Along with using products that contain collagen, we can actually help improve collagen production from the inside out.
Collagen is a protein found throughout the body. In fact, approximately 30% of the protein in our body is collagen and it makes up 75% of our skin. It is also found in our hair, nails and joints. Collagen is the “glue” that holds everything together.
Our body naturally makes collagen but it produces less as we get older. A decrease in collagen can result in loss of elasticity and structure throughout the body and that is when we start noticing wrinkles and skin slackness. There is chain of thought that if we consume more collagen, we can stave off aging skin.
A well balanced diet rich in lean protein, heart-healthy fat, fruits, and vegetables has all the key collagen synthesizing nutrients we need.
1- Berries
Raspberries and blueberries contain phytonutrients that help collagen fibers link together in a way that helps the body produce collagen. They also help in the fight against free radicals.
2- Dark Leafy Vegetables
Spinach, cabbage and kale are rich in vitamin A and C and encourage the body to produce collagen. Chlorophyll found in green food are high in antioxidants and protect the skin against UV damage and free radicals.
3 – Garlic
Vegetables containing sulfur like garlic increase collagen production in our joints and skin.
4 – Eggs
Eggs are rich in amino acids and sulfur which are essential for collagen formation. Sulfur also helps detoxify the body and help eliminate environmental toxins like pollution which can breaks down and affect collagen production.
5- Vitamin C
Fruits rich in vitamin C help boost collagen production and help skin repair and regeneration. Citrus fruits are amongst the richest sources of vitamin C so load up on lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits.
6- Carrots
Orange vegetables like carrots & sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A which restore and regenerate skin damage and collagen.
7- White Tea
White tea can protect the skin structure proteins especially collagen.
8- Avocado
The avocado is a powerful antioxidant which provides vitamin E to help prevent collagen breakdown as well as provides healthy fats to improve healthy skin cells.
9- Fish
Omega 3 rich fish like mackerel, salmon and tuna along with grass-fed meats help protect and nourish skin cells.
10 – Red vegetables
Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene which can protect collagen from environmental damage and a sun damage. Lycopene is also found in other red and orange vegetables, such as watermelon and pink grapefruit.
If you have any questions, please ask in the comments section below or send me a message.
