Although men usually experience more significant and visible hair loss, women are also at risk for thinning hair. There are numerous causes for hair loss in women and some cannot be prevented. However, consuming enough essential nutrients on a daily basis can help prevent hair loss related to malnutrition in women. Whey protein is an excellent source of high-quality protein women can add to a healthy meal plan and meet daily protein requirements.
Whey Basics
Whey protein is commonly used in protein supplements and weight loss shakes. Whey is also found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Whey is a complete protein because it contains all the essential amino acids a woman's body requires on a daily basis. Some plant-based proteins such as nuts, seeds and legumes are considered incomplete proteins because they are missing one or more essential amino acids. Although you can combine different incomplete proteins to help form a complete protein, whey protein is a quick and easy way to meet your protein needs.
Hair Loss Basics
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that the most common cause of hair loss is genetics. However, in women hair loss can also occur from hormonal changes such as having a baby or going through menopause when estrogen levels decrease. The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that hair loss can occur from consuming too little dietary protein, consuming too few calories or experiencing a significant weight loss. Hair loss is common in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery for weight loss. According to Mayo Clinic, consuming foods high in protein after gastric bypass surgery can help prevent hair loss.
Protein Requirements
According to the Institute of Medicine, the recommended dietary allowance or RDA for protein is 71 g per day for pregnant and nursing women, 56 g per day for adult men and 46 g per day for adult women. RDAs are considered minimum daily requirements to help meet protein needs for 97 to 98 percent of people in each population group. Adding whey protein to your diet can help you easily meet your daily requirements for protein. However, if you're pregnant or nursing always ask your healthcare provider before taking any form of whey protein supplement, since supplements are not tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and may contain ingredients discouraged during pregnancy and lactation.
Whey Nutritional Information
The amount of protein provided by whey protein products is quite variable. Milk contains whey protein and provides about 8 g of protein per cup. Other types of whey protein powders used to make shakes such as GNC Pro Performance chocolate whey protein powder and Optimum Nutrition's Classic Whey protein powder provide 20 g and 21 g or protein, respectively, per serving.
Member Comments