Are brittle nails common problems for you? Here’s a list of the food you need more of in your diet to naturally grow healthier nails over time
There is truth to that saying “You are what you eat.” That’s because the food we eat reflects on our bodies and our health, and leaves a significant impact in the long term. This is also true for our nail health since our fingernails rely on the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients we consume.
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That being said, a health professional is more able to tell you why exactly your fingernails are growing the way they are. It’s better to be safe than sorry by having a check-up in case there are underlying conditions like illnesses and nutritional deficiencies that are affecting your nails. In any case, improving your diet will only benefit you while improving nail health over time, so here’s a rundown of the nutrients you might need to focus on.
The foods you need
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Similar to how eating foods rich in biotin and protein promotes hair health, such foods promote nail health as well. For foods with a high concentration of biotin, you can look to whole grains, egg yolk, dairy products, organ meats, nuts, and seeds. For protein, you’ll find plenty in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats found mainly in nuts, seeds, and fish.
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Folate and iron are also integral to your nail growth, so be sure to incorporate more dark leafy vegetables into your diet along with colorful plant and animal foods. The common sources of these two can be found in legumes and beans, but also chicken, seafood, and eggs.
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As you can see, there is a lot of overlap because the foods mentioned are nutrient-dense and rich in complex carbohydrates. Beyond the biotin, protein, folate, and iron mentioned, there are a lot more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed for nail growth, but if you ultimately focus on having a balanced diet, then you’ll rest assured that your body will reflect that.
