There’s certainly truth to the saying “You are what you eat”. We all want beautiful strong nails and nail strengtheners can only help so much. So you really need to try to get as many vitamins and nutrients as possible in the foods you eat, particularly if growing your nails seems like a hard task. Eating the right foods can make your nails stronger and healthier, naturally, in no time!
10 super foods that make your nails grow stronger and faster:
1. Milk
Milk is high in calcium which strengthens your nails and helps to make them grow faster. Try to aim for at least one glass per day. Lack of calcium in the body can cause your nails to become dry and brittle.
2. Eggs
It is a well known fact that protein based foods are essential for the overall health of your nails. This is because your nails are made up of keratin (a type of protein). By eating foods high in protein you are providing your body with the building blocks to grow healthy and strong nails. Eggs for example are very high in protein. Boiled, poached, scrambled or fried…. how ever you like them, two serves daily is recommended for healthy nails.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a wonderful food for your nails (as well as your heart, weight, hair and skin). Pumpkin seeds contain an array of nutrients including zinc, protein and fibre, they are rich in vitamin E and are alkaline forming – meaning they fight inflammation in the body. Eat alone or include in your own raw trial mix and you will be on your way to healthy nails in no time.
4. Broccoli
These little green trees are packed full of iron, another essential component for strong healthy nails. Lack of iron can cause nails to grow with ridges rather than a smooth surface.
5. Carrots
Eating carrots regularly, whether it be raw, cooked or in juice form, can improve the appearance of your nails. Carrots are high in vitamin A which prevents nails from becoming dull and dry. One serve daily is all that is required for help your nails become longer and stronger.
6. Beans
Beans are a good source of biotin, which is a type of vitamin B which prevents nails from breaking and is essential for overall nail health. Even a mild deficiency in biotin can cause dryness of the nails and slow nail growth. Lack of biotin in your diet can also cause your nails to become quite dark in colour.
7. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are packed full of the antioxidant called beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for cell growth, which in turn supports nail health. A lack of vitamin A is another contributor to dry and brittle nails. Sweet potatoes help boost your immunity and promote healthier, stronger nails.
8. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene and biotin, which can help your nails grow stronger and faster whilst providing them with a nice natural shine. Tomatoes are jam packed full of vitamin C (even more than an orange has) and vitamin A. With tomatoes, raw is best as cooking them can destroy the vitamin C content. So if its stronger nails you are after, tomatoes are your go-to food.
9. Bananas
Bananas are full of potassium, mineral silica – which is thought to improve the look of your nails and zinc – which strengthens your nails. Bananas also contain vitamin B6 which also contributes to health nails.
10. Avocados
Avocados are are rich in vitamins A,D, E, plus they are also a great source of antioxidants and contain biotin which helps prevent dry skin, brittle hair and nails.
See? You can literally eat your way to stronger nails!
Will you be adding any of these super foods to your next grocery list? Do you know any other foods that contribute to nail health? I have heard brazil nuts, salmon, spinach and coconut oil also work wonders.
Let us know in the comments below what seems to work for you and your nails!
– Katie
Photo: @nail_unistella
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