Make Your Nails Pretty by Eating

Have dull nails?

A folate deficiency might be to blame. As you age, your body doesn't absorb this essential B vitamin as well. Try folate-rich stars like lentils, beans, and spinach. Other foods that heal: legumes, dark-green leafy vegetables, and peas.

Brittle or flaking nails?

If your nails are brittle or flaking, include more essential fatty acids in your diet to help keep your nail beds moisturized. Add two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed to your cereal or smoothies.

Soft nails?

To make keratin—a tough protein that’s a major component in hard, strong nails—the body needs high-quality protein like cornish hens, pork loin, and lower-sodium deli-sliced roast turkey. Other foods that heal: Fish (especially salmon and mackerel), lean meat, and poultry. Shoot for about six ounces a day to prevent weak nails.

Weak nails?

Iron deficiency can lead to dull, brittle nails. To keep your fingers fit, up your intake of iron-rich foods (fortified cereals, eggs, spinach) and pair them with vitamin C–rich foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers) to help the body absorb iron. Our fave combos:

● Spinach with tomatoes
● Scrambled egg whites with green and red peppers
● Fortified cereal and sliced strawberries

Dry nails?

Rub a little olive oil around your nail beds every evening to hydrate dry nails.