Keratin is an incredible protein that is embedded deep within the hair, nails and skin of the human body.
It serves various important functions – maintaining skin structure, enhancing nails and hair health and promoting better healing of wounds.
Consuming certain foods can significantly boost the production/synthesis of keratin in the body, which in turn assists in improving skin texture and preventing hair loss.
Here are a few of these keratin-boosting foods.
- Sweet potatoes
This delicious group of vegetables are known for being especially nutrient-dense. Sweet potatoes are rich in provitamin A carotenoids which is in turn coverted to vitamin A. Vitamin A boosts keratin-synthesis and is great for maintaining healthy hair and skin conditions. Sweet potatoes also boasts huge amounts of vitamins B6 and C, potassium and manganese.
- Mangoes
Mangoes conatin provitamin A and other essential nutrients, including folate and vitamin C, required for good skin texture and hair.
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- Onions
Onions are great for improving meal flavors and aroma. Yet they are not left out when it comes to nutritional value. Onions contain concentrated amounts of folate (folate strengthens hair and promotes growth) and N-acetylcysteine, a plant antioxidant that gets coverted into L-cysteine (a Keratin component) by the body.
- Garlic
Similar to onions, they contain N-acetylcysteine – which is converted into a keratin component. Garlic also supplies the human body with manganese and vitamin B6.
- Carrots
Carrots are high in provitamin A and vitamin C. These vitamins boost collagen production to promote healthy nails, hair and skin. It also aids proper healing of wounds, reducing inflammation and preventing skin damage.
- Eggs
Eggs contain biotin, an essential nutrient that actively promotes the production of keratin (one cooked egg can supply 10 mcg of biotin). They also contain selenium, vitamins A and B12, and riboflavin.