Lycopene is a key carotenoid for preventing premature hair loss, as it has potent antioxidant properties. It fights oxidative stress in the scalp without irritating the skin.
Health benefits of lycopene
Lycopene is a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant properties and many health benefits. For instance, high levels of serum lycopene seem to lower the risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, sunburn, gingivitis, osteoporosis, cataracts, mental disorders, and asthma.[1,2]
Lycopene for hair loss
Above all, lycopene is good for preventing hair loss, as it’s a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants prevent oxidative stress, which can cause hair loss. Especially, androgenetic alopecia.[3]
Oxidative stress is caused by high amounts of free radicals. People with hair loss have excess free radicals in the scalp. Hence, eating foods high in lycopene, along with other antioxidants, is beneficial for preventing premature hair loss.
High lycopene intakes might promote hair growth. According to recent studies, lycopene could be found in hair loss treatments without skin irritation at moderate doses.[4]
Foods high in lycopene may prevent hair loss
The regular consumption of foods high in lycopene may have a beneficial effect on preventing hair loss. The best dietary sources of lycopene are tomato products, watermelon, guava, pink grapefruit, and papaya!
| lycopene (mcg per 100g) | |
| sun-dried tomatoes | 45,902 |
| ketchup | 12,062 |
| guava | 5,204 |
| watermelon | 4,532 |
| tomato | 2,573 |
| papaya | 1,828 |
| grapefruit, pink | 1,419 |
Sun-dried tomato is the richest food in lycopene. In fact, all tomato products are rich in lycopene, as lycopene isn’t vulnerable to heat or processing methods. Hence, fresh tomatoes, tomato juices, and even ketchup may prevent hair loss!
Lycopene is also good for weight loss.
Moreover, you can find dietary supplements with lycopene on iHerb.
Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or changing your diet.
Other vitamins for preventing hair loss
Poor diet is a common cause of hair loss. Actually, we have to consume high doses of many vitamins and minerals for preventing premature hair loss. For instance, we have to get adequate amounts of zinc, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E for healthy and strong hair.
