Believe it or not but your nail can tell about overall health. To diagnose some diseases physicians check nails at first hand, for example in jundice the nail turns yellow, pale nails indicate anemia, blue nails are understood as not enough oxygen in your bloodstream, half pink, half white nails indicate kidney disorder and so on. But WHY nails are potential indicators of underlying health issues?
Fingernails have three layers of tissue called keratin. Keratin is a type of tissue that has amino acid proteins. Keratin is naturally present in your hair and nails. It’s found in other animals, including horse hooves.
Why you can trim your fingernails and toenails is the keratin cells are no longer living, they represent formerly living cells that needed nutrients and proteins to survive. It's how deformities in the nails can indicate potential underlying problems, such as nutritional deficiencies.
Aging and poor nutrition can lead to your nails dry, thin, and easy to break. There are also some environmental factors, habits/lifestyle, and medical conditions that can make nails brittle. But you don't have to put up with the problem. Proper care can make all the difference in keeping your nails healthy and strong.
Why Nail is Important?
The concept of paws and claws is very relatable to our fingernails and toenails.Its definitely more than manicure-pedicure styling. Finger nails are there to protect our finger tip. We use our hands to engage in so many things, to work, our feet are very much exposed. In primitive times men used nails for self-protection and survival.
Fingernails play several important roles in the body. They are;
Strengthening. This makes performing everyday tasks, including gripping, less risky. The fingernails have many small blood vessels, and can maintain their blood flow even when you’re gripping something very tightly.
Protection. Protects the body from viruses and bacteria.
Enhancing fine motor movements. The fingernails enhance your ability to scratch and separate, such as hairs on your head.
Sensation. There’s an intricate network of nerves underneath the nail.
Do you know, fingernails grow around twice as fast as toenails, according to a 2010 study.
Fingernails have better blood flow, in part because they’re closer to your heart. Deep vein thrombosis and other peripheral vascular illnesses are among the blood flow issues that are more likely to affect the legs and feet. Both toenail growth and functionality may be impacted by this.
Food for your Nails
There are plenty of nutrients in food that can help your nails, taking them from dry and brittle to healthy and strong. Foods that can improve your nails include fruits, lean meats, fish, leafy greens, beans, eggs, nuts, and whole grains. You can add Biotin supplements for really healthy, pinky nails. Biotin acts as the most important vitamin in support of keratin.
Other than manicure and pedicure no much care is given to the nail. By now, you might have realized the importance of good nail health. So, here we will tell you some high nutrient food that is good for overall nail health.
Dark leafy greens including spinach, broccoli, and kale
They help make your nails, well, tough as nails. Leafy green veggies, including kale, spinach, broccoli provide your body with enough iron, folate, and calcium to get nails back into fighting shape.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers
Vitamin C is abundant in tomatoes and bell peppers, which is fantastic for collagen levels, and Vitamin A is abundant in sweet potatoes and carrots, which supplies the essential antioxidants for strong, healthy nails.
Fruits and berries
Blueberries have the highest antioxidant content of all fruit. According to Livestrong, blackberries and grapes are also high in antioxidants, providing an equally sweet treat for your fingertips.Strawberries and kiwis, both of which are high in Vitamin C.
Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, which naturally strengthens the nails.
According to Livestrong, dried apricots and bananas are also good choices because they are high in vitamin A and B6.
Biotin
There are plenty of nutrient-rich sources of protein and biotin that aren't meat-based if you prefer a plant-based diet but want to keep your nails looking flawless. Tuskca Biotin Nails, Hair & Skin is a comprehensive formula that provides essential nutrients for healthy nails, hair, and skin. It supports collagen formation and reduces nail brittleness and splitting. Biotin is an essential vitamin for the skin, hair, and nails. Zinc is essential to help maintain healthy nails, hair, and skin.
Beans and legumes, lentils
Legumes, like lentils, are packed with nine essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and biotin. That!, so you'll want to enjoy them in soups and stews year-round to reap their nail-enhancing benefits.
Eggs
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse that give your body so much good stuff, you'll feel and see the benefits from head to toe, including your nails.
Whole grains
Brown Rice, Oatmeal are very healthy for overall well-being and also for your nails.
Nuts and seeds, including almonds and sunflower seeds
Snacking on nuts and seeds provides a good dose of healthy fats that your nails might be craving. Almonds are a pretty great source of protein and magnesium. Whereas sunflower seeds are also the perfect antidote to weakened nails.