Collagen Benefits: Less Wrinkles And Younger Looking Skin

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, it’s like a glue holding things together. It’s in our skin, muscles, bones, digestive system, joints and connective tissues.

For the skin specifically, collagen is the reason for its structure, suppleness, and elasticity. Having plenty of collagen is one of the most important things when it comes to younger looking skin.

However, somewhere around the age of 25, the production of collagen begins to slow down. By the age of 40, we produce approx. 25% less collagen than we did in our 20s.

As collagen levels decrease over time, you may start noticing stiffer tendons and ligaments, weaker muscles and joint pain.

And what happens to the skin?

Decreasing collagen levels is one of the main reasons why we get wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin

So is there anything you can do about the decreasing levels of collagen?

Actually there is: you can boost your collagen levels and the collagen production by increasing your collagen intake by supplementation or food.

To boost your collagen levels naturally by food, you have to provide your body with protein-rich foods and foods with nutrients that boost collagen production.

When your body makes collagen it combines amino acids, i.e. nutrients you get from eating protein-rich foods.

Other key nutrients required in the process of making collagen are: vitamin C, zinc and copper. Vitamin C synthesizes collagen, zinc helps collagen production by acting as a cofactor, an activator of essential proteins.

Copper helps the production of collagen by activating a special enzyme, it also creates links within collagen and helps to repair damaged collagen as well.

Here are 11 collagen boosting foods to help you get started!

Eggs

Egg whites contain large amounts of proline, which is one of the most important amino-acids when it comes to collagen production. And keep the yolk! The egg yolk contain many essential nutrients, collagen is one of them, and it keeps your hair shiny.

Fish (with skin) and Lobster

In general, fish is rich in the amino acids needed to produce collagen, and its skin has a high concentration of collagen. Lobster meat is low in fat, high in protein and an excellent source of copper.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is a popular and well-known source of collagen – and many other powerful nutrients – all of which may lead to healthier, younger looking skin.

Bone broth draws collagen out of beef, chicken or fish bones, by letting it (bones with meat) slowly simmer in water with vegetables, herbs and spices for 1-2 days. You can drink it as is or use it in other dishes.

It’s highly recommended to cook broth from bones of organically raised animals only, or if you buy it, make sure it’s organic.

Citrus Fruits

If you’re looking to boost collagen production levels so your skin looks younger, you’ll want to load up on citrus fruits due to their high levels of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C plays a major role in the creation of pro-collagen, the body’s precursor to collagen.

Berries

Also, don’t forget to include berries in your diet. This includes strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries.

They are all excellent sources of vitamin C. Berries are also high in antioxidants, which help prevent free radical damage.

Garlic

Garlic contains taurine and lipoic acid, which help to rebuild damaged collagen fibers.

Garlic may also boost your collagen production, since it’s high in sulfur, a trace mineral that helps synthesize and prevent the breakdown of collagen.

Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are a great way to load up on fiber and plant-based protein, that will help your skin.

Several of them contain amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis. Some are also rich in copper and zinc, two other necessary nutrients for collagen production.

Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are especially great for collagen synthesis because they are rich in zinc and vitamin C.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are tiny powerhouses of nutrition, they’re high in protein, fiber, healthy fats and a wide range of other nutrients. Almonds, Cashews and Sesame seeds also hold substantial amounts of copper.

Chicken

Poultry contains a great amount of connective tissue. These tissues make chicken a rich source of dietary collagen. Therefore, many collagen supplements are derived from chicken.

Beef

Beef contains three of the amino acids that make up collagen: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

It’s also high in zinc, which is one of the essential ingredients to collagen production. Organ meats such as liver are really nutritious and very high in copper.

Try to incorporate at least 3-5 of these foods into your weekly diet, and your skin may look years younger!

In addition to incorporating these foods into your diet, it’s also essential to stay away from too much sun, too much sugar, refined carbohydrates and excessive amounts of alcohol. These are known factors to cause inflammation and damage collagen.

And it’s worth noting that collagen is not only important for younger looking skin.

Higher collagen levels may also improve your health, like reduce joint pain, boost muscle mass and improved digestion.

However, even if we really try to eat “right” it might for various reasons be difficult to consistently get a proper variety of healthy foods in our diet. It’s also difficult to reach the amount of collagen and nutrients needed for younger looking skin from food only.

Therefore, you may benefit from a supplement.

A Special Nutritional Formula For Younger Skin, Beautiful Hair and Strong Nails:

This exotic formula combines hydrolyzed collagen with 14 other powerful anti-aging ingredients (i.a. biotin and hyaluronic acid) from around the world – for the ultimate nutrition for hair, skin, and nails.

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And if you have any questions regarding collagen or skin care etc, write it in the comments here below – or send me a message at => Natural & Toxinfree Thanks!