Fortunately, you can obtain them from different food sources. Continue reading to learn about the 9 amino acids that promote hair development, as well as their nutritional sources and advantages. Scroll down.
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which makes up one-fifth of the human body. Scientists have discovered at least 22 amino acids (1). Also known as essential amino acids, the 9 amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize are valine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine, and methionine. But the question is, why are these amino acids good for the hair? Scroll down to find out.
Why Are Amino Acids Good For The Hair?
Amino acids are good for maintaining hair health, tensile strength, hair density, and shine. Essential and non-essential amino acids combine to form various types of proteins. One of these proteins is keratin, the major component of hair fiber (3). Eighteen amino acids (essential and non-essential) form this keratin protein. Which amino acids do you need to consume? What are their food sources? Scroll down to know about them.
9 Amino Acids For Hair Growth And Food Sources
1. Cysteine
Cysteine is the most crucial amino acid for hair growth. It helps stimulate new hair growth (4). Cysteine is a potent antioxidant that shields the hair from sun damage and other harmful radiations (5). Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can treat the symptoms of alopecia. Cysteine also provides sulfur to hair cells and enhances texture and strength. Food Sources Of Cysteine: Broccoli, Chicken, Wheat germ, Brussels sprouts, Milk, and Yogurt.
2. Methionine
Methionine is another essential amino acid for hair growth. This amino acid is a strong antioxidant and warehouse of sulfur, a key ingredient for combating hair disorders. This increases blood supply to the hair follicles and scalp, which leads to hair growth. Anecdotal evidence suggests that methionine also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen that is responsible for strengthening the hair shaft. Food Sources Of Methionine: Fish, Eggs, Brazil nuts, Cereal grains, and Sesame seeds.
3. Lysine
Lysine aids in the formation of collagen by absorbing calcium (6). This collagen is essential for developing the basic structure of hair follicles, strengthening the hair, and boosting hair growth. Lysine is also thought to inhibit 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT, which is the main cause of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Food Sources Of Lysine: Chicken, Eggs, Fish, Red meat, Legumes, Nuts, Pulses, Pork, and Dairy products.
4. Glycine
This amino acid plays a vital role in the production of collagen necessary for hair growth. Glycine is also essential in the effective functioning of the digestive and central nervous systems. Thus, it can protect the body against nerve disorders that cause hair loss. Food Sources Of Glycine: Meat, Fish, Dairy products, and Legumes.
5. Arginine
Arginine is an essential amino acid required for healthy hair. Human hair growth is dependent on arginine (7). However, the sun depletes arginine, which makes the hair dry and damaged. Consuming foods rich in arginine can help curb this problem and make the hair thick and shiny. Food Sources Of Arginine: Nuts, Seeds, Whole grains, Meat, Seaweed, Yogurt, and Cheese.
6. Cystine
Do not confuse this cystine with the cysteine that we discussed earlier! Cystine is a non-essential amino acid that helps stimulate hair regrowth and fight hair loss. Cystine is formed in our body by the disulfide bonding of two cysteine molecules. This dual bonding of amino acids provides strength to the hair (8), (9). Food Sources Of Cystine: Eggs, Red meat, Chicken breast, Tuna, Lentils, Seeds, and Cheese.
7. Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid produced naturally in our body and responsible for hair melanin production (10). It also treats anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other stress issues that cause hair fall and hinder healthy hair growth (11). Food Sources Of Tyrosine: Dairy and soy products, Almonds, Lima Beans, Pumpkin seeds, and Fish.
8. Glutamine
Glutamine’s role in hair growth is quite tangential. The main component of the hair is keratin, which contains large amounts of cysteine. The synthesis of cysteine requires sulfur, which is delivered to the scalp with the help of glutamine. Food Sources Of Glutamine: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Cheese, Yogurt, Eggs, Beans, Legumes, Nuts, Cabbage, and Spinach.
9. Proline
Proline is a fairly non-essential amino acid that helps in collagen production and plays a role in maintaining muscle tissues (12). Food Sources Of Proline: Eggs, Meat, Dairy products, Beans, Soybeans, Legumes, Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Avocado. These are the 9 amino acids beneficial for hair growth and their food sources. But instead of food sources, can you take supplements? Let’s find out in the following section.
Can Amino Acid Supplements Help?
If you work out and have protein drinks, you are probably taking amino acid supplements. Protein drinks with L-glutamine and collagen can make your hair healthy. However, there is no research suggesting that protein supplements can help hair growth. Note: Consult a doctor and find out which supplements will work for you. Did you know that liquid amino acids are also used for the hair? Scroll down to know what they are.
What Is Liquid Amino Acid?
Liquid amino acids are mostly used as food seasonings. They are prepared by fermenting coconut sap or treating soybeans in an acidic solution. But can you apply it to your hair? Yes, you can. But no research studies confirm liquid amino acid’s efficiency in promoting hair growth when applied topically. Here’s how to use liquid amino acids for hair growth.
How To Use Liquid Amino Acid For The Hair
You Will Need
2 tablespoons of liquid amino acid 3 tablespoons of leave-in conditioner
How To Use How will applying for liquid amino acid help? Scroll down to find out.
Benefits Of Liquid Amino Acid
Here are the benefits of applying liquid amino acid to your hair:
Softens the hair. Adds definition to wavy and curly hair. Protects the hair from damage. Nourishes the hair follicles. Adds shine to the hair. Smoothens the hair. Prevents excessive hair shedding.
Before we come to a close, here’s what you need to know.
Watch Out For Over Supplementation
Over supplementation is never good for your hair. Consume foods rich in amino acids, but do not overconsume. Your body needs a balanced diet that includes carbs, fats, and proteins. Merely consuming proteins and sources of amino acids will adversely affect your hair. Can a lack of amino acids cause hair loss? Check out the infographic below to learn more about the foods that contain the amino acids that promote hair growth to obtain the most nutrients in just a single food source. Yes, amino acid deficiency can cause hair loss. Is it safe to take amino acids every day? Yes, it is safe to take amino acids every day as long as they are not consumed in huge amounts. How many amino acids are there in the hair? Your hair is made of keratin protein, which is made of 18 amino acids. Is lysine good for hair growth? Yes, lysine is good for hair growth as it helps in the production of collagen. Is keratin an amino acid? No. Keratin is a protein, which is made of 18 amino acids. How many amino acids are found in keratin? There are 18 amino acids in keratin.
