IPB University Researcher: This Is the Benefit of Drinking Milk for Hair Health

Hair is a crown that gets a lot of attention. Healthy and well-grown hair will certainly improve appearance and self-confidence.

Problems that arise in hair such as thinning hair, hair loss, red hair, hair split ends make the owner affected not only physical appearance but can affect physiological conditions.

Nutrient-rich Milk That Is Easy to Digest

One of the most talked about food ingredients in maintaining healthy hair if consumed regularly is milk.

“No one can argue that consuming milk regularly is good for our health. This is because milk is rich in various nutrients that are easily digested, explained Prof Ronny Rachman Noor, Ecological Genetics Expert at IPB University.

He explained, that various nutrients contained in milk such as protein, calcium, minerals, vitamin D, vitamin B in general maintain and improve body health.

Milk and Hair Health

According to Prof Ronny, one of the milk ingredients that is beneficial for hair health is milk protein. This component is closely related to keratin-the natural protein produced by hair follicles.

To get healthy hair, protein intake must be sufficient. If there is a lack of protein intake, hair will become thin and even experience loss.

“Milk contains casein which is a high-quality protein that is easily absorbed by the body. This casein is an essential ingredient for producing keratin production. So in general, consuming milk has a positive impact on hair health,” explained Prof Ronny.

It should be noted, that hair growth and hair health conditions are certainly not only determined by protein intake alone. There are many other influencing factors such as genetic factors, hormonal balance, and general body health conditions.

“In addition to milk protein, milk vitamin content such as vitamin D, vitamin B, and vitamin A also play a role in nourishing the hair. For example, vitamin D affects hair growth, so a lack of vitamin D will make hair thin. Vitamin A is related to sebum production that keeps the scalp moist,” explains Prof Ronny.

Prof Ronny explained, various vitamin B including vitamin B12 in milk have a direct impact on the formation of red blood cells which are important for supplying oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.

Other nutrients such as calcium also play a role in supporting hair growth by regulating various enzyme activities that are directly involved in hair follicle formation and hair growth.

Behind the benefits, there are other things that also need to be considered, one of which is the content of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen.

Hormones do play an important role in maintaining hair health and growth. However, the content of natural hormones such as progesterone and estrogen in cow’s milk needs to be a special concern for people who experience hormonal imbalances.

“For example, in people who experience androgenic alopecia disorder characterized by baldness in several areas of the head unevenly, hormone intake from milk can have an impact on their hormonal balance,” explains Prof Ronny.

Hair Health and Growth is Complex

Basically, consuming milk regularly supports hair health and growth. Milk can be part of the supply of proteins, hormones, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the growth and development of hair follicles.

However, it should be noted that maintaining healthy and growing hair requires balanced nutrition including protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals. This means, that hair problems cannot be solved by consuming milk alone.

“Hair health and growth is very complex. So, if we experience hair problems, we can’t necessarily solve it by drinking milk alone because it is also influenced by genetic factors, general health conditions, and also balanced intake and nutrition,” said Prof Ronny.

In addition, he continued, “To maintain hair health and growth it must be supported by drinking enough water to avoid dehydration and also minimize stress.” (IAAS/LAN)