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Hair is your ‘crowning glory’ and you might be using many shampoos, conditioners and hair serums to make your hair look bouncy and radiant. But what you are missing out here - ‘Is your hair getting proper nutrition’? We eat a balanced diet to provide nutrition to our body, similarly, you should provide nutrition and nourishment to your hair and scalp so as to make it healthy and beautiful. Your strands are made up of keratin which is protein, so you should ensure that your hair is getting enough of it for the healthy growth of hair. Soy protein which is derived from soya beans is considered to be the best source of protein which will work wonders on your hair.
Source Of Soy Protein And Its Nutritional Facts
Foods such as meat, chicken, eggs, cheese, soybeans, tofu, oats, barley, grains and pulses are considered to be a rich source of protein. Proteins are not just good for your health but also beneficial for the growth of your hair as well. Soy proteins are derived from soya beans which are also known as glycine soja. Soya beans are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients which are essential for the nourishment of your hair.
Soy Protein is considered to be the powerhouse of nutrients.
100 grams of Soy Protein has 340 calories
- Protein- 162%
- Fats- 5%
- Vitamins B6- 5%
- Calcium- 17%
- Sodium- 41%
- Potassium- 2%
- Iron- 80%
- Magnesium- 9%
- Dietary fibre- 24%
(Percentage Daily Values (DV) is based on 2000 calorie diet- Source)
Soy Proteins
Soy proteins are derived from Soybeans and these proteins are made up of amino acids which are known to be the building blocks. Polypeptides bind these amino acids together. Hydrolyzed proteins are formed when these chains of amino acids are broken down into smaller fragments by reaction with water. When these Soy Proteins are completely hydrolyzed then it is known as Soy Amino Acid.
Soy Proteins For Health
Soy Proteins are naturally derived from soya beans and considered to be a nutritional powerhouse. These soy proteins are further broken down in soy amino acid which is a good source of nutrition for people who are allergic to dairy products. It contains all the essential amino acids which are required for the proper functioning of your body. Soy amino acids play an important role in muscle building. Soy foods are cholesterol-free and low in saturated fats, thus helps in maintaining a healthy heart. Soy protein supplements are considered beneficial in weight loss.
Soy Proteins For Skin
Soy Proteins are also known to be beneficial for enhancing the texture and appearance of your skin as well. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of soy proteins help to keep your skin youthful by reducing visible signs of ageing and helps to keep your skin nourished and moisturized. Due to these beneficial properties Soy extracts are used in many skincare products.
Why Soy Protein/Amino Acid Is Important For Hair Growth
Your hair is made up of keratin which is a protein. Proteins are further broken down into amino acids. For the production of keratin, your body requires 18 different types of amino acids some of which are produced by the body while the others need to be supplemented through food. Soybeans and its supplements are considered to be the richest source of soy protein. It is very important to ensure that your body has the required amount of protein as it is the amino acids, which lead to optimum production of keratin which in turn promotes hair growth. These Amino acids are organic compounds which play an important role in maintaining good hair health. Amino acids are also required in the production of red blood cells (RBC) which facilitate the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles thereby improving your hair health and promoting its growth.
Also Read : 10 Reasons To Incorporate Wheat Amino Acids In Your Hair care Regime
Essential Amino Acids Which Promote Hair Growth
Now you must be thinking hard that out of 18 different types of amino acids, which of the amino acids should be added in your protein-rich diet to promote hair growth. Here we are going to tell you about the top 9 amino acids which are beneficial for hair growth.
1. Cysteine
Cysteine is the topper of the chart because it stimulates the growth of new hair. Cysteine is known to exhibit powerful antioxidant properties due to which it effectively protects your hair from the damaging effect of the sun’s UV rays. Cysteine is also known to treat alopecia, a condition in which clumps of hair fall off. Moreover, Cysteine provides sulphur to the hair cells, thus promoting the growth of healthy and strong hair.
Apart from Soyabean, foods such as broccoli, wheat germ, chicken, dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese are known to be a good source of cysteine.
2. Methionine
Methionine is an essential amino acid which exhibits antioxidant properties and provides sulphur to your hair, the deficiency of which can lead to multiple hair disorders. Methionine is known to be lipotropic because it breaks down and prevents the accumulation of fat in the bloodstream, due to which Methionine helps to increase blood circulation, thereby providing nutrients to the hair follicles and the scalp. Methionine also plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen which is required for strengthening your hair shaft.
Apart from Soyabean, foods such as eggs, fish, cereal grains, sesame seeds are a good source of Methionine.
3. Lysine
Lysine is known to promote collagen formation and helps the body to absorb calcium, thereby adding to bone strength. DHT is known to be the primary cause of androgenic alopecia and Lysine helps to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase from producing DHT out of testosterone.
