Healthy Fingernails - Vitamins for Healthy Nails

Healthy fingernails is something all women crave for. It is a common misconception that achieving it is difficult and tedious, and that only regular manicures can help maintain them. However, healthy nails can be easily achieved by caring for them appropriately and regularly. It sure requires a little time and effort, but the result would definitely be worth it. Nails are indicators of an individual's general health and if they appear unhealthy, it could be an indication of an underlying health problem. To maintain the health of fingernails, it is essential to protect them from infections and injuries.

Vitamins for Healthy Nails
Nails are made of a protein known as keratin, which protects the fingertips and imparts strength, texture and color to the nails. Vitamins play an important role in the building of keratin, which is essential to keep nails healthy. Lack of vitamins and other nutrients can cause various nail related problems, like brittleness, formation of ridges, dryness and discoloration. Here's a list of vitamins that are very essential for healthy nails.

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E improves the texture of nails and strengthens them.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A deficiency can cause the nails to become brittle and dry, and slows down the rate of nail growth.
• Vitamin B: Deficiency of vitamin B results in the formation of horizontal and vertical ridges and makes the nails fragile. Bacterial and fungal infections, may also occur due to the lack of B vitamins. Lack of vitamin B12 can lead to darkening of nails and curved or rounded nail tips. Biotin, a type of B vitamin, is essential for the growth of nails and prevents nails from splitting.
• Vitamin C: Lack of vitamin C causes hangnails and the nails appear dull and dry.

The supply of these essential vitamins can be met by the intake of a balanced diet, that contains all the nutrients and minerals. Vitamin E can be used in the form of an oil to treat nails. These vitamins can also be consumed in the form of dietary supplements. Along with vitamins, other minerals like iron, amino acids, zinc, etc. are also essential to maintain the health of nails. These vitamins not only help achieve healthy nails, they also help maintain hair and skin health. Commercial products, that contain the essential vitamins and nutrients, can also be used to maintain healthy nails.

Tips for Strong Fingernails

• Avoid nail-biting and keep your fingers clean and dry.
• Trim our nails regularly and they will automatically be cleaner. File your nails in one direction using an emery board and round the nail tips.
• Use your own instruments when you get a manicure done at the beauty salon.
• In case of ingrown nails, see a dermatologist and get them treated.
• Avoid using nail polish removers that contain formaldehyde or acetone.
• Make sure you moisturize your nails daily with a cuticle cream that contains Vitamin E. You can also massage your nails with a mixture of honey, lemon juice and olive oil. Treating your nails with a few drops of almond, jojoba and rosemary oils, will help make them stronger and improve their texture.
• Eat a healthy diet, richly balanced in vitamins and minerals.

Healthy fingernails require regular grooming, nourishment and prevention from injuries and infections. Healthy nails would also mean good overall health!