Collagen, the structural protein, is the substance that holds the body together. It acts as a building block for your bones, teeth, muscles, skin, joints and connective tissues. It is also the key to keeping your skin plump and youthful, counteracting wrinkles and sagging. But as we age, our collagen production naturally begins to slow down and this results in pimples, wrinkles and fine lines on the face. So, what can we do to keep our skin blooming? Start including the following collagen-rich foods in your diet to make your skin beautiful and glowing.
ALSO READ- Karisma Kapoor Diet Plan: Fight Wrinkles & Aging Skin
Before that let’s have a brief look at some benefits that collagen offers-
Benefits Of Collagen
- Supports the appearance of smooth and improved skin tone,
- Prevents hair loss,
- Restores collagen, preventing sagging skin
- Builds stronger muscles,
- Promotes bone health,
- Strengthens immunity,
- Improves heart health.
Collagen Rich Foods
Chicken
Chicken is a good option for adding more collagen to your diet. It contains amino acids which are helpful in the production of collagen. The neck and cartilage of chicken, chicken feet in particular (while not a common food in some parts of the world) — are a good source of collagen. Its consumption does not cause problems like arthritis.
Fish
You can find collagen in abundance in fish. The presence of amino acids in it promotes the productivity of collagen. Therefore, it is very healthy for the skin.
Fish collagen has become quite the beauty craze. It can do several positive things for your skin, from reversing the ageing process and decreasing the prominence of wrinkles and cellulite, to enhancing your skin hydration and firmness.
ALSO READ- Anti Ageing Skin Tips- How To Get Younger Looking Skin
Egg
One healthy food source of collagen protein is the benefit-rich egg!
Egg whites contain 18 essential amino acids that are great for the skin and body. Proline, one of the amino acids, in egg whites is necessary for collagen production. It is found in the shell membrane, yolk and egg white. Consuming egg protects the skin from sun exposure, wrinkles and moisture loss.
Leafy Greens
Green leafy vegetables are a key player in maintaining younger-looking beautiful skin. Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce and other salad greens get their colour from chlorophyll, known for its antioxidant properties. And consuming chlorophyll increases the precursor to collagen in the skin.
ALSO READ- Milind Soman Diet Plan- Prefers ‘Ghar Ka Khana’ To Be Superfit
Citrus Fruits
Getting enough vitamin C is very important if you want beautiful glowing skin. Vitamin C plays a major role in the production of pro-collagen, the body’s precursor to collagen. Not only this, citrus fruits (such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes etc.) also increase the production of antioxidants which are good for our facial nourishment.
ALSO READ- Vitamin C Rich Food Sources- Fruits & Vegetables
White Tea
White tea is the least processed tea and contains a high amount of antioxidants like phenol. The presence of phenols in it can strengthen both collagen and elastin lending a smoother, more youthful appearance to the skin. Collagen is vital in creating strong skin, preventing wrinkles, healing wounds quickly and preventing premature ageing.
ALSO READ- Homemade Chocolate Face Packs For All Skin Types
Diet plays a surprisingly great role in the appearance and youthfulness of your skin. Not only the foods mentioned above but you may also add berries, bell peppers, garlic, cashews, tomatoes, avocados etc. to your diet. All these are considered to be foods to improve skin elasticity, anti-ageing, and help joint pain. Also, be sure to stay away from too much sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can cause inflammation and damage collagen.