4 Foods that Favor the Production of Collagen
While it’s true that there are multiple supplements with vitamins, minerals and proteins, collagen is usually one of the most striking on the market. However, it’s not always necessary to resort to supplements to stimulate the production of substances in the body.
This is because collagen is one of the most important elements of the human body. When you feed yourself in the right way, the production of collagen is constant and in the required quantities.
When your diet is poor or you limit yourself to the same foods, collagen is not produced correctly. In general, this will cause you to look much less vibrant. For example, your hair will look duller and fine lines will be more evident.
In these cases, the usual recommendation is to opt for a supplement that stimulates the production of collagen.
You can find collagen in powder or capsule form at any pharmacy or supermarket.
The other alternative is to consume foods that favor the production of collagen. This isn’t just simpler, but also a more direct way to obtain this element.
The benefits of increasing collagen consumption
- A lowered risk of bone diseases. By consuming foods that favor the production of collagen, the chances of developing bone diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis, decrease.
- Rapid healing of wounds. Collagen participates in the regeneration of cells.
- The lack of collagen results in open wounds for longer and more visible scars.
- More resistant joints. Our joints are made up almost entirely of collagen. Over the years, they can lose mass and cause problems, such as knee pain.
- Consuming collagen helps to restore the mass of the joints that has worn away.
- Vibrancy and elasticity. Collagen also gives elasticity to the skin, bothon the face and the body.
- In case wrinkles are a problem, try foods that favor the production of collagen.
- You could also take advantage of preparing some nutrient masks for your skin with these foods.
Visit this article:
How to Naturally Increase Your Collagen Production
Foods that favor the production of collagen
1. Red peppers
Vitamin C is crucial to the production of collagen and one of its best sources is red peppers. When you have a diet low in vitamin C, your body cannot synthesize this element correctly.
With just ½ cup (125 grams) of red peppers, you get 95 mg of collagen.
Plus, it’s an easy vegetable to incorporate into your diet. You can use red peppers as part of your smoothies, in your salads or simply raw to snack on between meals.
Red pepper is delicious as an appetizer. Instead of using any type of fried foods, chop up a red pepper and eat it with a dip. In fact, peppers combines perfectly with guacamole.
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2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes favor the production of collagen, thanks to the fact that they are rich in lycopene. Overall, they’re perfect for combating the damage caused to the skin by the environment, ultraviolet rays and pollution.
If you live in a very polluted city, tomatoes should be part of your daily diet.
You can consume tomatoes any way you want. However, it’s best to eat them raw. With this option, they will keep your lycopene levels intact. In case you don’t like raw tomatoes, try the following recipe:
Tomatoes Gratin
This dish is perfect for a light dinner as it is simple and low in calories.
Ingredients
- A ripe tomato.
- 1 pinch of garlic salt.
- 1 pinch of dried basil.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (30 gr).
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 300° C.
- Slice the tomato and spread it on a tray.
- Sprinkle the cheese, garlic salt and basil over the tomatoes.
- Put in the oven and lower the temperature to 150°.
- Bake until the cheese melts and serve.
3. Salmon
Salmon is well known for being rich in beneficial fats for the heart. Plus, it also improves the production of collagen. Its omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation and prevent the breakdown of collagen caused by environmental factors.
If you expose yourself too often to the sun’s rays, we recommend eating salmon at least once a week.
Because of the flavor of this fish, you do not need major tricks to cook it.
- Try combining a piece of this fish with basil and a little salt.
- Then, cook in a non-stick pan.
- You can exchange the basil for garlic salt, ginger or just lemon juice.
4. Turkey
The natural production of collagen depends to a great extent on various essential amino acids. The best source of these is consuming animal proteins, such as turkey.
Turkey meat contains proline, glycine and lysine. The lysine helps to synthesize a good quantity of good quality collagen.
We recommend eating turkey at least twice a week. Combine it with a good amount of green vegetables, half a red pepper and a sliced tomato to boost collagen production and enjoy it to the fullest.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Alvarez Fontanet, Ernesto. “Consecuencias del estrés oxidativo de la piel por radiaciones ultravioleta.” Revista Cubana de Investigaciones Biomédicas 14.1 (1995): 0-0.
- Flores, J., and Salvador Bermell. “Colágeno: Características y propiedades de interés para la industria cárnica.” Revista de agroquímica y tecnología de alimentos 28.4 (1988): 463-472.
- Valdés-Rodríguez, Rodrigo, et al. “La piel y el sistema endocrinológico.” Gaceta médica de México 148.2 (2012): 162-168.
