I’ve bitten and chewed my nails for as long as I can remember and some people find that really gross and disgusting, but this new research proves that it’s actually going to make me live longer than them. Sweet deal.

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It turns out that biting your nails actually improves your immune system, at least according to science. A new study published in Paediatrics monitored 1000 people over the course of their lives to determine this.

The study found that those who were exposed to germs at an early age developed stronger immune systems. Over a third of the kids surveyed either bit their nails or sucked their thumbs and they were found least likely to have allergies when compared to the other people in the sample set. The people with the best immune systems were the ones who bit their nails and sucked their thumbs.

This study backs up the idea that exposing children to germs early on in their lives is more beneficial than keeping them sheltered as it allows the body to build up its defence systems at an early age. However, if you’re biting your nails and sucking your thumb a lot in public then you might end up getting bullied a lot too, but I suppose you’ll have the last laugh in later life when you’re never sick won’t you?

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Up to you to tell your kids and for them to make the choice I guess. Here are some photos of your immune system beating up germs to try and help you make that choice.