We all know that protein is vital for muscle maintenance and growth but what do we really know about protein and beauty? As science would have it, all those expensive creams, elixirs and salon visits could be going to waste if you are missing out on an adequate intake of this vital macronutrient. Because as it turns out, grandma was right all along when she said beauty began from within.

When it comes to maintaining healthy skin, staying hydrated lands at the top of our to-do list. Ensuring we drink enough water throughout the day not only helps our skin look radiant and plump, but it also helps our skin rid itself of toxins from within. This means fewer breakouts and a smoother complexion. We also know that antioxidant-rich foods such as leafy greens, blueberries and strawberries are crucial to our cell renewal process and slowing down the aging process. What we are less likely to consider when eating for beauty is the importance of protein for healthy hair, skin and nails. 


If you haven’t considered adding a scoop of protein powder into your breakfast smoothie, here are a few reasons you may reconsider. Your facialist will thank you for it!
 

 

We make a case for adding protein into your beauty regime (1)

Healthy locks

Smashed avocado, two eggs with a dash of oil…

No, we’re not talking about breakfast but the lengths we will go to and the ingredients we will put on our head for healthy locks. Beyond the messy home remedies there are also the occasional salon visits for a trim and expensive hair treatment. But did you know all those luxurious salon purchases all have one key ingredient in common – keratin.

Keratins are a group of proteins that form the structural framework of epithelial cells, which make up tissues such as hair, skin and nails. Healthy production of keratin relies on a combination of protein as well as specific vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, Vitamin D and Iron. When our protein reserves are depleted, our bodies save it for more crucial bodily functions such as cell renewal and boosting our immunity. This means the first thing to go is our hair.

If you are experiencing thinning hair or simply want to ensure you maintain those healthy locks, adding protein powder into your supplements repertoire will help aid your body’s natural keratin production.

We make a case for adding protein into your beauty regime (2)

Healthy Skin and Nails 

Every cell in our body relies on protein to thrive and when it comes to our skin, protein forms the very building block of skin tissue. It should come as no surprise then that an adequate intake of protein is vital for healthy skin and nails. Yet despite the importance of this macronutrient in our diets, many of us are overlooking protein powder supplements in our beauty regime.

Helping deliver amino acids not naturally found in our body, protein is not only essential to our skins ability to repair itself but offers a host of added benefits. Amino acids such as L-lysine and L-provide not only boost the cell renewal process but have also been found to assist in combating acne and helping promote a more vibrant complexion.

Whey proteins, in particular, help deliver glutathione, a powerful antioxidant known for fighting free radicals. Made from three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acids, and glycine, it has readily been linked to slowing down the aging process in our skin.

We make a case for adding protein into your beauty regime (3)

Sometimes food just isn’t enough

We know that eating protein-rich foods such as beans, chickpeas and lentils, along with healthy meats for non-vegetarians will provide our skin with plenty of nutrients and added minerals such as zinc. However, it is also important to note that not all proteins are made equal. While animal sources of protein such as chicken, eggs and beef offer a complete amino acids profile, plant-based sources do not.

If you are a fussy eater or lead a vegan or vegetarian diet, chances are that your body is not receiving a complete amino acids profile from your diet alone. The Happy Way vegan range of protein powders contain both pea and brown rice proteins which when combined offer a complete amino acids profile.

 

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