12 Foods for Stronger Nails and Thicker Hair

Looking good is just as much about taking care of your body on the inside as it is about using products on the outside. And we're not just talking about your skin: "A nutritious diet promotes healthy nails and hair, too," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. But there's no need to add a refrigerator's worth of new foods to your diet. "Since both hair and nails are made of keratin, through a similar process in the body, it's thought that nutrients that help one can also help the other," says Dr. Zeichner. Ready to say bye-bye to brittleness? Read on for foods that will help you achieve thicker hair and healthy nails.Watch the video: 6 Foods for Beautiful Skin and Hair

"Your hair needs protein to produce keratin, the proteins that make hair strong," says Dr. Zeichner. "If hair doesn't receive enough protein, it can go into a 'resting phase,' causing noticeable hair loss," adds Beth Warren, author of Living a Real Life with Real Food. Try adding a scoop of whey protein to your morning smoothie for simple boost. (Bonus: Whey protein may help control your appetite. In one study, people who drank whey protein ate 18% less two hours later than those who drank a carb-heavy beverage.)

Did you know you shouldn’t microwave ground beef, or freeze it in its original packaging? Watch this video from Southern Living to learn about the common mistakes people make when cooking ground beef—and how you can avoid them for a healthier, tastier meal.

This quick recipe offers a delicious protein-packed blueberry fix.

Have you jumped on the almond milk bandwagon yet? If you check out labels on many store-bought brands, you'll often find sugar, stabilizers, and other additives. Watch this video to learn how to make your almond milk at home. Not only is it surprisingly easy, you'll save money.

Chef José Andrés demonstrates how to open an oyster—including a surprising shortcut. Watch this Food & Wine video to learn his super easy technique.

How healthy are eggs? We’ll explain why the breakfast staple has caused so much controversy.

Salmon is a good source of biotin and protein, along with omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, and promote healthy, moisturized skin. And don't forget, your scalp is skin, too: "A healthy scalp means healthy hair follicles, which mean healthy hair," says Dr. Zeichner. Omega-3s' inflammation-reducing effects are also good for your nails: "Inflammation impairs the healthy development of your nail plate," says Dr. Kazin.

There are so many ways that you can use coconut oil in your daily routine. In addition to using it to cook, you can add it to your beauty routine and even use it in the bedroom. Watch this video for more ways that you can use coconut oil.