Did you know that your nails grow an average of 3.5 millimeters per month? Or that white spots don’t in fact indicate a calcium deficiency (myth!), but are completely harmless?
Those are just two of the things you probably never knew about a part of your own body. Sure, we prim, paint, and polish them, but do we ever take the time to really learn about our nails? We asked ourselves this question, and after some research we discovered just how complicated your nails truly are. It sounds silly, we know, but with all glamour aside — your nails are actually fascinating.
With all that being said, we’ve put together a short list of things you NEED to know about your nails. And trust us, you will never look at your hands the same.
Nails are made of the same stuff as hair. Both nails and hair are made of keratin, just put together differently. While keratin is a protein, you still need healthy oils and fats to keep the hair and nails moisturized and strong. If you’re looking to build strength, try prenatal vitamins — they help both!
Nails are what separates the mammals from the primates. While most mammals have claws, fingernails are what distinguish primates from the rest of the group. Fun fact? Scientists believe primates lost their claws and fashioned broad fingertips topped with nails to aid in locomotion.
Nail biting is called onychophagia. And, according to WebMD, it’s also the most common nervous habit. Approximately half of children between the ages of 10 and 18 bite their nails, but most kick the habit by the time they’re 30.
Nails are an indicator of your overall wellbeing. You know the saying “eyes are window to the soul”? Well, that would mean that your nails are the window to your health. From capillaries in the cuticles (autoimmune disease), to nail bed discoloration (a blueish color could mean lung disease), threatening diseases can be diagnosed simply by looking at the tips of your fingers.
Photo by sunshinecity – via Flickr
