Could more biotin be the secret to stronger hair and nails? Experts think so. Find out more and get the foods you need to add to your shopping list for fast results.
The power of biotin
The
vitamin B, formerly known as vitamin H or coenzyme R, is often touted
as a cure-all for brittle nails and thinning hair, especially during
pregnancy. And it's because of the vitamin's ability to stimulate new
cells, speeding hair and nail growth, that it remains a regularly
buzzed-about beauty solution today. "Biotin is needed so that the body
can metabolize the protein known as keratin and fatty acids, which are
essential elements in hair growth," says Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, a
celebrity nutritionist and the founder of Nutritious Life. But before you pop a pill for benefits, consult the list ahead for healthy eats that'll ensure your daily dose of biotin for hair.
Almonds
Love trail mix? You'll love this news: There are 14.72 micrograms (mcg) of biotin in 1/4 cup of almonds. A healthy portion of your daily dose but not all of it, according to WebMD,
which states that the daily recommended intake is 30 mcg for adults.
Pair the nuts with another biotin-rich ingredient like oats, for a breakfast with major beauty benefits.
Sweet potato
The
root vegetable continually lands on "best of" lists detailing foods for
healthier hair, skin, and nails. Yes, it clocks in with over 8 mcg of
biotin per spud, but it's also packed with other skin-friendly vitamins
and minerals such as, vitamin C, copper, and dietary fiber. Find out
more superfoods for you skin.
Eggs
Your
favorite morning meal is a bit of a catch-22 when it comes to biotin
for hair growth. "Egg yolks are believed to be the highest food source
of biotin," explains Glassman, while also cautioning that eating raw egg
whites could hinder the vitamin's absorption. Follow this Non-Dairy Avocado Eggnog
recipe that calls for six large egg yolks for a festive spin on the
classic eggnog that also improves hair's strength and shine. Or try
these egg recipes for a quick delicious meal anytime of day.
Onions
Who
knew, right? Your favorite stir-fry ingredient and sandwich topping is
chock-full of biotin (almost 8 mcg per cup). Add raw, sliced onions to a
dinner salad or taco bar for potent benefits. Explains Glassman, "raw
or less processed foods contain more active biotin. Cooking may reduce
the effectiveness." Another fun fact about onions: They can soothe bee stings.Oats
Overnight
oats are having a moment, and that's great news for your look. Just a
quarter cup of oats provides about 25 percent of your recommended daily
allowance. And since one study
showed that people with brittle nails saw improvement in their symptoms
after taking 2.5 mg of biotin per day for 1.5 to 7 months, it's worth making these overnight oats part of your regular breakfast rotation.
Tomatoes
Find
an excuse to throw tomatoes into just about every dish, they're that
good for you. Add one cup of tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, or soups,
and voilà , you've already consumed 24 percent of the vitamin's
recommended dosage. Try this Cucumber Salad with Chickpea, Tomato and Broccoli Rabe by Glassman, which offers up Mediterranean inspiration, while incorporating the right amount of nutrition. Find out even more benefits of tomatoes.
Peanuts
Almonds
may be the golden child of biotin-packed nuts, but peanuts are a close
second. "There are 6.4 mcg of biotin in 1/4 cup of peanuts, compared to
14.72 mcg in 1/4 of almonds," shares Glassman. Follow this jazzed-up mixed nut recipe for a double dose of biotin.
Carrots
Yes,
they're a stellar source of biotin, but carrots have loads of other
skin and hair benefits. "Beta-carotene [in carrots] works to counteract
everything from dry skin, to dandruff, to wrinkle formation," says
Glassman. It's also known to improve blood circulation, meaning that
eating the popular veggie can yield stronger hair and nails and improve skin's radiance.
Supplements
If you're still curious about the pill route, there are options like ORB Hair, Skin, Nails + Collagen
that deliver a whopping 500 percent DV of biotin per serving. "Biotin
is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that any extra will flush out of
the body if you take too much," says Glassman of the supplement's
mostly harmless nature. But as with any new oral treatment, talk to your
health-care provider about possible interaction with medication.
"Taking biotin may decrease how the liver breaks down some medication,"
she cautions as an example.
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