Hair loss is a cause for concern for many people. This genetically hair-editary phenomenon, also called androgenetic alopecia, mainly affects men, and can be linked to stress and/or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Some men fear it so much that many hairdressers have developed a flourishing business in the field of hair implants. But before going to such extremes, it might be worth cutting down on your consumption of sugary drinks.

A recent study by researchers from Tsinghua University in Beijing, published in the journal “Nutrients” at the end of last year, highlights a potential connection between the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and the early onset of baldness.

Specifically, they found that people who drink several sugar-sweetened beverages per week – including sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks or ice tea – are more likely to lose their hair.

To reach these conclusions, the authors of the study recruited 1,951 participants between the ages of 18 and 45, who answered questions about their eating habits and hair health. Only 1,082 people were retained in the final analysis.

“Emphasising that sugar-sweetened beverage consumption could have a potential negative effect on one’s appearance could catch the attention of the young population and promote a reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage intake,” the study authors noted.

However, the small sample size of the study and the lack of conclusive research on this specific subject do not yet allow scientists to firmly establish a causal link between the regular consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and the risk of premature baldness.

For those fearful of hair loss, some natural solutions could help in keeping hair fuller for longer. Broccoli and cauliflower, for example, could be good additions to your plate, as they contain sulforaphane, an organic compound known to slow down hair loss.