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Dr David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School says nail growth indicates longevity and health. Fast-growing nails suggest slower biological aging and potentially a longer life
Diet can also be a contributing factor, as individuals with nutritional deficiencies may experience slower nail growth. (News18)
A world-renowned doctor researching the ageing process, Dr David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School, says your finger nails can tell you whether you will live a long life or not.
Dr Sinclair stated that the condition of our nails is a strong indicator of how quickly healthy cells are being produced in our bodies. If our nails are growing rapidly, it suggests that age-related damage within our bodies is reducing.
Nail Growth Decreases After 30
Dr David Sinclair told the Daily Mail that if nails are growing fast and have to be cut frequently, it means that the biological age of essential organs inside your body is increasing very slowly.
Biological age means that your age is increasing with time, but the cells of important organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, skin, lungs, etc. do not age as fast. Therefore, the age of these organs does not increase at that speed.
In 1979, scientists measured the nails of more than a hundred people for several years. It was later discovered that after the age of 30, nail growth slows down by 0.5 percent each week.
Increase In Nail Growth Is A Sign Of Longevity
If your nails grow faster than usual or require frequent trimming compared to others, it may indicate that the lifespan of your vital organs is progressing more slowly. It means that you will live longer.
“I often pay attention to how much my nails are growing or how slow they are growing. Every time I have to cut my nails, I calculate when I had cut my nails before this,” Dr David Sinclair said. The science behind this is that as we age, our blood circulation slows down. This means that the nutrients required for nail growth are less available at the ends of the body.
Diet can also be a contributing factor, as individuals with nutritional deficiencies may experience slower nail growth. In addition, hormonal changes during adolescence and pregnancy can lead to faster nail growth.
Nails Also Indicate Many Diseases
Nails can not only reveal your age but also provide clues about various health conditions. Nail ridges are commonly seen in older individuals, as they are a typical sign of aging, caused by the slower formation of new cells.
However, if these ridges appear in younger people, it could indicate an underlying health issue, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, or mumps. Deficiencies in zinc, vitamin A, calcium, and iron can also manifest through changes in the nails.