Keratin Fact Sheets
Author: starhosi
Keratin is an extremely strong protein that is a major component in skin, hair, nails, hooves, horns, and teeth. It forms the top layer of the skin, or epidermis, making our skin virtually waterproof, while its tough texture protects our insides. Since the substance is produced by amino acids, the best sources for its consumption are high protein foods.
Properties
Most people interact with this tissue after it is actually dead; hair, skin, and nails are all formed from dead cells that the body sheds as new cells push up from underneath. If the dead cells are kept in good condition, they will serve as an insulating layer to protect the delicate new tissue below them. It is difficult to dissolve keratin because it contains cysteine disulfide, which means that it is able to form disulfide bridges. These bridges create a helix shape that is extremely strong, as sulfur atoms bond to each other, creating a fibrous matrix that is not readily soluble.
Types
Keratin is found in all animal types including, birds, reptiles, shell fish and mammals. They are present in nearly all human body tissue. Soft epithelial types keep the skin smooth and waterproof; however, when the skin is rubbed to harshly these proteins build up to create protective callouses. Organ tissue contains cytokeratins that provide the strength to hold the cell walls together. The hard form of it is the primary structure for hair.
Food Sources
Hair and nails on humans especially tend to become dry and brittle, because the dead keratin is being pushed to great lengths. By eating foods and keeping hair and nails moist, they can be grown out while still remaining healthy.
Soy, eggs, dairy products and nuts are foods rich in the amino acid cystine. When combined with foods rich in sulfur, the development of this protein occurs naturally. One website identifies sulfur-rich foods as those that "tend to be warming or spicy, like garlic, radish, onion, mustard or hot peppers." For a diet lacking in keratin builders, supplements containing the amino acid cystine (also called L-Cystine, 56-89-3) paired with MSM, a natural sulfur compound, will enhance this protein development.
Vitamin C enables your body to absorb vegetable-based proteins, which are keratin building blocks. Examples of vitamin C foods that can promote its development include peppers, Brussels sprouts and citrus fruits. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, assists in metabolizing body proteins, the foundation for this nutrition. Vegetables such as onions, cauliflower and broccoli contain vitamin B7 and can improve its production in the body. Whole grains such as barley, spelt and rye are beneficial sources that also promote keratin generation.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/keratin-fact-sheets-6592791.html
About the AuthorStar Hosi is a freelance writer for e-commerce website in the chemistry. Guidechem.com is just a place for you to look for some chemicals! Our guidechem provide the most convenient conditions for the international buyers and let these leads benefit all the business people.
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