Broccoli may seem to be part of every child's dining table drama. The scene plays out with mom counting the benefits of finishing your vegetables to a pouty little kid. Our innocence may be partly to blame for this, but as adults, it would be plain negligence to our health if we slack on adding vegetables to our diet. Broccoli, in particular, actually provides us with a number of benefits, especially to those who are losing their hair.
An overview on Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains a number of phytonutrients. This includes the glucaraphanin, which enhances the liver's detoxification enzymes, and isothiocyanates, which is known to deactivate the estrogen metabolite that promotes tumor growth. Adding to that, broccoli also contains heart-healthy benefits such as folic acid, vitamin E, niacin, magnesium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acid, vitamin B6, fiber and quercetin.
Vitamins A and C are responsible for stimulating the production of sebum on the scalp, which moisturizes and nourishes the scalp keeping the hair from breaking off. While vitamin C stimulates the production of blood-boosting iron, which is also important for hair growth. Broccoli is also rich in calcium and is very important in strengthening hair follicles.
Broccoli sprouts
According to studies, broccoli sprouts have ten to a hundred times more nutrients than mature broccoli heads. They are known to be a very good source of protein, especially for vegetarians. This also translates to better hair health benefits. This is why broccoli sprouts are being widely sold in stores in the US.
However, for those who do not enjoy eating broccoli, they may turn to supplements to benefit from its nutrients. But based on research, this does not come close to eating the whole food. The results in a study from Oregon State University and The Ohio State University claimed that the bio availability of sulforaphane and an isothiocyanate, called erucin, is significantly lower in broccoli supplements.
The manufacturing process for broccoli supplements not only removes primary nutrients, but also others which are necessary in stimulating the release of other important nutrients. It also lessens the absorption rate and bioavailability, which means that your body is getting much lower than what you expect.
Broccoli sprouts and hair health
In a joint study conducted by Kinki University and Hair Clinic Reve 21 Corp., broccoli sprouts are said to aid in hair growth. This is why the researchers aimed at narrowing down the components that are responsible for eliciting this response.
In the study, the researchers boiled the broccoli sprouts in water for its extract. Once collected, the extract was then sprinkled over the culture of dermal papilla cells, which are actually important in promoting hair growth. This resulted to an increase in the number of dermal papilla by 80% and an increase in the production of bone morphogenic protein 4. This is the substance that is secreted by the hair papillae, which holds an essential role in the hair growth process.
Reve 21 considered incorporating the sprout extract into their hair growth products if studies continue to provide successful results.
Broccoli seed oil
Another product that is also derived from broccoli is the broccoli seed oil. It is a characteristically golden oil that is manufactured using a propriety cold press process that doesn't involve any solvents or chemicals.
Broccoli seed oil is marketed for hair and skin care. It has a light consistency, odourless and penetrates easily into the skin. Application of the oil provides the hair and skin deep conditioning and moisturizing effects. It can treat frizzy, dry or fly away hair. It is also good for dry scalp, especially when blended with other oils such as coconut oil, castor oil and camelina oil.
The good thing about this oil is that it is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, which improves skin hydration much faster. This could be a good addition to a head massage for those who are recovering from a hair transplant procedure. We all know how circulation is improved with a massaging motion, and this can work synergistically with the effects of the broccoli seed oil in terms of hair growth and how fast it can be delivered to our system. But, it is best to be safe by consulting your surgeon first.
One great advantage of broccoli is that it is available all year round in grocery stores. You can either eat it raw with a dip or in a salad or blanch and use it as a healthy side dish to your meat. Adding it to a stir fry dish is also an interesting twist to these green flowerettes and sprouts.
Broccoli may be a staple vegetable, but its hair health benefits are actually often overlooked. So if you are going through some hair issues, it is suggested that you highly consider this vegetable into your diet. It's a healthy and easy way to get the hair nutrients you need.
