Hair, Skin & Nails

The hair, skin and nails all have different functions within the body.

Hair: The hair on your head helps to keep you warm by preserving heat, preventing it from escaping from the top of your head.

Skin: Your skin is your biggest organ and it provides the body with a protective barrier, which helps stops germs from getting in.

It also helps to protect the muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels against injury, as well as helping to control our body’s temperature.

Nails: The tips of the fingers and toes are sensitive and our nails are there to protect them from injury, as well as to help us pick up small objects more effectively.

Collagen contains a number of amino acids and is therefore known as the building blocks of the hair, skin and nails.

It occurs naturally in all three, as well as in many beauty products, and can also be taken as a supplement.

For healthy hair, skin and nails, you should ensure that you eat a healthy and balanced diet.

A protein rich diet is great for hair and nails.

Try eating lean meat such as chicken and beef or vegan sources of protein, such as tofu, lentils and chickpeas, if you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Zinc and selenium are great for maintaining normal  nails.

Zinc and biotin are good for maintaining normal hair, skin and nails.

Biotin helps to support hair health and metabolise carbohydrates, fats and amino acids. And copper help maintain hair pigmentation.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 supports normal hair and skin health.

Eggs, nuts, seafood, seeds and lean meats are all good sources of biotin. Biotin is also available to take as a dietary supplement.

1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01459/full