Benefits of onion as a functional food for hair health

Now a days, many individuals often experience heavy hair loss. In general, one may shed between 50 and 100 single hairs per day. Hair shedding is a normal phenomenon and it is part of a natural balance i.e. some hairs fall out and new hairs grow. If there is an imbalance in this cycle then greater hair loss may occur; the symptoms could range from mild hair thinning to heavy hair loss and even baldness.

 Multiple factors may contribute to hair loss such as; genetics, hormonal imbalances, chronic illness, surgeries and serious infections, medications side effects, nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections of scalp, and autoimmune conditions etc.

Furthermore, hair loss can also occur due to hair dressing techniques, use of strong chemicals on hairs, or exposing hairs to extreme heat.

In men hair loss may follow typical patterns and it is very common and may begin at teen ages or any time in a men’s life. It is usually an inherited tendency, or it could be hormonal or due to increasing age. Mamaearth Onion Shampoo for Hair Growth & Hair Fall Control with Onion Oil & Plant Keratin

Solutions: Vitamins and trace minerals are vital to the hair follicle cycle and help maintain the balance or the homeostasis as they serve as cofactors for enzymes and hormones which are compounds involved in vital processes of life. Moreover, vitamins are antioxidants, and they protect the tissues against the oxidative injury which means they neutralize highly reactive molecules produced in the body which may damage tissues of the body.

 Natural or botanical products, such as vitamins, minerals, different herbs and plant products and probiotics (good bacteria preparations) may promote hair health as they regulate inflammatory processes, minimize oxidative stress and may regulate hormone levels. Among botanicals, onions since ancient times has been acknowledged for its health benefits and it is particularly popular for promoting hair growth.

How onion juice products promote hair growth?

Onion is one of the most widely cultivated vegetables around the world. Onions are mostly used in human diet; average water content of onion is 89.1%, and other content include carbohydrates 93%, protein 1.1%, fat 0.1%, vitamins and minerals.

It is evident through scientific data and research that onion is a rich source of different bioactive compounds. Which include flavonoids, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, sulfur compounds, allicin, quercetin etc. These compounds are responsible for its color, flavor, aroma and possible health advantages.

Moreover, these bioactive compounds contribute to the health promoting effects of onion such as; antioxidant activity i.e. these compounds neutralize highly reactive molecules capable of damaging the body tissues and prevent oxidative injuries; antimicrobial and antifungal properties, anti-toxin activities, immunomodulatory properties, antithrombotic (blood thinning) activity etc.

These health promoting effects of onion bioactive compounds can positively impact overall health status of an individual and may also promote scalp and hair health. Though the exact mechanism of how onion juice products may promote new hair growth is unknown. However it is hypothesized that the sulfur and the phenolic compounds present in onion juice may cause irritant contact dermatitis (skin inflammation) stimulating hair growth.

REFERENCE:

Red onion skin active ingredients, extraction and biological properties for functional food applications

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814622006999

Onion (Allium cepa) and its Main Constituents as Antidotes or Protective Agents against Natural or Chemical Toxicities: A Comprehensive Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8170763/

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388561/

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