You can help your body make more collagen by eating healthy foods. To make it, your body puts together amino acids called glycine and proline. You find these acids in high-protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, and beans. Other nutrients, like vitamin C, zinc, and copper, also play a part.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.
Vitamin C (Vit C) benefits to human skin physiology notably by stimulating the biosynthesis of collagen. The main cutaneous collagens are types I and III, which are less synthesized with aging. Vit C is one of the main promotors of collagen formation but it poorly bypasses the epidermis stratum corneum barrier.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.
Ultraviolet rays, aka sunlight, cause collagen to break down faster. With sun exposure, those UV rays damage the skin by entering the dermis (the second and thickest layer of our skin) which causes collagen to break down faster.
1. Fish and shellfish: Naturally loaded with amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, fish and their skin are a major source of collagen peptides, which improve the production of collagen in the body. As per studies, marine collagen is one of the most easily absorbed.
Vitamin C
“Like vitamin A, vitamin C supports collagen synthesis in the body, so combining collagen with vitamin C-rich foods or a vitamin C supplement is a win-win,” says Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C., founder of Ancient Nutrition and member of The Vitamin Shoppe Wellness Council.
Does Collagen Tighten Saggy Skin? Studies have indicated that supplemental collagen is beneficial for skin health, including tightening sagging skin (known as elasticity), boosting hydration, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen can be restored, because when these treatments happen, the body forms new collagen to repair damage and injuries. Alternatively, food is an excellent way to stimulate collagen production, leading to its restoration within the body.
Just five minutes a day of regular tapping:
plumps the face and smoothes wrinkles by stimulating collagen production; normalizes the activity of oil and sweat glands.
Eat a balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of protein. “High-protein foods contain amino acids that are critical for collagen synthesis,” says Garshick. Lean protein sources include fish, seafood, skinless chicken breast, and lean cuts of beef and pork. RELATED: 10 of the Best Plant-Based Sources of Protein.
The main reason people take collagen protein is to replenish their body's collagen stores and thereby improve their joint, skin, and hair health and improve muscle growth and recovery. Unfortunately, collagen protein is little more than a low-quality food that likely doesn't offer any special benefits.
Collagen, which makes up 80% of your skin's structure, provides firmness and strength. Elastin provides elasticity and helps your skin stay tight.
The Verdict? If you're looking to seal up the gut lining and reduce inflammation the cheapest way possible, opt for collagen. You can take it on the go and it'll dissolve easily. But, if you want all the nutrients provided by high quality protein, then bone broth is the way to go.
Can I take collagen and vitamin D together? Yes, you can take collagen and vitamin D together. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is essential for bone health. Collagen also supports bone health by strengthening the connective tissues around your joints.
Collagen supplements are generally well tolerated, with few reported side effects. However, some supplements are made from common food allergens, such as fish, shellfish, and eggs. People with allergies to these foods should avoid collagen supplements made with these ingredients.
Spinach
It makes an excellent salad for a fulfilling dinner. Benefits: Collagen in it can help with joint pain. It is a rich source of vitamin C which can boost collagen production.
Does collagen work? Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
Unprotected sun exposure is the number one culprit for ageing, damaged skin. UV damages the skin by entering the dermis (the middle layer of skin) and breaking collagen down faster. UV also causes free radicals which break down collagen further by increasing the enzymes in the skin.