Almond Nuts for Healthier Hair Regrowth

Almond, which is scientifically known as Prunus dulcis, is one of the most popular and nutritious kind of nut. This plant is among the earliest cultivated foods in history.

Origin

The English word almond is derived from the Old French word “almande” or “alemande,” taken from the old Latin term amygdalus, meaning “tonsil plum.”

Though almonds are thought to have originated from the Mediterranean climate region of the Middle East, they had spread extensively and have been widely used for culinary and other purposes in various parts of the world.

Today, almonds are cultivated in Northern Africa and Southern Europe and more recently transported to other parts of the world, especially to California, United States.

Components

Almond nut has gained a reputation as being a super food since it is high in protein as well as vitamins A, B-complex, and E. It also contains good amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, fiber, and zinc. In addition, almonds are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat.

Almond Nuts for the Hair and Scalp

Vitamin B-complex aids in promoting healthier hair regrowth. It helps in the function of hemoglobin, a hemoprotein which carries oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, feeding the hair follicles, thereby producing thicker, fuller, and healthier hair strands.

Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a good source of antioxidants that prevent free radicals. This vitamin has the ability to moisturize, hydrate, and improve the condition of the scalp and the hair follicles.

In addition, vitamin A regulates the production of retinoic acid, a metabolite of retinol which is essential for the growth of stronger and healthier hair. It is also rich in antioxidants which assist in the healthy development of skin cells and membrane augmentation.

Furthermore, almond oil can be used in aromatherapy, which in turn can also stimulate healthier hair regrowth. Like olive oil, almond oil provides thermal protection and moisture.

Though almond comes in two forms — bitter and sweet — both these types of almonds may be used in nourishing the scalp and hair.

A scalp massage using almond oil mixed with amla extracts can prevent the onset of hair thinning and hair loss problems. Since almond oil softens dead skin on the surface of the scalp as well as cleanses dirt build-up, the hair follicles can then “breathe” properly, enabling them to take in enough nutrients to foster healthy hair regrowth.

Bottom Line

Almond oil for the stimulation of hair growth has been recommended by many experts. This is because this nutritious nut promotes healthier hair and skin.

However, it is important to exercise caution when eating too many almonds since like other nuts they can cause allergic reactions and they are also high in calorie.

Scientists discover new gel may stop hair growth, eliminate need to shave

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Philadelphia, Penn. - Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a drug that when combined with a gel, helps stop unwanted hair growth, thus eliminating the need to shave.

It was found that cidofovir, commonly used to treat eye infections, significantly reduced hair growth during a study involving sixteen men with beards when combined with a gel and applied on the skin in a three percent dose.

“Eflornithine, the only prescription topical agent approved in the United States for female facial hirsutism [excessive hair growth], has only a 32 percent success rate... therefore, additional topical treatments effective in preventing hair growth are needed,” according to scientist Joy Wan and her team, reports the Daily Mail.

Therefore, the dose level needs to be adjusted, however, when given in too strong of doses, subjects experienced nausea, headache, fever and a drop in white blood cells. 

Further trials regarding the drug will continue before it is perfected, as researchers found the gel to be “...safe and well tolerated. But we did not observe total alopecia hair loss as was previously reported and the treatment dose and duration may have been insufficient to trigger this effect.”