Like our skin and hair, our nails can reflect our health where our habits, nutrition and hydration all playing a role in keeping them strong and nourished.
Eating enough protein is not just essential for muscle mass but also essential to produce keratin – the protein that gives our nails strength and structure. Excellent protein sources can be obtained in foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, beans and lentils.
Iron also plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen to growing tissues while zinc supports cell growth and repair. Leafy greens, red meat, nuts and seeds provide adequate amounts of iron and zinc to prevent brittle and weakened nails.
Although research is still limited, early findings are showing promising results for collagen supplements being potentially beneficial for nail health. A 2017 study found people taking 2.5g of collagen peptides daily for six months experienced 42% fewer broken nails and a 12% increase in nail growth.
Everyday detergents and frequent exposure to water can make them more prone to splitting so by wearing gloves during cleaning and applying hand cream or cuticle oil, can help maintain moisture.
More on this topic: Vitamins & wellness — supplements from Zooki, and PPRX bundles.
Sources and further reading
- Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2017;16(4):520–526. View source
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
