Collagen Rich Foods For Glowing Skin

Searching for a skin secret? These Collagen Rich Foods could be the missing link in your natural beauty regimen!

Collagen seems to be the beauty buzzword of the century.  Maybe you’ve seen collagen peptides and wondered about the hype? Collagen is a primary structural protein in our bodies that creates the framing of our skin, bones, teeth, and connective tissues. As we age, our skin starts to sag and lose its elasticity. It’s important to consume a diet filled with collagen rich foods consistently as we age to slow this process. Have you been getting enough?

Bone Broth 

Don’t knock it ’til you try it. Bone broth has been several grandmas’ best kept beauty secret across the globe. This timeless staple automatically falls in our collagen rich foods category for its wealth of collagen. Additionally, the collagen in real bone broth helps our joints as we age. However, bone broth is special amongst the collagen rich foods as it’s doubly impactful at rewinding the clock. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are abundant in real bone broth as well. GAGs, like hyaluronic acid, help the skin retain moisture and in turn fill in space between collagen and elastin. Likewise, bone broth comes with a wealth of other benefits besides the collagen. Daily intake of bone broth has shown to regulate weight, bolster the immune system, reduce inflammation… the list goes on. Need I say more?

Omega-3 Rich Foods 

We’ve all heard the buzz about good fats in collagen rich foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are arguably the most important. The collagen in our bodies decrease as we age, leaving our skin sagging and elasticity spent. Omega-3’s act as cushioning, bolstering the fatty membrane around the cells. This helps protect from damage due to sun exposure and natural aging. Additionally, the added support from these collagen rich foods helps your skin retain water. This, in conjunction with existing collagen, assists with overall skin hydration and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Garlic

This pungent clove makes the list of collagen rich foods with surprising ease. Garlic has been used throughout the ages for anything from lowering cholesterol to suppressing breath cancer cell growth. However, these powerful bulbs shine because of their prosperous sources of sulphur. Additionally, the sulphur from these collagen rich foods aids the body in synthesizing and protecting existing collagen. Studies done on pigs with sulphur-supplemented diets demonstrated elevated collagen levels in mature animals. Ultimately, this resulted in a smoother, more elastic tissue in the pigs and ultimately better food product.

Oysters 

Collagen boosting cannot happen without oysters. This one makes the collagen rich foods list for two very important reasons: copper and zinc. Both elements play key roles in the production and protection of collagen in our bodies. Zinc activates the proteins in our body to start collagen production. Copper assists the body in connecting collagen and elastin proteins for a stronger dermal barrier. Oysters are one of the only collagen rich foods to have both, however, other options are available. Whole grains, organic milk, and red meat products are both excellent sources of zinc. Looking for copper? It’s most easily found in nuts and seeds like cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

Vitamin-C Rich Foods 

Vitamin C serums have long been touted as the best way to brighten a muddied or aging complexion, but ingesting it will benefit your body much more. In fact, this powerful antioxidant is necessary for pre-production of collagen. Vitamin C connects amino acids, prepackaging ingredients vital to the formation of collagen proteins. Furthermore, this common vitamin is helps protect against harmful pollutants in the air. Antioxidants found in vitamin C help bolster both skin and internal immunity alike. Don’t stop at citrus. Bell peppers, tomatoes, guava, kiwi, and black currants are all collagen rich foods with this much-needed vitamin.

As human beings, we have the unique option to use food for prescriptive purposes. A nutrient-rich diet and daily vitamin supplementation paired with regular exercise will never lead you astray whether your goals are cosmetic or health related. Read more on other collagen rich foods and the studies that back all of their benefits! As always, consult a doctor or nutritionist for more specific guidelines on how you can harness your health through your diet.

What are your tried and true superfoods for skin? Would you try these collagen rich foods for better skin? Tell me hello in the comments and let’s chat!