Healthy hair, nails, and skin are signs of a healthy body and mind. To achieve healthy nails, skin, and hair, you need a sufficient amount of protein, specifically collagen. Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It is primarily composed of one amino acid: glycine. One-third of all the collagen in our body is made up of glycine.
Although our body can produce glycine, it doesn’t make enough, so we need to obtain it from our diet. Protein is the best source of glycine, but it’s important to note that common proteins like red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, or even dairy are not very high in glycine. To increase your glycine intake, you should consume chicken skin, chicken bones, or organ meats, which many people tend to avoid. Therefore, consuming a variety of protein sources is essential.
Glycine is crucial for producing an antioxidant in our cells called glutathione. A deficiency in glycine can impair the production of glutathione, leading to increased toxicity and inflammation. This is one of the reasons glycine is highly anti-inflammatory. Glycine is also vital for liver health and gut health, helping to prevent inflammation in the gut.
Additionally, glycine is involved in various enzymes and proteins, such as catalase, which helps eliminate hydrogen peroxide from the body, keeping hair healthy by preventing the bleaching of pigment. Glycine is essential for producing heme in your blood, and a lack of glycine can impair blood production and affect gum health. Moreover, glycine is necessary for DNA synthesis, and a deficiency can lead to poor sleep quality.