Diet plays a huge part in our wellbeing, but did you also know that our diet affects our nails as well? Your nails need good nutrition just as much as your skin and hair (and, you know, everything else). A healthy, well-balanced diet will get you there but there are a few foods that are especially good for nail health.
If your nails need a little TLC, get these 5 foods on your plate.
5 foods for healthy nails
Blueberries
Blueberries are little antioxidant powerhouses. Antioxidants are your first line of dietary defence against free radical damage. Although it sounds pretty badass, free radical damage can elevate stress hormones and inflammation and cause cell damage throughout your body, including your nails. Bring on the blueberries!
Almonds
Almonds should be your go to snack if you have vertical ridges in your nails. These ridges can be a sign of magnesium deficiency and almonds just happen to be super high in magnesium. They’re also a great source of protein, which helps maintain healthy nails, and vitamin E, which prevents nail splitting.
Greens
Greens such as, spinach, broccoli, watercress, kale and collards all have calcium, magnesium, and potassium. All these minerals are vital when it comes to nutrition for your nails. If you'd like to take it a step further, spirulina is a great source of biotin, protein, Vitamin B12 and iron, ie healthy nail gold.
Organic Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the most nutritious seeds around. They’re rich in protein, iron, magnesium, potassium, omega 3 fatty acids and biotin. Which is basically a wish list of everything your nails have ever wanted. As a bonus, pumpkin seeds can also improve your mood and energy. We’ll take some!
Oats
Oats are the goat for nails. They’re super high in biotin, a nutrient that has been proven to improve nail brittleness. Oats are also packed with zinc and silicon. Zinc deficiency weakens nails and causes hangnails. Silicon helps your body make collagen, which helps strengthen your nails. Go for unrefined oats for the best results!
