QUINOA EXTRACT

Quinoa, potatoes, tomatoes, corn or chocolate are foods that have in common their American origin. When Europeans arrived in America, they discovered a new world full of unfamiliar products that enriched their gastronomy. 500 years later, not only do these products continue to conquer the European palate, but also the rest of the world.

Quinoa or quinua (Chenopodium quinoa), is a pseudo-cereal that grows in the Andes Mountains and has been undervalued until relatively recently. Its high nutritional value, due to its high content of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, mineral elements, and trace elements, have made it a very rich popular product in the field of nutrition.

Quinoa contains more and greater quality protein than any other grain grown today. It also contains beneficial minerals such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Potassium.

Due to its brilliant properties and benefits it has recently been renamed “Super Cereal” or “astronaut food“, as quinoa is the food they eat when they are in space. For this reason, quinoa has established itself as the greatest source of vegetable protein, and one of the most complete and balanced foods in the world.
The consumption of quinoa is recommended to strengthen the body and combat fatigue. Also according to the United Nations Organization for Agriculture (FAO) the seeds, leaves and stems of this pseudo-cereal cure more than 22 different human illnesses and conditions.

QUINOA’S HAIR BENEFITS

Nuggela & Sulé, within its culture of innovation has made use of the benefits of this “Superfood” to improve the results of its products. Quinoa’s high content of essential amino acids, makes it the best active ingredient to improve hair health.

Quinoa contains 16 amino acids, such as Lysine, Arginine, Phenylalanine, Methionine, Histidine, Tryptophan, Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine, Alanine, and Threonine. Among which we highlight 2 that benefit the hair:

METHIONINE

In addition to strengthening nails it is also effective against hair loss. Methionine contains Sulphur, which forms chains that interlock with each other, reproducing whatever is going on with the hair while helping to strengthen its structure. According to a recent study, Methionine also helps against hair loss(1). In 2006, the results of a study involving patients with hair loss were published within the framework of a dermatological congress held in Florence. In this study, 30 patients participated and were divided into two groups. One group was given a combined amino acid preparation and B vitamin complex. The other group was given Placebo. After 6 months, the amount of hair in the growth phase was found to be approximately 10% greater in the methionine-taking group than in the placebo-taking group(2).

ARGININE

Boosts hair growth. In difficult moments such as illness, stress or aging, the level of Arginine drops dramatically. In a recent post on Arginine as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), it was shown to be highly effective for hair growth.

Its dilating vessel effect favours hair growth, due to the abundance of nitric oxide that opens the potassium channels improving the blood supply to the hair follicle(3).

OTHER BENEFITS:

  • Protects and nourishes the hair follicle:
    Quinoa contains approximately 15% high quality protein, making it the highest among all grains or seeds in the world. The hydrolyzed proteins extracted from quinoa protect and nourish the hair follicle from the inside.
  • Stimulates hair growth:
    Regular consumption of quinoa provides shine to the hair. Its high protein content provides food to the body cells as well as to the hair follicle, essential for hair growth. This nutrition is also crucial for creating red blood cells that stimulate hair growth.
  • Helps eliminate dandruff:
    Quinoa contains important minerals such as Calcium, Iron, and Phosphorus helping seal moisture in the scalp, preventing it to dry and peel while keeping dandruff under control.
  • Helps seal split ends: Proteins have the ability to penetrate the hair’s cortex balancing its porosity while increasing its elasticity.
  • Reduces hair breakage: Quinoa also contains Vitamin E that balances the production of natural oil to keep hair properly hydrated while reducing breakage due to possible hair knots.
  • Preserves the original colour of hair: Quinoa contains an amino acid called Tyrosine, responsible for the pigmentation of hair and skin. This boosts the re-pigmentation of hair while maintaining its natural colour.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  1. Haneke, E. & Baran, R. (2011) Micronutrients for Hair and Nails, Nutrition for healthy skin, Volume 2, (pp.149-163)
  2. Alonso, L. & Fuchs, E. (2006) The hair cycle, Journal of Cell Science, issue 119, (pp.391-393)
  3. Saini, R. & Zanwar, A. A. (2013) Arginine Derived Nitric Oxide: Key to Healthy Skin, Bioactive Dietary Factors and Plant Extracts in Dermatology (pp.73-82)