A Diet That Helps You Restore Your Collagen Levels

We can get collagen from creams and lotions. But in order to restore the level of this protein, it is advisable to incorporate in our daily diet foods that contain it.

If you are over the age of 35, you have certainly noticed that your skin has begun to lose its elasticity and firmness. From now on, you can expect to discover new wrinkles every time you look in the mirror. The main culprit for these imperfections is the level of collagen in the skin.

Collagen is a protein made up of connective cells called fibroblasts. It makes up about 30% of the body’s total protein mass and 80% of the connective tissue mass. In other words, collagen is the “glue” responsible for the unity of the body, without which it would break into pieces.

Collagen and skin

The level of collagen that ensures the health and beauty of the skin

Skin health is closely linked to collagen levels. This protein has the role of protecting the skin, forming a barrier against toxins and other harmful external agents.

Collagen is the main component of hair and nails, as well as ligaments and connective tissues. Specifically, it ensures the firmness of the skin and makes up most of the dermis. For this reason, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity when the collagen level decreases.

When does collagen levels begin to drop and why?

The level of collagen in the human body begins to decrease around the age of 25, but this problem becomes more visible after the age of 35.

As the level of collagen decreases, the epithelial structures weaken, the skin thins and sags, the hair loses its strength, and wrinkles begin to appear. Moreover, during this period the tendons and ligaments lose their elasticity and the joints become less flexible.

Factors that accelerate the decrease of collagen levels

Sun exposure, smoking, pollutants, toxins, stress and very intense exercise increase the production of free radicals, groups that destroy current collagen reserves.
Decreased production of certain hormones due to menopause and aging can also reduce collagen production.
This problem is aggravated by disorders that require treatments that reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals.

What foods help you restore your collagen levels?

Even if your body’s ability to produce collagen has begun to decline, you can still fight this process. We have certain foods that are rich in collagen or that stimulate the production of this protein. By consuming them, our skin will regain its firmness, freshness and elasticity.

The best foods that restore collagen levels are:

1. Meat

Meat is an important source of collagen. Do not hesitate to consume:

Beef
chicken
Goat
Veal
Deer
Pork (especially legs)

And the skin, bones and entrails of the animals listed above are important sources of collagen. You can eat, for example, rinds or bones.

2. The fish

Although fish meat has a lower collagen content than other sources, fish bones are very rich in collagen.

In addition, the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and tuna protect the membranes around skin cells. Thus, eating fish reduces inflammation and promotes skin elasticity and firmness.

3. Gelatin

Gelatin helps you restore your collagen levels

Gelatin is made up of 90% collagen derivatives and, in addition, has a low calorie content.

4. Red fruits and vegetables

Red fruits and vegetables, such as apples, strawberries, cherries, beets or red peppers, contain lycopene. In addition to being an excellent antioxidant, lycopene stimulates collagen production.

5. Fruits rich in vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. You can get this compound from oranges, lemons, kiwis, grapefruit, mango, pineapple and other similar fruits. Another advantage of these foods is the antioxidants in their composition, which prevent the appearance of wrinkles.

6. Vegetables

Vegetables such as cabbage, eggplant, endive and spinach are very useful to stimulate collagen production.

7. Foods rich in sulfur compounds

Olives are part of a diet that collagen levels

This category includes foods such as celery, green and black olives, garlic, cucumbers, bananas, onions and tofu. Their high sulfur content stimulates collagen production.

8. Other useful foods

To restore your coagen level, you can also consume soy milk, cheese, teas, dried fruits and foods rich in lysine, such as potatoes, seaweed and brewer’s yeast.

All the foods presented in this article can be easily purchased. Opt for the ones that appeal to you the most and make sure you follow a healthy and balanced diet. As soon as your body starts producing enough collagen again, your skin will regain its beauty.