Recent studies from the University of Castilla-La Mancha have revealed that a protein in Manchego cheese reduces hair loss.
A research group from the Food Science and Technology degree program at UCLM, on the Ciudad Real campus, has been studying the characteristics and nutritional properties of Manchego cheeses for several years.
Although the research is focused on analyzing how factors such as diet, climate, and terrain influence the production and characteristics of Manchega sheep’s milk—and on the other hand, the genetic influence of this native breed—the study has recently advanced in the analysis of specific proteins known as alolactoses.
This protein is very rare, but in the milk of the Manchega sheep breed, its concentration is very high—something that surprised the researchers.
In addition to other properties, the most notable feature of alolactoses is their strong action against hair loss, which could undoubtedly be a major breakthrough in the treatment of alopecia.
At UCLM, the director of the study, María Jesús González Utrilla, highlights the importance of the discovery and how it could revolutionize hair loss treatments—a sector that, due to poor results in recent years, has increasingly focused its technology and remedies on hair implants.
According to the study, this protein found in Manchego cheese reduces hair loss by 99%, which could make it a breakthrough treatment for alopecia.
The debate now focuses on how to concentrate these proteins, whether through lotions or capsules, or if the remedy can simply come from an adequate consumption of Manchego cheeses.
Looking back in time, this important discovery is reinforced by the long tradition of shepherds and artisan cheesemakers in La Mancha, where the large scalp that Manchegan shepherds used to sport is remembered by all.
This great discovery could be the revolution against hair loss, although today, December 28, we can simply state that enjoying a good Manchego cheese in company can make you forget if you don’t have the desired hair, even though this news is an April Fools’ joke.
