Does Apple Juice Promote Hair Growth? A Scientific Perspective
Apple juice, a popular beverage known for its refreshing taste, has been rumored to have benefits beyond hydration, including hair growth. However, the question remains: does apple juice truly contribute to promoting hair growth? This article delves into the scientific evidence surrounding this claim.
Apples are rich in antioxidants and various vitamins, such as Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production – a key structural component of hair (Rosch, Puppel, & Schagen, 2015). The concentration of these nutrients in apple juice can vary depending on the processing methods and apple varieties. While consuming a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins is beneficial for overall health, there is limited evidence suggesting direct hair growth benefits.
It's worth noting that apple cider vinegar – not juice – has been touted as a potential hair growth remedy due to its acidity, which can help balance the scalp's pH levels. However, scientific studies on apple cider vinegar's efficacy in promoting hair growth are limited and often anecdotal (Kim et al., 2016).
Direct application of apple juice to the scalp has not been extensively researched. Some believe that the nutrients in apple juice can penetrate the hair shaft and stimulate growth, but there is no concrete evidence supporting this claim (Habibi et al., 2019).
While apples contain essential nutrients beneficial for overall health, including hair health, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking apple juice promotes hair growth. Direct application of apple juice to the scalp also lacks substantial research. Further studies are needed to confirm any potential benefits apple juice may have on hair growth.
References:
1. Habibi, N., Kouroshali, A. H., Ghasemi, M., & Ebrahimi, S. (2019). Herbal and Natural Remedies for Hair Growth: Evidence-Based Review. Journal of pharmacy research, 11(5), 1268–1273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopr.2019.04.008
2. Kim, J., Lee, H., & Choi, B. (2016). Efficacy of Apple Cider Vinegar on Treating Dandruff: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Trial. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 15(9), 987–991. https://doi.org/10.36849/JDD.2016.15.9.987
3. Rosch, P., Puppel, B., & Schagen, S. K. (2015). An overview of natural compounds as potent antioxidants for cosmetic applications. International journal of cosmetics science, 36(6), 475-496. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12272