Considered to be the most common protein found in the body, collagen is essential for keeping our bones and joints strong and healthy. Collagen also helps our skin looking smooth, youthful looking and glowing. So with this said, the more collagen your body produces, the stronger and healthier it becomes. However, the unfortunate reality is that our body’s production of collagen starts to drop off after the age of 35, leaving us with skin that loses firmness, and will eventually begin to sag and wrinkle. While there are supplements, cosmetics, and even surgical procedures available to help, many don’t know that there may be a much simpler solution.
The phrase “you are what you eat” is advice everyone needs to take if they want to have younger looking skin. So, if you are looking for ways to naturally help with the aging process, learn which collagen-rich foods you should start incorporating into your diet!
Bone Broth– Bone broth is not only an excellent way to get a good dose of amino acids but ingesting bone broth regularly is also a great way to consume gelatin and collagen. Both which are building blocks to maintaining healthy skin and strong bones.
Berries– Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are chock full of antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and boost the production of collagen.
Citrus Fruits– Fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges are rich in vitamin C, which helps neutralize free radicals that break down collagen. Vitamin C also has the ability to convert the amino acids proline and lysine to collagen, boosting collagen production.
Orange Vegetables– Orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in vitamin A, which can help your skin by restoring and regenerating damaged collagen.
Tomatoes– Rich in the antioxidant lycopene and vitamin C, tomatoes help protect your skin at a cellular level from sun damage and can also help prevent collagen breakdown by increasing collagen levels.
Dark, Leafy Greens– Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and swiss chard are full of antioxidants and essential vitamins that can help boost collagen production such as potassium, vitamin K, lutein, and folate.
Chlorella– Considered to be nature’s version of retinol, chlorella (a single-celled algae) is rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF). Nutrients that may help boost the production of collagen.
Garlic– Garlic is an excellent source of taurine, sulfur, and lipoic acid, all which helps improve collagen production in the body as well as the rebuilding of damaged collagen fibers.
Oysters– Rich in zinc, iron, and vitamin B12, this favorite low-calorie exotic food helps assist with the collagen-building process.
Fish– Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish such as tuna and salmon can help keep skin cells healthy and your skin looking tight and firm. Since they support the structure of the skin, healthy cells equate to more youthful looking skin.
Eggs– Eggs, egg whites, in particular, are loaded with essential amino acids that can help support your body’s natural production of collagen.
