Various Foods Can Help Your Body Produce More Collagen
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in our bodies.
It is practically “the glue” that holds everything together, as it is a major component in our connective tissues, bones, muscles, skin, and tendons.
As collagen decreases with age, our skin loses its elasticity causing wrinkles, and we may get joint pain due to weakened or decreased cartilage.
What are the Benefits of Collagen?
The most benefits from collagen can be derived from consuming it, rather than applying it topically (ie skin cream). When you do supplement with collagen, it is important to combine it with vitamin C, in order to increase your body’s ability to absorb and fully utilize the collagen.
7 Proven Health Benefits of Collagen
#1: Brain and Alzheimer’s Protection
#2: Prevent and Help Treat Heart Disease
#3: Heal Leaky Gut Syndrome
#4: Ease Joint and Knee Pain
#5: Less Back Pain
#6: Improve Skin Elasticity
#7: Say Goodbye to Brittle, Broken Nails
What Decreases Collagen Production?
As I mentioned above, collagen production naturally decreases with age, but other lifestyle factors can also cause a decrease.
Examples are ? smoking, too much sun exposure (UV radiation), stress, a lack of sleep, and a diet high in sugar.
And even a vitamin C deficiency can cause decrease of collagen production, as the body is unable to absorb the collagen efficiently.
What Increases Collagen Production?
Now you may be wondering what you can do to increase the production of collagen, and thankfully, there are ways to stimulate collagen production naturally:
- Vitamin C
- Lysine and proline
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin A
- Exercise
- Royal Jelly
- Aloe Vera
- Silicon
For more details on the above, read this article.
5 Perfect Summer Collagen Recipes — www.amymyersmd.com
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite collagen recipes to get you ready for summer!
How Can I Include Collagen in My Diet?
Supplementation is not the only answer to get more collagen in your diet. There are also many food choices that contain high amounts of collagen.
Pick one of the foods below to include in your diet this week, even if you are already eating some of these. Dare to try something new! ?
(For me that will be pumpkin seeds. I’ll try them sprinkled on my salad.)
Foods that may help your body create more collagen
Bone Broth
Wild salmon
Cod
Tuna
Eggs
Peanuts
Avocados
Leafy greens like kale and spinach
Berries
Garlic
Chia seeds
Pumpkin seeds
How to Make Homemade Bone Broth — wellnessmama.com
Bone broth is an incredibly nutritious and health-boosting food that is very easy to make. This step by step tutorial shows you how.
What Makes a Good Quality Collagen Supplement?
Not only is it essential to have many different sources to get the highest quality supplement, but it is also vital to know what those sources are. Look for things like “grass fed” bovine collagen or “cage-free” egg collagen, to know how good the source that the collagen comes from is. ~ DR. CHAD LARSON
I'd love to know your favorite source of collagen and what positive changes you have seen adding it to your diet. Please, let me know in the comments below! ?
