Dragon Fruit's Support For Strong Nails

Overview 

Strong, healthy nails are frequently an indication of overall health, and the vibrant and exotic dragon fruit may be an unexpected ally in this regard. This tropical gem, also known as pitaya, goes beyond its delicious taste and stunning appearance to offer a range of nutrients that can significantly contribute to the strength and vitality of nails. Its rich content of essential vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration properties make it a fascinating consideration for anyone seeking to fortify their nails from within. Let's explore how incorporating dragon fruit into your diet may help nurture and support the health of your nails.

It is necessary to understand the importance of strong and healthy nails. Consistent maintenance of nails is essential for one’s appearance and general well-being. A healthy nail can serve as an indicator of overall well-being, whereas a nail that is fragile or feeble, can induce discomfort and expose an individual to the dangers of infection and harm. Nails enhance your appearance, boost your confidence, and impart a sense of sophistication to your hands and feet.

However, similar to your skin and hair, they require attention and care to remain in excellent condition. Your nails are composed of keratin. Your skin and hair are also composed of keratin. Similar to hair and skin, they can serve as an indicator of one’s general health whether an issue arises with the body’s capacity to generate healthy cells or whether an illness is present. A person with liver or kidney disease might develop discoloured fingernails.

This discolouration may be an indication that your liver is not operating properly. Alternatively, the presence of diabetes may cause nails to become more fragile and slender, which could indicate susceptibility to fungal infections.¹ Dragon Fruit is scientifically referred to as pitaya or strawberry pear. The name “Dragon” comes from its exterior being a pink oval with green scales.

Its white interior contains small black seeds.² Dragon Fruit is known for its artichoke-like characteristics and pointed scales, and is a tropical fruit that is sweet. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of magnesium and vitamin C and contains about 60 calories. Dragon Fruit helps by adding iron to the diet and simultaneously supports healthy nails.³

Dragon fruit offers several nutrients that can support strong nails

Vitamin C

Vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis and functions as a potent antioxidant, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy nails. Additionally, it improves iron absorption. Vitamin C deficiency can cause nails to become fragile, making them more prone to breakage.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is crucial for cellular growth, energy production, and metabolism. Dragon fruit contains Biotin (vitamin B7) which is essential for healthy nails because it aids in the synthesis of keratin, the primary protein comprising the nails. Vitamin B aids in maintaining healthy nails and prevents brittleness. Additionally, it has the potential to accelerate the growth of nails and fortify their strength. 

Antioxidants

The fruit contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals, which can damage nails.

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral for the synthesis of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the cells. Additionally, cell differentiation and proliferation are dependent on it. Anaemia can result from an iron deficiency or absence, which can cause nails to become fragile and easily broken. 

Omega-3 Fatty acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are important for prevention of inflammation and the maintenance of cellular membranes. Additionally, they are essential for nail health because they prevent dehydration, brittleness and maintain nail moisture.

Zinc

Zinc is crucial to cellular development and DNA synthesis. Additionally, the production of enzymes against harm is essential. A deficiency in Zinc can cause nails to become fragile and more prone to damage.⁶ 

Incorporating dragon fruit into a balanced diet can be a beneficial way to improve nail health, but it's important to remember that overall nutritional balance and care are key to strong nails.

Understanding the importance of strong nails

Role of nails in overall health and appearance

Your well-being is exceptionally well reflected in your nails. Numerous conditions that manifest in the nails may indicate systemic or skin issues. It is important to notice anything unusual that may appear around your nails. If you notice anything unusual around your nails, it must be addressed immediately.

Common issues affecting nail health

Nail issues can affect individuals of any age. Aside from severe malnutrition, unusual nail alterations are not typically attributable to dietary factors. Certain nail conditions require medical intervention from a dermatologist or physician, whereas others can be managed with straightforward self-help methods and minor adjustments to one’s lifestyle. The main issues that affect nails are:-

• Stress
• Melanoma
• Arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Kidney disease⁴ 

The link between nutrition and nail strength 

A diverse range of nutrients must be consumed in order to promote healthy, new nail growth. This requires consuming an abundance of nutritious vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Nails serve as an indicator of your health, therefore, by providing the nails with proper nutrients, they will develop into robust structures that are more resilient against damage. 

Dragon fruit: an introduction

Brief overview of dragon fruit (Pitaya)

Dragon Fruit is also called Pitaya and is precisely what its name implies: a fruit. It is predominately cultivated in South America, Asia, Mexico, and Central America. Those unfamiliar with dragon fruit may recognise it by its alternative names, which include strawberry pear, and pitaya. Dragon fruit is extracted from the Hylocereus cactus.

Nutritional profile of dragon fruit

A dragon fruit contains the following nutrients 2.9 g of fibre, 18 mg of calcium, 59 IU of vitamin A, 40 mg of magnesium, 2.5 mg of vitamin C, and 0.74 mg of Iron.⁵

Incorporating dragon fruit into your diet

Ideas for including dragon fruit in your meals

• Blend with smoothies
• Incorporate dragon fruit into your breakfast 
• Incorporating dragon fruit into your salads
• Consider preparing dragon fruit ice cream

Recommended daily intake for nail health

Consumption of 200 grams of the fruit is necessary to stay healthy.

Additional tips for healthy nails

• Maintain the nails dry and clean
• Trim the nails 
• Use an emery board to maintain well-groomed, snag-free fingernails
• It is not advisable to bite fingernails. Doing so may result in nail damage
• Avoid using nails as tools, such as to open cans 

FAQ's

What are the 5 health benefits of dragon fruit?

• Dragon fruit is considered to be a good source of fibre
• It may enhance gut health
• It is high in antioxidants
• This fruit is rich in Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and promotes overall health
• This fruit contains a pigment called beta-carotene, which imparts colour to this fruit and protects against eye problems²

Is dragon fruit good for bones?

Magnesium is present in Dragon fruit which strengthens bones.⁷

Can I eat 2 dragon fruits every day?

Yes, you can eat 2 dragon fruits every day. Dragon fruit is considered nutritious because it contains Vitamin C and Antioxidants.

Is dragon fruit good for joints?

Yes, dragon fruit is good for joints and helps to suppress arthritis.

Summary

It is important to understand the importance of strong nails. Nails are considered as an indicator of your health. Feeble or damaged nails can expose an individual to the dangers of infection. Dragon fruit is also called Pitaya, and is gaining popularity. It is extracted from the Hylocereus Cactus. The name “Dragon” comes from its exterior being a pink oval with green scales. Its white interior contains small black seeds. Dragon Fruit’s are considered to be low in calories. Betacyanin is an antioxidant responsible for the bright pink or red colour of the skin of the Dragon Fruit. 

Dragon fruits are rich in Vitamin C, which aids in collagen synthesis and functions as potent antioxidants, which are essential in maintaining strong nails. This fruit also contains Biotin (vitamin B7), which is essential for strong nails as it aids in the synthesis of keratin, which is the primary protein comprising the nails. Dragon Fruit is also rich in iron, which is an essential mineral for haemoglobin synthesis. Anaemia can result from iron deficiency, which causes the nails to become feeble. They are also rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids, and this component prevents dehydration and brittleness and maintains nail moisture. Dragon Fruit is also rich in Zinc and a deficiency in Zinc can cause the nails to become fragile. 

It is necessary to incorporate Dragon Fruit into your diet. Consistent inclusion of dragon fruit in a well-balanced dietary regimen could provide the essential nutrients required to sustain strong nails. It is recommended to consume 200 grams of the fruit to stay healthy.