The benefits of Fenugreek for hair include thicker, stronger strands thanks to the protein, and that it works to improve scalp health through its iron content, while helping to control dandruff through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. And fenugreek has been used in medicines and for hair since roughly 4,000BC.
The hair healthy nutrients in fenugreek include:
- Protein - what your body uses to make keratin and protein deficiencies have shown to result in hair loss and decreased hair growth.
- Iron - your hair follicles depend on the oxygenated blood that iron helps deliver to them.
- Fiber - getting adequate fiber in your diet means lower inflammation, and lower inflammation can result in less male and female pattern hair loss.
- Nicotinic Acid - as this study shows, nicotinic acid is showing promising results in treating female pattern alopecia when applied topically.
- Zinc - a zinc deficiency can lead to epidermal (skin) disruptions that trigger a negative spiral of inflammation resulting in hair loss.
- Selenium - reduces melanocyte function or graying, and can contribute to a decrease in hair production or alopecia.
- Magnesium - helps your body with the formation of new hair as this study shows.
According to the USDA, besides having some protein (not enough for the recommended daily amount), one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds does have 2.73g of fiber, 3.7mg of iron, and other trace minerals like selenium 0.669mg, magnesium 21.2mg, copper 0.123mg, and zinc 0.278mg.
It’s important to know the proper amounts your body needs for each nutrient, and how much you can get from fenugreek. The mayo clinic recommends between 10% and 35% of your calories should come from protein.
Since one tablespoon of fenugreek has 2.55 grams of protein, you will want to supplement this culinary herb with your regular protein intake. The same goes for iron, selenium, and other nutrients your body needs.
It’s easy to incorporate this healthy hair food into your diet, or use it to supplement your nutrient intake if your current eating habits don’t get enough. Fresh fenugreek leaves are a tasty addition to a crunchy green salad, a stir fry, or a curry (just make sure that you remove the bitter stems). One of the easiest ways to add fenugreek to your diet is to take a break with a cup of fenugreek tea.
And when you begin adding fenugreek to your diet, you can enjoy some of these healthy hair benefits.
Thicker and Stronger Hair
The iron content helps bring oxygen to your scalp to help with hair growth, and the protein aids in the building of keratin for new hair. The nicotinic acids in fenugreek help you grow thicker and stronger hair. And there's science to back this up!
This study shows that over 80% of study participants who received fenugreek seed supplements reported improvements in hair volume and thickness compared with those given a placebo.
Healthier Scalp
Fenugreek oil applied topically can even improve scalp health by increasing vasodilation to bring more blood to the hair follicles. This fragrant, culinary herb also contains significant amounts of nicotinic acid (also known as niacin or vitamin B3) can extend the growth, or anagen phase and delay the catagen, or hair growth regression phase resulting in the production of fuller thicker hair.
Use caution when applying a fenugreek essential oil to your scalp. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond to reduce potential scalp irritation. Start by using 2-3 drops of fenugreek to one tablespoon of the carrier oil, and always talk to your dermatologist before trying this as there could be other skin issues you’re unaware of.
Hair Loss
Fenugreek has been shown to be just as effective as the prescription medication for hair loss, Minoxidil. Not only can fenugreek help counteract hair loss, it has also been shown to improve hair growth, as this study shows.
Natural Dandruff Treatment
Research has also identified fenugreek as an effective alternative to current drug therapies for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis caused by a yeast called Malassezia spp. This same study points to the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity of fenugreek leaves as a herbal remedy for the treatment of dandruff.From strengthening hair and reducing hair loss to curbing dandruff, and growing thicker fuller hair, fenugreek has been a natural hair remedy since ancient times. If you found this guide helpful, subscribe to the TELETIMES blog below for more just like it.
