5 Best Amino Acids For Hair : Expectations Vs. Reality
Amino acids are undoubtedly a key ingredient in the nutrition supplements and drink mixes that you use. Have you ever wondered what exactly amino acids are and why you need them, though?
When you talk about nutrition or food for hair growth, you should be aware of the fact that your hair is loaded with amino acids in the form of Keratin, a protein that forms the hair. This means that amino acids are indispensable for the healthy growth of your hair.
Proteins are made up of amino acid molecules.
Understanding amino acids and how they function is necessary in order to comprehend why they are significant.
Amino acids are divided into two main categories: Essential amino acids and non-Essential amino acids.
Essential amino acids are the amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained through diet or supplements whereas the body can synthesize non-essential amino acids on its own. Your hair is also loaded with amino acids, much like the rest of your body. Amino acids are found naturally in your hair in the form of keratin, the structural protein that gives your hair its shape.
All types of hair and textures benefit from using hair care treatments that are formulated with various amino acids
Let's discuss 5 best amino acids for your hair health
Methionine
Methionine is one of the amino acids that plays a significant role in hair growth. It is an essential amino acid which states that the body cannot synthesize it on its own and must be consumed through diet or supplements.
Methionine is derived from sulfur, which is essential to manufacture keratin in the hair shaft. Also, it boosts collagen production within the body which strengthens the hair shaft.
Cysteine For Hair
Also referred to as L-Cysteine, it contributes to the protein formation and helps to build hair strands through keratin. Cysteine has a unique ability to form disulfide bonds which bind the keratin strands within the hair together. This allows the hair strand to have fibrous properties to enable it to retain moisture and nourish the hair follicles. Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid and thus can be obtained from food sources such as broccoli, chicken wheat germ, and sprouts.
Lysine For Hair
Lysine also referred to as L-lysine is a non-essential amino acid which is readily available in meat, fish, eggs, and legumes. Lysine is known for its restorative properties on the hair follicle. L-Lysine helps in the production of collagen which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Arginine For Hair
Arginine also referred to as L-Arginine is a precursor to nitrogen oxide. Arginine generates nitrogen oxide which helps in opening of potassium channels within cells. The opening of potassium channels triggers blood vessels to dilate which facilitates the movement of blood vessels and improves circulation.
Improvement in blood circulation further enhances blood supply to hair follicles which stimulates hair growth. Being a non-Essential amino acid, it can be found in food sources such as fish, coconut, sesame seeds, hazelnut, and cashews.
Glutamine for hair
There is an extraneous role of glutamine in the growth of the hair. As we know that keratin is the main component of the hair and it contains a huge amount of cysteine. A large amount of sulfur is required for the synthesis of cysteine and this sulfur is transported to the scalp with the help of glutamine which automatically results in the regrowth of the hair.
Amino Acids Foods and Diet
Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to get the amino acids that hair needs. The hair health and growth significantly depend upon the diet you eat and the nutrients you ingest. The deficiency of these nutrients and amino acids can give rise to hair thinning, hair loss, or reduction in the overall health of the hair.
Therefore, to prevent this, it is very important to consume a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that includes the foods which are responsible for healthy hair growth. Amino acids have a lot of hair benefits and they can also be incorporated with the herbal hair supplements to enhance the quality of the hair. This is the easiest, simplest and cost-effective way to alleviate hair health and strength.
Take away
Amino acids are substances that have structural roles in our bodies and are referred to as the protein building blocks.
Taking amino acids for hair will strengthen your hair, reduce the risk of sun damage, and increase collagen production. To soften and smooth your hair, apply liquid amino acids and a leave-in conditioner. You can either use a protein hair mask, consume amino acids naturally through diet or supplement them. Over supplementation should be avoided as it could harm your hair. Before taking any supplements, seek medical advice.
FAQs
Q. What are the benefits of amino acids?
Ans. There are several benefits of amino acids starting from the growth of the connective tissues, muscles and skin. Amino acids are also very beneficial for maintaining the strength and the health of the hair.
Q. What amino acids helps in hair growth?
Ans. Lower levels of the amino acids in the body can lead to the breakage of the hair and can slow down the hair growth process which ultimately causes hair loss.
Q. Is it safe to take amino acids every day?
Ans. Yes, amino acids are all safe supplements and can be taken every day, but one must consult the physician before taking amino acids supplements by his/her own.