Soft Drink
A group of scientists from Tsinghua University in Beijing have claimed that men (consumers) who drink soft drink excessively could run a greater risk of suffering from hair loss.
Soft drink here refers to energy drinks, sports drink, soft drink as well as other sugary beverages. The findings were based on a 4-month study conducted on 1,000 men between the ages of 18 to 45, who were required to consume between 1 and 3 litres of the drinks each week. They found that those who consumed more than one sweetened drink each day were at a 42% greater risk of experiencing hair loss, in comparison to men who did not drink high-caffeine and sugar drinks.
A healthy diet has long been known to prevent hair loss. A China dermatologist quoted that “Hair follicle cells are the second fastest dividing cells in the body and require all the nutrients of a well-balanced healthy diet. This includes lean proteins, good carbohydrates and fats, vitamins and minerals, but there is however no one superfood for hair.” Nutritional deficiencies is a common cause of hair thinning and shedding.
Plant-based proteins
Meanwhile, another separate cross-sectional study entitled China Health and Nutrition Survey 2018 found that plant-based proteins could boost muscle mass in the elderly population. The study was done on 4,826 elderly consumers aged 60 and above in 15 China provinces.
The protein intake data was evaluated using 3-day 24-hour dietary recalls. Plant-based protein sources were defined as cereals, tubers, starches, legumes, vegetables, fruits, fungi, algae, nuts and seeds, while animal proteins were identified as meat, poultry, milk, eggs and aquatic products.
Based on the findings, two-third of the participants’ dietary protein intake came from plant sources. The study found a close link between higher levels of total dietary protein/plant-based protein intake with higher muscle mass. In contrast, the association between animal protein and muscle mass was insignificant.
In the study group with participants who had the highest total protein intake, muscle mass increased by 0.96kg among men and 0.48kg among women. Similarly, in the group comprising participants who had the highest plant-based protein intake, muscle mass rose by 0.76kg among men and 0.35kg among women.
The authors of the study said, “Although animal protein is widely recognised to contain more nutritional properties than plant-based protein, the antioxidants and vitamins found in vegetables and fruits can enhance plant-protein absorption. It is also possible that consuming greater amounts of plant-based proteins can achieve the same anabolic (muscle-building) response evoked by smaller quantities of animal protein.”
In 2020, approximately 18.7% of the mainland China population were aged 60 and above. Ageing is a major factor in the decline of bodily function, including skeletal muscle mass. Adequate consumption of dietary protein is also critical to protect against sarcopenia, a medical condition common among the elderly which led to gradual loss of muscle mass, strength and function which ultimately affect the quality of life.
