When it comes to taking care of our skin and hair, the adage, “You are what you eat”, stands very true. No matter how many creams and moisturizers we invest in, the real work starts from within. And nothing screams ‘anti-aging’ better than good collagen production in the body.
The protein that gives skin suppleness, stretch, and structure is known as collagen. As we age, collagen production in the body reduces. With each passing year, the body produces less and less collagen, which explains why we develop wrinkles and fine lines as we age.
For some people, collagen production reduces faster and earlier than for others. This can be traced back to several causes, the major one being eating habits. This is the reason why the major focus should be laid on eating healthy rather than applying stuff to the skin's surface.
In this blog post, we will be sharing 7 collagen-boosting foods that’ll make you age like a vampire.
- Citrus fruits: We are pretty sure most of you saw this one coming. Citrus fruits are the most popular food option when it comes to boosting the production of collagen in the body. The reason for that is the content of vitamin C found in these fruits. Vitamin C is what triggers the production of pro-collagen in the body. Pro-collagen is the parent substance that helps in the production of collagen. Hence, including citrus fruits is the most basic yet effective addition to your diet that you can make. Some of the commonly available citrus fruits include oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and clementines.
- Berries: If citrus fruits are not your jam, then berries are another great alternative food that is a rich source of vitamin C. Moreover, these sweet little treats contain tons of antioxidants and cancer-fighting abilities. Who would have thought that these unassuming balls of sweetness also contained so much goodness? The antioxidants present in berries also help fight damage to the skin. Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that one ounce of strawberries has a greater vitamin C content than one ounce of orange? Well, what are you waiting for? Go grab those delicious berries and include them in your diet ASAP!
- Nuts and seeds: Zinc and copper are two minerals that help in supplementing collagen production in the body. One of the best sources to acquire these minerals is by including nuts and seeds in your diet. Moreover, to add to the goodness, nuts, and seeds are also a rich source of healthy fats that can aid in managing cholesterol and weight loss. As the body gets healthier, collagen production is bound to boost. Some of the best nuts and seeds that you can include are pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds. (Want to try out our select range of nut and seed butters?
- Tropical fruits: We believe that the best part about foods that help in collagen production is that most of them are sweet. This brings us to our next best pick for foods for collagen production - tropical fruits. Much like citrus fruits and berries, tropical fruits like guavas, mangoes, and papayas have rich vitamin C content. To think about it, most skin care products contain tropical fruit extracts. That makes it quite self-explanatory why tropical fruits are a great food for collagen production.
- Garlic: Who doesn’t love garlic? You know how the saying goes, “if you love garlic, take the measurement in a recipe, and double it!” Well, it turns out that garlic is more than just for adding flavors to your pasta and spaghetti. Garlic is rich in sulfur content, which helps in synthesis and prevents the breaking down of collagen in the body. While it is not advisable to consume too much garlic at once as that can cause heartburn and upset stomach. However, including it in your everyday diet is bound to help you reap its benefits.
- Green leafy veggies: Remember the time when our moms used to force us to eat those leafy greens? Well, it turns out that leafy greens not only make our bodies healthy from the inside but from the outside, as well. If you remember your basic science lessons, the presence of chlorophyll is what makes leaves green in color. Chlorophyll is also known for carrying a lot of antioxidants that can be beneficial for skin health and collagen production.
- Beans: Beans are an amazing source of vegan protein and contain lots of fiber. But, did you know that consuming beans can also be your magic collagen-boosting pill? Beans contain amino acids and zinc that help in the synthesis and production of collagen in the body.
Final thoughts
Are you ready to have that evergreen glow on your face? Include these foods in your diet and witness how you age like a vampire (probably even slower). The reason why diet plays such a major part in collagen production is that when you give your body the optimal environment from within, it is bound to show up on the outside. Happy young-ing!