What Is Keratin
By Rebecca
Hi, my name is Rebecca and I will be explaining exactly what is keratin. This is how Webster’s defines keratin:
ker·a·tin
ˈkerəˌtin/
noun
noun: keratin; plural noun: keratins
a fibrous protein forming the main structural constituent of hair, feathers, hoofs, claws, horns, etc.
Keratin is a strong protein that is a major key component in forming skin, hair, nails, hooves, horns, and teeth. Amino acids combine to form a bond like a barrier. Keratin can be hard, like a horses hooves, or soft, as is the case with skin. If the dead cells are kept in good condition, they will serve as an insulating layer to protect the new tissue that is forming below them.
Hair and nails on humans especially tend to become dry and brittle, because the dead keratin is being pushed to great lengths. Eating foods like gelatin (can be found in foods such as jello, yogurt, gummie snacks, gummie vitamins) can help with the elasticity found in your hair and nails. By keeping hair and nails moist and hydrated, they can be grown out while still remaining healthy. In general, the thicker the layer of keratin, the healthier the hair or nail is, because the dead cells outside protect the living cells at the core. Keeping the external layer moisturized will also keep it healthy and prevent cracking and splitting, whether it is forming the hooves of a horse of the skin of a human.
Now with this background knowledge of what keratin is and how it works. So now this should shed some light on the latest crazy influx of keratin and how you can find it in everything from vitamins to the latest hair treatments and products. Please understand that everybody has a different tolerance to added keratin into there system and should introduce anything new gradually, to take notice of how it is effecting you.
Sources cited: www.wisegeek.com
