Laddoos For Hair Health

These days the internet is full of information and misinformation about tips and tricks to take care of your hair. You’ll find overflowing hair products and a variety of clip-on and fake hair that looks almost natural and make you feel good. Oh, yes! That's how serious we are about our hair.

It's important to look good but far more essential to feel good. A person's hair can reveal a lot about their underlying health condition and lifestyle. If we are unwell, stressed, or tired. (4) It leads to premature graying and hair fall. We might be deficient in essential nutrients like iron which may lead to anemia. Or Hormone imbalances like thyroid hormone and sex hormone imbalance can also cause hair fall. Sometimes it’s the gene that gets all the blame for falling hair. A person's diet plays a role in how genes are expressed, while genetics are responsible for the color and texture of your hair. DHT(Dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone believed to be responsible for hair fall when present in excess in your body. DHT blockers are considered one of the essential hair-loss remedies.

The laddoo I am making here is a yummy natural hair supplement that is easy to make, has no side effects, and addresses all the hair issues mentioned above. This recipe contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals your hair urges. (7) I am using almond flour. You can substitute it with roasted almonds. My laddoos are mildly sweet. You can increase or reduce molasses according to your palate. You can also use melted jaggery in water instead of molasses.

All the ingredients used in the recipe play a crucial role in helping support your hair’s health.

Black Sesame Seeds

Black sesame seeds are known for promoting healthy hair growth and reversing gray hair. (1) Besides having high omega -3 fatty acids and Omega -6 fatty acids, black sesame seeds contain all the vitamins and minerals that help nourish hair. Sesame seeds contain copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin B1, and selenium. It also contains potent antioxidants like Sesamin and sesamolin. (2)(3) Sesame seeds have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe dry, irritated scalps and help prevent dandruff and flaking.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin Seeds are one of the most protein-rich seeds of all. It contains polyunsaturated fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega -6 fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds contain high levels of magnesium and zinc and relatively good amounts of copper, manganese, iron, and phosphorus. Besides, it is rich in Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and K, and a high level of Vitamin E. It also has delta-7-sterine, which acts as a DHT blocker and helps prevent hair loss. (5)

Molasses

Molasses is packed with essential minerals that nourish our hair like wonder. Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair fall. Molasses is a rich source of Iron. Besides iron, it is rich in potassium, magnesium, copper, and calcium. It contains several antioxidants that nourish the hair shaft and follicle, soften hair and reduce hair fall. (6)

Almonds

Almonds contain proteins, monounsaturated fats, and minerals like magnesium, copper, and calcium. Almonds, rich in L- lysine, are excellent DHT inhibitors. L- lysine also helps the body form collagen. They are packed with proteins that support the growth of new hair that contribute to healthy hair. (8) (9) (10)

Makes – 16

Preparation time - 15 min

Cooking time- 8 mins

Total time - 23min

Ingredients

Almond flour -1cup

Pumpkin seeds/Pepitas - 1/2 cup

Black sesame seeds - 1/3 cup

Molasses - 3 Tbsp

Cardamom- 5-6 (Powdered)

Directions

1. Dry roast almond flour in a heavy-based stainless-steel pan on medium-high flame for 3 minutes till it turns golden brown. Transfer the roasted flour to a bowl.

2. Dry roast pumpkin seeds for 2 mins. Transfer it to a bowl.

3. Dry roast black sesame seeds for 2 mins. Transfer it to a bowl.

4. let it cool for 10 mins.

5. Transfer all the ingredients to a food processor and process them for 30 secs.

6. Make ball shape laddoos out of the blended mixture.

References

1. The relationship of antioxidant components and antioxidant activity of sesame seed oil - PubMed (nih.gov)

2. Sesamin, sesamolin and the origin of sesame - ScienceDirect

3. [Nutritional value of sesame seeds] - PubMed (nih.gov)

4. A stress response pathway regulates DNA damage through β2-adrenoreceptors and β-arrestin-1 | Nature

5. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - PubMed (nih.gov)

6. Sugarcane Molasses - A Potential Dietary Supplement in the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia - PubMed (nih.gov)

7. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review - PubMed (nih.gov)

8. Health benefits of almonds beyond cholesterol reduction - PubMed (nih.gov)

9. Almonds ( Prunus Dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb): A Source of Nutrients and Health-Promoting Compounds - PubMed (nih.gov)

10. Effect of almond genotypes on fatty acid composition, tocopherols, and mineral contents and bioactive properties of sweet almond ( Prunus amygdalus Batsch spp. dulce) kernel and oils - PubMed (nih.gov)