Cystine- A Building Block in the Construction of the Hair Strands!

There are numerous factors like a nourishing diet, that can ensure fulfilling all the essential needs that are responsible for the healthy growth of hair. Protein is the building block of tissues & cells that make up the hair strands. There are several amino acids that are responsible for protein formation and various functionality of the hair- Cystine is one of them.

Cystine is a crystalline sulfur-containing amino acid that is formed when two Cysteine residues are oxidized. Cystine is the building block of hair strands as it becomes the physical part of hair. More than 5% of this very essential amino acid is present in our hair strands.

Apart from its physical contribution to the strands, Cystine has also been found to be essential for overall growth of hair as it boosts the body’s immune system & improves defense against diseases.

Tips to Eesure your Cystine Level is adequate:

A nourishing, balanced diet will fulfill all the essential requirements. Here are a few major sources of Cystine listed which should be incorporated in one’s diet:

#1. The humble egg:

Egg is one of the richest sources of Cystine. Having it in any form is beneficial. Incorporating it in our everyday breakfast will do wonders.

#2. Pick poultry:

All kinds of birds, be it Turkey, Goose, Chicken or Pigeon, are a good source of Cystine. In fact, roasted turkey breast is one of the richest sources of it.

#3. Add soybeans:

Apart from many other known benefits of soybeans very few people know about its contribution to Cystine. Using it in any way whether roasted or in flour form, can ensure maintaining the Cystine levels.

#4. Don’t forget the greens:

Green vegetables should be a must in everyday diet to balance the required nutritional needs including Cystine.

#5. Choose whole grains:

By choosing whole grains of the cereals in your diet you can easily keep the Cystine level balanced. Oats, wheat, couscous, etc. are rich in Cystine.

How does low level of Cystine affect hair’s health?

Lot’s of research has been taken up to find out the overall impact of Cystine for the health of hair strands and it is certain that if the levels are low, it adversely affects the strands.

As Cystine is crucial for hair’s strength therefore if its level goes down then the hair’s tensile strength depletes greatly. This results in making the strands brittle. Hair styles which need pulling the tresses tightly like braids or cornrows should be avoided as it will lead to hair loss.

If left unattended, low levels of Cystine will impact the volume & density of hair adversely gradually resulting in hair thinning or balding. To reverse thinning, one will need extensive hair loss treatment at a reputed center. But if balding occurs, then hair replacement or hair transplant is the only viable option.

Conclusion:

To keep Cystine levels balanced one needs to follow the advice of hair experts & take care of our diet and along with it stress & tension should be kept under control.