Switching to a healthier diet is good for your body, inside and out. While the main goal of eating right for many of us weight loss, eating better is also a way you can prevent future health issues.

But did you know that you can eat your way to better skin, hair and nails too?

We often overlook the valuable role the diet and exercise play in our beauty regimes, but they play a major role in the overall appearance and feel of our skin. What we put inside our bodies matters more than what we use on the outside. 

One of the vitamins said to play a part in the healthy growth of hair and nails is Biotin. Thinning hair and brittle nails are often said to be the result of Biotin deficiency, but it is extremely rare. Most of us get plenty of Biotin from our diets alone. The only other exception to needing Biotin is when you are pregnant - it is recommended that pregnant women take a supplement that includes Biotin in it.

 

What exactly is Biotin? 

Biotin is a water soluble B vitamin that produces and improves the keratin infrastructure (the basic protein that makes up hair, skin and nails). Biotin can also increases hair elasticity, hair thickness and protects the hair from becoming dry.  

 

Where can I find Biotin? 

Biotin actually occurs naturally in a wide variety of foods. Biotin can be found in everything from meat to fish, vegetables, soy beans, egg yolks, yeast, mushrooms, swiss chard - the list goes on. The truth is, Biotin pops up so frequently in almost every type of diet that it’s pretty uncommon to have any sort of deficiency of it.

 

Do I Need Biotin? 

For the average person who is not deficient or pregnant, taking extra Biotin may assist with growing stronger nails and longer, thicker hair. Remember, just like beauty products, supplements and vitamins work differently for everyone. It is always good to get advice from you nutritionist or doctor before adding a new additive to your diet. 

Many cosmetic products will promise longer hair, stronger nails and glowing skin. But the fact is, anything applied topically can only create the appearance of better hair, skin and nails. If you actually want to see a real difference, you have to make a change from the inside out!