Skin sagging, crow’s feet, and the appearance of fine lines are inevitable as we age. We cannot stop this, but somehow we can slow its development. Our lifestyle and the foods that are rich in collagen helps us grow old beautifully. Collagen is a type of protein responsible for our skin structure, skin elasticity, and suppleness. But as we reach the age of 25, the production of collagen in our body lessens. When there is less collagen, fine lines start to appear, usually on our foreheads. As our age increases, the wrinkles will be visible, and our skin begins to sag. All these are signs of aging.
According to the beauty expert and a dietician, three amino acids are vital for collagen synthesis: proline, lysine, and glycine. The amino acid is essential because it assists in creating and growth of muscles, connective tissues, and skin. It is responsible for healing and repairing. The great source of these amino acids are seeds, nuts, legumes, asparagus, etc. Glycine and proline are also considered great amino acids.
What Can We Do To Slow The Process Of Aging?
The food we intake plays a significant role in maintaining our body’s function and how we look from the outside. The foods are rich in collagen that help maintain and can boost the collagen production in your body. Though we already know that aging is unstoppable, what we intake can slow the process and even help bring out the glow in our skin.
Here Are Some Foods That Are Rich In Collagen
- Chicken: This meat has a lot of connective tissues that are rich in collagen, especially the feet, neck, and cartilage. This is the reason why there are collagen supplements derived from chicken.
- Bone broth: Studies said that bone alone is not a reliable source of collagen, but it extracts collagen when you simmer it in water. Boiling bones with spices are not only great for cold weather, but you can also benefit from it because of the collagen it produces.
- Shellfish: The ligaments of the shellfish are made of collagen, making it the best collagen source.
- Fish skin and eyeballs: Heads up! Sorry to disappoint you, but the meat of the fish does not produce collagen. It is the fish skin and its eyeballs that are rich in collagen peptides. Good for you if you are the type of person who loves to eat these fish parts.
- Egg whites contain a large amount of proline, which is one of the essential amino acids. As I have mentioned earlier, amino acids are needed for the production of collagen in our body.
- Fruits: Vitamin C from citrus fruits plays a vital role in the production of pro-collagen. Berries are also a great source of collagen. Aside from the fact that it contains high antioxidants, it also protects the skin from damage. Tropical fruits contain zinc that contributes to the production of collagen.
- Beans and cashews are rich in copper and zinc boost our body’s ability to produce collagen.
- Garlic is excellent in boosting collagen production.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, tomatoes have a powerful antioxidant that supports the skin.
- Bell pepper contains capsaicin that combats signs of aging.
So that’s it! These 10 foods are clinically proven to contain collagen or help in the production of collagen. Legumes and leafy veggies are also helpful. There are also trusted collagen supplements that can help you look younger. You just need to choose the product that is clinically proven and effective.
