Best DHT Blocker Foods and How They Can Combat Hair Loss

What is DHT?

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT for short, is a hormone (similar to testosterone) in charge of the typical male characteristics, such as chest hair, muscular body, and deep voice. It is also thought to be the main culprit for hair loss in both women and men.

Women also produce DHT, but in smaller quantities. Hair loss in women caused by DHT is different from hair loss in men. In women, it results in the thinning of the hair, while males are more affected by its imbalance, and in them, it mainly results in hair loss or even baldness.

The good news is that a multitude of varied foods acts as DHT blockers. You will find out precisely what this means and what kind of food it is in the following few lines.

What are DHT Blockers?

As the name implies, DHT blockers “block” or simply slow down DHT in men and thus fight hair loss. DHT tends to bind to the androgen receptors on the hair follicles, affecting hair growth changes and leading to hair loss. A DHT blocker can help stop the accumulation of DHT in the scalp and prevent hair loss. Foods like tomato, beetroot, green tea, spinach have proven to be the most effective natural products in reducing DHT levels in your scalp.

Best DHT Blocker Foods That Work to Prevent Hair Loss

Three main food groups act as natural DHT blockers, preventing hair from falling out:

1. Foods high in zinc.

Zinc acts as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and, therefore, effectively prevents DHT formation.

• Spinach. Undoubtedly one of the bestDHT blocker foods, spinach is rich in zinc, meaning it contains phytosterol. Phytosterol blocks DHT production, preventing it from attaching to the hair follicles.
• White mushroom. Another nutrient abundant in zinc, which successfully fights hair loss. White mushroom is also rich in vitamin D, which is in charge of the thickness of our hair.
• Kale. In addition to phytosterol, this naturalDHT blocker food also contains Isothiocyanates, responsible for detoxifying hormones from the body.
• Pumpkin seeds. Rich in zinc, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants, pumpkin seeds promote hair growth and improve their quality and texture. Pumpkin seed oil performs as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, preventing DHT formation in men as well as hair loss.

2. Lycopene-rich foods.

Lycopene is a mighty antioxidant that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. Not only does it prevent DHT production, but it also controls the sensitivity of the skin to DHT.

• Banana. Bananas are rich in potassium, in charge of maintaining the circulatory system to work correctly so that the hair follicles are sufficiently supplied with nutrients. ThisDHT blocker foodis also rich in vitamin B that helps hair growth, giving it a soft and silky look.
• Tomato. With its antioxidant properties, the tomato has proven to be a very successful food in the fight against hair loss. Beta-carotene in tomato helps to supply nutrients to the scalp for hair growth.
• Beetroot. One of the most effective natural DHT blockers, beetroot is well-known for reducing hair loss in both men and women.
• Mango. Mangos are thought to be one of the best naturalDHT blocker foods,restraining DHT formation in the scalp.

3. Lysine-rich foods.

Lysine is an amino acid, and our body does not produce it but must be taken through food. It is most commonly found in seeds and nuts.

• Coffee. Believe it or not, caffeine acts as a great DHT blocker, stimulating hair growth. And even more impressive, thanks to caffeine, the root of your hair will become wider and stronger!
• Flax seeds. This food is highly effective in controlling DHT and inhibiting hair loss and baldness caused by stress. It is proven to be a good stress reliever.
• Boiled egg. Boiled eggs act more as DHT blockers than raw ones and are extremely good for the hair. Egg contains cysteine, the vital amino acid for hair growth.
• Green tea. During production, green tea leaves are steamed, and that’s why green tea contains more of its natural compounds, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is proven to be beneficial in weight loss, brain health, as well as hair growth. It acts as a natural DHT blocker protecting hair follicles from damaging and preventing hair loss caused by DHT.
• Black tea. Black tea contains catechins, which have antioxidant properties, making this DHT blocker very effective in combating hair loss caused by DHT. It is believed that both green and black tea are good for hair and its growth.
• Soybeans.Soybeans and other Soy Isoflavones are crucial in combatting hair loss provoked by DHT. Isoflavones derived from soy are organic compounds that act as a natural DHT reducer by “pushing” DHT out of the hair follicles and leaving more space for nutrients to pass through them, giving your hair a healthy and smooth look.
• Edamame. Soy-rich food is extremely good in preventing hair loss caused by DHT. Edamame beans contain isoflavones and other compounds such as iron, omega-3, magnesium, and vitamin B2 that may lower DHT levels in our body to help combat hair loss.

Other Effective Ways to Treat Hair Loss

In addition to these three food groups, it’s always good to get the right amount of minerals and vitamins as they are also significant for hair growth and health in general. For example, you should ensure to get enough biotin, a B vitamin that plays a key role in hair health. Other nutrients, such as zinc, iron, protein, vitamins A and C, have been shown to be highly effective in lowering DHT levels. 

The Bottom Line

To summarize, DHT is a male hormone that promotes hair loss in both men and women. Its imbalance often leads to baldness in men. To give the scalp enough nutrients and to provide it with better circulation, you need to eatDHT blocker foodsthat work to fight hair loss.

Foods rich in zinc, lycopene, and lysine, or so-calledDHT blocker foods, contain nutrients responsible for preventing hair loss provoked by DHT. It is also vital to get enough vitamins on a daily basis to ensure hair health.