cyclical loss and new-hair growth, the number of hairs remains relatively constant. A variety of factors, such as hormones, nutritional status, and exposure to radiations, environmental toxicants, and medications may affect hair growth. Seaweed is known for its rich source of vitamin and minerals including iodine which is said to help increase hair regrowth.
Seaweed also contains well-known elements such as collagen and other nutrients that are responsible for hair recovery, hydration, mineralisation and also its thickness.
Owing to the abundance of zinc and vitamins A and C in some seaweed, they may also stimulate hair growth and production.
In addition to containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, seaweed boasts a wide variety of beneficial plant compounds, including flavonoids and carotenoids.
These have been shown to protect your body’s cells from free radical damage thus helping to boost hair regrowth.
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In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, hair-loss preventing the effect of Grateloupia elliptica was analysed.
The study noted: “This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Grateloupia elliptica, a seaweed native to Jeju Island, Korea, on the prevention of hair loss.
“When immortalized rat cells were treated with extract of G. elliptica, the proliferation of dermal papilla cells significantly increased.
“In addition, the G. elliptica extract significantly inhibited the activity of 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a main cause of androgenetic alopecia.”
Other health benefits of seaweed include:
- Improves thyroid function
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
- Supports gut health
- Helps with weight loss
- Reduces heart disease risk
- Reduce type 2 diabetes risk