Apart from Soyabean, food such as eggs, chicken, red meat, pork, fish, legumes, nuts and dairy products are good sources of Lysine.
4. Arginine
Arginine is another big name in the list of amino acids required for hair growth. Arginine is known to be a precursor of nitric oxide which is required to facilitate blood supply to the scalp and provides immunity from diseases which are responsible for causing baldness.
Apart from Soyabean, food such as wheat germ, fish, cashews, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, hazelnuts, coconut are rich sources of Arginine.
Also Read : Arginine HCL: The Best Ingredient To Fight Hair Loss
5. Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid which is produced in our body, but as we age the production of glutamine also decreases. It is formed from glutamic acid which is necessary for providing sulphur to your strands, that is required for the growth of hair.
Apart from Soyabean, food such as pork, beef, chicken, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, cabbage, and spinach are a good source of Glutamine.
6. Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid which is naturally produced in our body. It is responsible for the skin and hair colouration as it helps in the production of melanin. Tyrosine suppresses tension, stress and anxiety which can lead to hair loss.
Apart from Soyabean, food such as dairy products, almonds and fish are known to be a rich source of tyrosine.
7. Cystine
Don’t get confused with Cystine and Cysteine (which has been discussed earlier) as they are 2 different amino acids. Cystine is a non-essential amino acid which aids in promoting hair growth and at the same time fights hair loss. Cystine is formed by the disulfide bonding between 2 cysteine molecules. Due to this strong bonding in cystine, it gives strength to the hair shaft.
As Cystine is created from cysteine, the dietary sources remain the same for both.
8. Glycine
Glycine boosts the production of collagen which is eminent for hair growth. Glycine is known to be vital for the proper functioning of the digestive system and the central nervous system, thereby preventing hair loss due to nerve disorders.
Apart from Soyabean, food such as fish, meat, spinach, cabbage, beans, soybeans, bananas and dairy products are a good source of Glycine.
9. Proline
Proline is a nonessential amino acid which promotes collagen production, required for improving the elasticity of your strands.
Apart from Soyabean, food such as meat, eggs, dairy products, beans, legumes, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and avocado are a rich source of proline
Out of the 18 amino acids required for the production of keratin, these are the 9 amino acids which play a crucial role in deciding your hair health. Apart from the above mentioned Soy Amino Acids, Vitamins and minerals also play a significant role in promoting hair growth.
Benefits Of Soy Protein In Haircare Products
Soya beans are the main source of soy proteins and when these proteins react with water and get completely hydrolyzed then Soy Amino Acid is formed. Soy Amino Acid plays a significant role in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Let’s dig deeper to find out why Soy Amino Acid is beneficial for your hair.
1. Adds Strength To The Hair
Soy Proteins strengthen the hair from the roots and enhance the elasticity of the hair, thereby providing strength and preventing hair breakage.
2. Provides Nourishment
Soy Protein is known to provide a lot of nutrition to your hair shaft and nourishes the hair follicles thus, making your strands more healthy. Soy oil is known to be a healthy choice for nourishing your hair and scalp.
3. Promotes Hair Growth
Soy extracts are known to promote hair growth. They deeply nourish your hair follicles and keep your scalp well hydrated and nourished, thereby promoting hair growth.
4. Conditions Your Hair
Soy Protein plays a significant role in making your hair soft and smooth because of its conditioning effect. Its high protein content helps to keep your scalp and hair moisturized and has a conditioning effect on your strands. Soy extracts are known to form a thin coating over your strands, thereby sealing the moisture inside the strands and keep your hair soft and smooth.
5. Prevents Hair Loss
Soy extracts are known to boost your immune system and reduce cellular damage. They also stimulate the growth of new hair, thus preventing common hair problems like hair loss and hair thinning.
Also Read : Here's A Guide To Help Understand If You Have Fine Hair Or Thin Hair
Due to these beneficial properties, Soy Proteins or soy extracts are extensively used in many hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, hair revitalizers etc.
You can also check out Ban The Fall Hair Serum from Anveya. India's first hair fall control solution specially made for women. It contains key ingredients such as basil extract, onion oil and chamomile oil which reduces hair loss and increases multiplication of hair follicles.
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• Reduces hair loss in women
• Strengthens hair from the roots up
• Increases multiplication of hair follicles
• Soothes the scalp promoting denser hair
6. Improves The Texture Of Hair
Soy extracts are known to form a thin film over the surface of your hair, thereby protecting it from environmental aggressors like heat, pollution, UV rays etc.
Side Effects Of Soy Protein
Soy protein is considered to be safe for use for both internal consumption as well as a topical application. However, a high amount of Soy protein in your diet can cause mild stomach and other digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, and nausea. It can also cause allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, and anaphylaxis in some people. Soy proteins might also affect the normal functioning of thyroid in your body.
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