If you are having hair-fall problems, then it is time to check your protein intake. Protein deficiency will result in falling off your beautiful locks, as they are directly linked with each other.

But before we see how consuming little or no protein causes hair loss, let us first understand-

What is Protein?

Proteins are called building blocks of body tissue. It is very essential for the growth and maintenance of our human body. In fact, 20% of our body is made up of protein. It helps in proper functioning of your body organs, skin and hair. Proteins also give us energy.

So How are Protein and Hair related to each other?

Hair is made up of a type of protein called keratin that is produced in hair follicles. As the follicles produce new hair cells, the old cells are pushed out through the surface of the skin. When you see a strand out of your skin that means it is a dead cell.

Every strand of our hair has three stages of life – growth, rest and shedding phase.

The growing phase of our strand can last for two to three years. After the end of this phase, they go into a resting phase for about three to four months and then, they shed. Once the dead strands are gone, it is replaced by new strands.

Hair loss is a normal and natural process. According to scientists, a healthy person may lose approximately 100 strands of hair every single day. However, it becomes a cause for concern when you lose hair in a large number.

Now let us get to our main question,

How does Protein deficiency cause Hair-fall?

The reason why lack of protein causes hair fall is that it causes the strands to go into resting phase all at the same time and they eventually fall off. Read more on the tips to avoid hair fall.

Protein is used to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is important for building bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.  All these are important for the survival of a human body. Once our body notices that there is a lack of protein in our system, it will use whatever proteins left for functions that are more important. So that means the protein that is used for hair growth will no longer be supplied there, as our body considers hair not as important as the other organs for survival.

There also could be other underlining problems for hair-loss such as stress or hereditary. However, if you find yourself under no such stress or your family possessing healthy hair but you, then it probably could be lack of protein.

So now that we know how a lack of protein can cause seriously hair-loss, the next step is to know where do we find protein!

Protein can be found in all types of foods: non-vegetarian, vegetarian and dairy.

Non-vegetarian food

Eggs-  Eggs are packed with not only protein but also antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Egg whites are almost 100% protein.

Chicken breast-  Chicken breast (without the skin) is one of the healthiest protein-rich foods.

Beef-  It is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12.

Fish-  Fish of all types are full of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Vegetarian food-

Lentils-  It is one of the richest vegetarian food filled with protein. They are also rich in iron, potassium, manganese, and fiber (see more on the protein rich vegan foods).

Almonds-  Almonds contain protein, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and fiber.

Oats-  Oats are not only filled with protein, but also vitamin B1, magnesium, manganese, and fiber.

Peanuts-  Peanuts are a delicious source of protein, magnesium, and fiber.

Dairy

Cheese –  Cheese is filled with protein, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, and has the added advantage of being low on fats and calories.

Yogurt- It is quite high in protein.

Milk-  Milk is full of protein, calcium, riboflavin, and phosphorus.

Therefore, now that you know the relationship between protein deficiency and hair-loss and the different types of food filled with it go to the grocery store and fill your kitchen with these superfoods to regain your beautiful, luscious hair in no time!

Thanks for reading!