Does eating gelatin help grow nails?
By
Eloísa Carmona - 2021-12-13T18:30:48Z
While gelatin may have benefits for skin aging, osteoarthritis, weak and brittle bones, brittle nails, and many other conditions, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these uses.Gelatin is a protein product derived from collagen that has significant health benefits due to its unique combination of amino acids, for example, in joint and brain function, as well as improving the appearance of skin and hair.Collagen is the most abundant protein found in humans and animals, as it is present almost everywhere in the body, especially in the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Its main function is to provide strength and structure to tissues, for instance, it increases skin flexibility and tendon strength.Nails, on the other hand, are primarily made of a fibrous structural protein called keratin, which gives them their strength and resilience; it also protects the nails from damage or stress.But what you may not know is that nails are made up of dead keratin cells that the body sheds as new cells push up from below. To increase keratin production, it is essential to consume enough protein through the diet.Thus, gelatin could indeed help keep nails strong, but in reality, the optimal way to keep them healthy and strong relates to environmental damage, so in addition to eating gelatin to keep them strong due to the protein, the best things you can do to care for them include:Keeping them dry and clean to prevent bacteria from growing under the nails. Additionally, repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to them breaking, so wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or using harsh chemicals.Cutting your nails straight across and then rounding the tips in a gentle curve.Using moisturizer or hand cream and rubbing it on the nails and cuticles as well.Applying a protective layer of a nail hardener to help strengthen them.