how exactly do amino acids work?
The impact of a proper diet on our hair cannot be repeated enough. And the range of nutrients that should always be on our plate is the amino acids.
So, how exactly do amino acids work?
First, amino acids are constituents of proteins that make up about 20% of the body. Almost 90% of your hair contains protein keratin. And the production of keratin requires the body to use about 18 types of amino acids. Some of these amino acids may be present in our body, but you also have to supplement it from your diet for maximum keratin synthesis.
Amino acids are also crucial in manufacturing red blood cells that carry oxygen and minerals to your hair follicles to boost hair sustenance.
There are about 20 amino acids, and we shall discuss the top four amino acids.
- Cysteine- It is undoubtedly the most vital amino acid for your hair. It is an excellent antioxidant that helps against free radicals, sun damage, and radiation. It further gives sulfur to follicles for robustness and texture. Cysteine also boosts recovery for alopecia.
- Methionine- Another antioxidant, methionine, is crucial in fighting hair disorders. It is also lipotropic, meaning it aids in breaking down fats in blood vessels. Accumulation of fats hinders blood supply, but without fats, more blood reaches your hair and scalp.
- Lysine- Calcium is a critical ingredient in collagen production, and lysine plays a vital role in its formation. Collagen helps in shaping the underlying hair structure, enhancing hair strength, and improving growth. Lysine also inhibits 5-alpha reductase, which is a catalyst in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production from testosterone. Too much DHT leads to hair loss.
- Glycine- Collagen formation also relies on glycine. It also facilitates better functioning in your central nervous system and digestive tract.
In summary, your hair needs amino acids for keratin production, collagen formation, more blood supply to your hair, antioxidant properties, combating disorders, among other functions. Foods rich in amino acids include fish, spinach, eggs, dairy products, wheat, etc.