Isn't it so annoying to find your nails breaking and chipping every time you plan to shape them or get some nail art done? Trust us, it's a problem with most of the women out there, and at times men too complain of weak nails. Some blame it on the dry weather, while some think it happens due to the excess use of water while doing their daily chores. But what you fail to realise every single time is that your nail health is as important as the rest of the body and it too needs proper nutrients for proper growth. In fact, you might be yet more surprised to hear that your nails speak all about the condition of your bones. Nails are connected to the bones via ligaments under the skin and exchange nutrients to stay strong and nourished. This is why, it is important to eat proper foods to keep your nails strong, further nourishing your bone health.
Also Read: 5 Signs Your Body Is Low On Calcium - Important Steps To Take
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How Do Your Nails Affect Your Bone Health? What Is The Link Between Nails And Bones?
As mentioned earlier, your bones and nails are connected through ligaments. Besides both consist of proteins that keep them strong and connected to each other. According to a study published in the Journal of Women's Health, bones need collagen and nails need keratin - two distinct structural proteins that "require protein sulfation and disulfide bond formation, via cysteine, for structural integrity". Any kind of disorder in either of the processes may lead to a disorder in the synthesis of the structural proteins, affecting both bones and nails.
Moreover, a low amount of protein in the body may also affect the calcium content in bones (and nails), making them weak and brittle.
How To Strengthen Your Nail Health:
To put it simply, you need to keep up strong bone health to enjoy hard, nourished and well-shaped nails. And what's better than a healthy diet to keep up strong bones and nails? Fret not, you don't need to go out of your way or break your daily diet pattern. Instead, know the nutrients that help promote nail health and consume them wisely.
Here, we would like to bring to your attention some nutrients that you might be already eating without knowing their benefits for your nails. And trust us, each of these food items is available in almost everyone's kitchen. Let's check out.
Also Read: Your Nails Can Reveal Many Secrets About Your Diet!
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Foods For Strong Nails: 5 Common Nutrients That May Help Prevent Brittle Nails:
1. Eggs For Protein:
We have already spoken about how important protein is for keeping up your bones and nails healthy. It helps the production of keratin and collagen that further help strengthen your nails, bones and overall health. And what better than eggs for your daily protein fix?! Here are some smart ways to sneak eggs into your daily diet.
2. Fish For Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Fish is considered one of the potent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help keep your nails naturally moisturised. It also prevents inflammation on the nail bed and reduces the risks of breakage. Click here for some delicious fish recipes.
3. Milk For Calcium:
If you are asked for a food that contains calcium, milk will probably be the first name to pop up in your mind. Calcium has a major role to play in our body and supports both nail and bone health. A deficiency of calcium may make your nails dry and rough, increasing the chances of it turning fragile. Click here to know about the different ways you can enjoy a glass of milk every day.
4. Lemon For Folic Acid:
Folic acid or vitamin B9 helps generate cell production which encourages faster nail growth. Any kind of deficiency may make your nails rigid and brittle. You can easily include folic acid through some lemon juice. And we got you some interesting ways to drink tangy lemon juice daily.
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5. Dal For Zinc:
Dal is a staple for most of us. Besides various essential nutrients, it contains an adequate amount of zinc too that supports the production of protein in your body. Several studies have shown that when your body doesn't get enough zinc, it affects the growth of nails and makes them fragile. Click here for some delicious dal recipes that you can try.
Now that you know all about the healthy nutrients for nails, we suggest including them in your diet and enjoying good nails. But remember, do not go overboard as excess of everything has a negative effect on your health.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.