Looking good is just as much as making sure that you take care of your body on the inside as well as on the outside. And this does not mean taking care of your skin solely, but also your hair and nails. A well-balanced and nutritious diet promotes good skin and better nail and hair health. So always keep in mind that getting that gorgeous looking hair can start at your very next meal.
Just like any other parts of the human body, the cells and all the necessary processes involved in the promotion of good hair and stronger nails depends largely on a person’s daily diet. Yes, any changes in your hair, be it good or bad, takes longer to be noticed compared to any changes in your skin. For example, if you’re frequently stressed out and eating very poorly, it will show in your skin as it will start to dry out, develop pimples or be sallow-looking only after a few days. But in cases of hair damage due to poor nutrition, it will still take a few months before you actually start noticing it.
When it comes to hair and nail growth, the nutrients you take in today can help strengthen or fortify the foundation of both. Since they are both made up of keratin, it is thought that the vitamins and nutrients that can strengthen one can also help the other.
Of course, there is more to this than the things that you eat. Hormonal imbalances, your stress levels, lack of sleep and poor physical activity levels and even smoking can also affect your hair and nail growth. If you’re prone to having these, then no amount of magic nutrient can help rectify that.
But all is not lost; you still have way more leverage than you think you have. If you can correct your diet and make sure that you consume foods that are helpful to your cause, then you’ll sure be on your way to having a stronger and better set of nails, as well as longer, more gorgeous hair.
What to Eat for Better Looking Hair and Nails?
1. Salmon.
Aside from being loaded with vitamin D and protein, both of which are essential to developing stronger hair, the omega3 fatty acids content of salmon are the true nutrients to beat. These fatty acids are needed for better hair growth and yet your body cannot produce those naturally. Studies have shown that hair and nails follicles are made up of these helpful fatty acids. Omega-3s are also found in the natural oils of your scalp that helps keep it hydrated and dandruff-free. If you’re no fan of salmon, then here are your alternatives: sardines, herring, trout, mackerel, pumpkin seeds as well as avocadoes and walnuts.
2. Walnuts.
When it comes to the very helpful Omega-3 fatty acid content, walnuts can thus come in contention. These wonder nuts are also packed with biotin and Vitamin E—nutrients that cloak your DNA cells from damage. Biotin can combat hair loss, so it’s a must that you stack up on this nutrient.
3. Whey protein.
Protein is what produces keratin in the hair and nails. If you hair and nails become protein-deficient, it might go to into a “resting phase” which equates to hair loss and brittle nails. So for a simple fix, try adding a coop of whey into your morning smoothie. Another bonus: whey protein can also help control your appetite, making it a great option for people who are trying to shed off excess weight.
4. Lentils.
Yes, it is true what they say that great things come in small packages—something that aptly applies to lentils. These mighty legumes are packed with vital nutrients such as iron, zinc, protein and biotin.
5. Spinach
Spinach may not be everybody’s favourite veggies, but it helps to know that it contains a lot of things that can aid in the development of healthy hair and scalp. Its beta carotene, folate and Vitamin C content helps in keeping your hair follicles and nail beds healthy and strong.
6. Sweet Potatoes
These are effective sources of beta carotene which is being utilized by your body to produce Vitamin A. People who lack vitamin A in their bodies are prone to having itchy scalp and dandruff.
