10 Foods that Make Healthy Nails!

When you look down on your hands, what do you see? Long, healthy nails? Or dull and brittle nails? Like every other body part, the way our nails look and feel is affected by what we eat and what we don’t eat. There are many great at-home manicure kits that can heal your nails and make them look healthier, but if you want to make the results last and get shiny, strong nails, here are the foods that you need to eat:

Eggs

A wonderful source of vitamin A and protein, eggs are a great food to boost nail health. Also, just one cooked egg contains 10 mcg of biotin – an important protein for nail growth. Why are proteins so important for your nails? Because nails are made up of Keratin protein, and a protein-rich diet will make your nails healthy and strong.

Quinoa, nuts, chickpeas

If you avoid animal protein, you need to supplement this source of protein by consuming quinoa, nuts, chickpeas, and legumes. These foods are rich in proteins, and combining them in your meals will make for healthy nails.

Dark leafy greens

Dark, leafy greens, like Kale, spinach and broccoli are a great source of iron – another vital element for overall health and nail health. These seemingly innocent greens are packed with calcium, iron, and folate that make you stronger, make your blood flow rich, and make your nails healthy.

Berries

Our body is exposed to free radicals that destroy cells, and when we feel stressed, free radical damage is even worse. Natural agents that fight these damaging radicals are Antioxidants. When you consume antioxidants, you decrease the activity of radicals that damage body cells – including the nails. Foods that are not only rich in antioxidants, but also incredibly tasty are berries – especially Blueberries. Strawberries are also a great source of antioxidants, especially Vitamin c, so combine them in salads, smoothies, or snack on them as is.

Bell peppers

Another delicious source for vitamin c is bell peppers; the vital vitamin boosts overall health by promoting collagen manufacturing – a protein that prevents nail brittleness. To add other delicious sources of Vitamin C to your plate, eat fresh tomatoes of any kind.

Sweet potatoes and carrots

These green vegetables provide the body vitamin A that helps nail growth and is also a potent antioxidant.

Foods rich with healthy oils

Avocado, fatty fish (like Salmon), and olive oil are rich in healthy fatty oils, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. Consuming just one teaspoon of your healthy oil choice once a day will make your nails and your skin glow.

Mushrooms

Delicious and nutritious, mushrooms are a wonderful addition to many dishes, and you can also consume them raw. Aside from being a tasty addition to your diet, mushrooms are rich in biotin, potassium, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and niacin – which are vital for nail health.

Seeds

Hemp, chia, and flax seeds have become very popular super-foods that you can now find in practically every grocery store. The popularity of these seeds derives from their many health benefits, including their effects on nail growth. Seeds contain great amounts of protein, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen nails and help fight damages caused by the environment, nail polish, and various chemicals.

Whole grains

Complex carbohydrates, like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat give you an energy boost whenever you consume them. These grains also contain silicon, biotin, and cysteine that prevent nail damage and promote nail health. If that isn’t enough, oats also contain zinc, copper, B-complex vitamins, manganese, and other micronutrients that strengthen bones and fingernails.

Healthy nails are the result of nutrition and a good nail care regimen. If your nails are looking fragile and unhealthy, the problem may be with your diet. To make sure you are in good health, combine the rich foods mentioned here, and to discover that there are no underlying issues, consult a physician.