Beer and 14 Other Foods that Will Strengthen Hair and Nails

Not everyone is lucky enough to have naturally shiny, thick hair or healthy nails. If you find that your hair is too dry or that your nails are too brittle, you may need to make a change to your habits or try to include more nutrients in your diet.

Instead of heading to the store and purchasing some hair and beauty products, to strengthen your hair and nails, try filling your body with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Actually, the easiest way to promote healthier hair and nails, is to eat healthy food.

By looking at the vitamins and minerals that are contained in various foods, you can find several foods to include in your diet that can dramatically impact the health of your hair and nails. Before you visit a hair and beauty store, make sure that you are eating some of the foods listed below. These 15 foods and drinks will help strengthen your hair and nails.

Beer

At the top of the list is one of the most surprising items – beer. Beer can actually help promote healthier hair follicles. Beer contains silicon, which can improve blood circulation in your scalp. Open a bottle of beer and leave it sitting out for several hours. Once the beer is flat, pour the beer onto your damp hair. Massage it into your scalp and hair. Allow the beer to sit for 15 minutes and then take a shower and shampoo your hair as you normally would.

Salmon

Salmon is a super food. It contains very high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, along with biotin. All three of these compounds can help keep your hair and nails healthy. Try to eat salmon twice per week. Other fish, such as mackerel, can also provide a healthy dose of the same nutrients.

Almonds

Almonds contain protein, magnesium, and essential fatty acids. All of these nutrients can help repair cells, promoting healthier skin, nails, and hair. The magnesium can help lower your stress levels, which is a common cause of early hair loss.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a beneficial fruit for providing your body with more vitamin C and vitamin A. The vitamin A can increase the production of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by your body. When your body lacks vitamin A, you may notice that your hair appears dull or flat.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain antioxidants and vitamin C. The antioxidants will attack free radicals, which are known to cause damage to cells throughout your body, including the cells in your hair and nails. Vitamin C can promote the creation of collagen, which is needed for healthy hair and nail growth.

Eggs

Eggs contain a good amount of vitamin D and iron. The vitamin D found in eggs can help to eliminate stress, which is a major cause of thinning hair. Iron helps to facilitate the transfer of oxygen to cells within your body. When you have an iron deficiency, you may end up with thinning hair or brittle nails.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has many uses, including the prevention of hair loss. It contains fatty acids that provide antimicrobial properties. This will prevent damage to your scalp and the roots of your hair, helping you to achieve fuller hair.

Milk

Milk is a great source of vitamin D and protein; though, calcium provides the best benefit to your hair and nails. Calcium keeps your hair and nails growing at a healthy pace. The vitamin D actually increases your body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds will give you a boost of vitamin E, along with iron, magnesium, biotin, protein, and omega-6 fatty acids. The vitamin E will promote blood circulation and capillary growth. This will increase blood flow to your hair follicles, helping to prevent split ends and brittle hair.

Bananas

Bananas contain biotin, or vitamin H, which can help prevent the breaking of your hair and nails. Biotin can promote the development of keratin, which is an important part of your hair and nail structure.

Oysters

Your hair and nails need zinc for optimal health. Oysters are one of the best natural sources of zinc. Consuming more zinc will help repair damaged hair cells and keep the oil glands that surround your hair follicles in perfect health.

Spinach

Spinach contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. These beneficial vitamins and minerals can help strengthen your hair and nails, while preventing common hair problems, such as a dry, flaky scalp. Eating more spinach could also improve the health of your hair follicles.

Water

Staying hydrated is important for a variety of reasons. This will help prevent acne, wrinkles, brittle nails, and a dry scalp. Try to consume at least 8 glasses of water each day, to keep yourself hydrated.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts contain selenium, which could help prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to cause the thinning of hair. To get more selenium, eat six to eight Brazil nuts each day. This will provide your body with enough selenium to help prevent thinning hair.

Whey Protein

Your hair needs protein, in order to produce keratin, which strengthens your hair and prevent your hair from becoming brittle. Also, if your hair does not receive enough protein, you may end up with early hair loss. Adding a scoop of whey protein to a smoothie can give you an instant boost of protein. Along with helping to protect your hair, whey protein can also promote muscle tissue repair, increasing your muscle recovery after a workout.

You do not need to spend a ton of money on beauty and hair products. Start using natural home remedies to keep your hair looking fuller, thicker, and more vibrant and prevent dry, brittle nails. These remedies are easy to use and incredibly affordable. There is no reason to depend solely on commercial hair and beauty items, when you may have everything you need in your kitchen.