Yes, garlic can be beneficial for nail health. It contains selenium, a mineral that promotes nail growth and overall nail health. Garlic also possesses antioxidant properties, contributing to a healthy nail bed.
How Garlic Benefits Nails
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Selenium: Garlic is rich in selenium, a crucial mineral for nail growth and strength. Selenium helps the body produce proteins essential for healthy nails. (Holland & Barrett, Quora, Quora, Cosmopolitan)
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Antioxidant Properties: Garlic's antioxidant action helps maintain a healthy nail bed, the foundation for strong and healthy nail growth. A healthy nail bed is crucial for strong nails. (YouTube Video, The Beauty Gypsy, Amazon)
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Strengthening and Hardening: Some evidence suggests garlic can help strengthen and harden nails, making them less prone to breakage. Several nail products incorporate garlic for this purpose. (SELF, Amazon, Stella Chroma)
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Yellow Nail Treatment: The sulfur compounds in garlic may help to lighten yellowed nails, restoring a natural color. (Stella Chroma)
Methods of Use
While direct application of garlic to nails is possible (rubbing a sliced clove or using a garlic-infused oil), many prefer using commercially available nail products containing garlic extract, which mitigate the strong odor.
It is important to note that while garlic offers potential benefits, results may vary depending on individual factors. A balanced diet and proper nail care practices are also crucial for healthy nail growth.
