Nourishment for Skin, Hair and Nails
An age-old saying goes like, ‘Beauty is skin deep’. Science has done tremendous work to decode the meaning behind this age-old saying! Numerous studies have proven the efficacy of nutrients to improve skin, hair, and nails concerns. While skin, hair and nails are precious beauty assets, most people still have huge focus on skincare and cosmetic products to enhance their beauty parameters. The paramount research facts in supplements for skin, hair and nail health is just the tip of the iceberg, and the least that we know is radiance, smooth wrinkle free skin is created within! Beauty inside is a still untapped much deeper approach than beauty outside.
In the beauty world, the little secret is, nutrients define how we look! Diet lacking with insufficient nutrients reflects in changes in skin color, poor skin tone, uneven texture, acne, thinning hair, dull skin, brittle nails and even chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Skin youthfulness, smooth skin texture, thick lustrous hair, smooth shiny nails, are fed by a host of nutrients, and deficiencies show-up loud in our appearance. The importance of a balanced diet cannot be under-estimated for balanced beauty; however, our diet lacks most nutrients required to maintain beauty. It becomes imperative to include specific supplements in diet that combat deficiencies and restore beauty and overall health. Right nutritional choices are the foundation of a beautiful and youthful skin and there is a science-backed reason behind it!
Nutrients for Skin, Hair & Nails
Zinc:
Zinc is shown in research to support healthy hair growth, skin elasticity and acne. Zinc is abundantly found in foods like beans, chickpeas and lentils, red meat and beef. However, a zinc supplement can support aggravated beauty conditions such as acne and hair fallout.
Protein:
Protein forms the deepest foundation for skin, hair and nail health. Deficiency in protein is associated with most beauty-related conditions like thinning & brittle hair, weak nails, aging skin. Protein is abundantly found in beans, lentils, bone broth, eggs, quinoa, spirulina and chlorella powder. However, in case of symptoms of deficiency, protein powder supplements go a long way in combatting deficiencies.
EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids):
Essential fatty acids work on skin and scalp like an internal moisturiser! This fat-type imparts an internally lubricated smooth skin and hair texture by bringing moisture to skin and scalp from within. EFA’s also boost healthy oil production from within that keeps the hair shafts lubricated and promote hair growth. EFAs are abundantly found in wild-caught fatty fish such as salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and even ghee.
Iron:
Iron is imperative for beauty as it carries nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells and scalp, from where the beauty thrives. Iron deficiency is one of the most common reasons for thinning skin, hair, and nails. In fact, loss of color on skin, brittle nails, hair loss, dull and pale complexion are all important signs indicating iron deficiency in blood. Focussing on iron is imperative for the strength and resilience of skin, hair and nails, specially when loss of iron happens each month with menstrual cycle for a woman. Foods rich in iron include dark leafy green vegetables, nettle leaf, nuts and seeds. In case of severe iron deficiency, it is recommended to touch-base with a health practitioner and go for bio-available form of iron supplements.
Biotin:
Biotin is one of the most common and effective nutrients for promoting hair growth. It is found in eggs, almonds, and sweet potato. However, higher dose of biotin in needed to support hair health which can be found in biotin supplements.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is the most abundantly available nutrient that imparts Sun-like radiance to the skin. It is required for collagen production and fight off free radicals, which also makes Vitamin C an important anti-aging nutrient. Vitamin C is abundantly available in lemon, kiwi, orange, red bell pepper, strawberry, and papaya.
Probiotics:
Probiotics are the latest craze for skin and hair health. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt have been proven phenomenal in supporting skin, hair and nail health. Most dermatologists now recommend probiotic supplements for lowering inflammation which is behind chronic skin conditions like active acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Collagen:
Collagen is a kind of protein that strengthens skin, hair, and nails. Collagen begins to decline after a certain age causing aging skin conditions like wrinkling and sagging skin. Collagen production is dependant on nutrients like vitamin C & lysine, copper and silicon, therefore, variety in diet is important. However, marine collagen supplement helps support skin, hair, and nails and shows-up in a plumper complexion with regular use.
