Collagen boosting serums and gums are popular these days. Are these really important for our skin? Can natural collagen boosters help to maintain skin texture and shape?
A healthy diet plays an important role in the looks of your skin. The most common protein found in the body is collagen. It is found in tendons, fat, and ligaments. It helps the parts of our body stick together, which is crucial for the strength of our bones structure. Collagen is the protein that gives the skin its structure and elasticity.
There are many types of collagen, but our bodies are primarily made up of types 1, 2, and 3. With age, we notice thin skin and wrinkles. This is because as we age, less collagen is produced in our skin, and it decreases each year.
Amino acids are called building blocks. By eating foods rich in collagen or foods that boost collagen production, amino acids can be increased in your skin. Three important amino acids for collagen synthesis are proline, lysine, and glycine.
Elastin is another type of protein in the body. Elastin is found in places in the body that contracts, such as the arteries and lungs. This is due to an outstanding property of elastin: the ability to return to its place and maintain its original shape. Elastin and collagen are proteins found in the skin. They work together to give skin its shape and texture. Skin with healthy levels of collagen and elastin is not only younger, it’s stronger.
What is the Domino effect?
The domino effect states that when a change is made in conduct, it will trigger a chain reaction and also cause a change in related behaviors. Similarly, the more collagen you have, the more your body is capable of producing and maintaining it. Below are a few collagen boosters food
1. Eggs
One of the amino acids necessary for collagen production is Proline, and it is present in egg whites in large amounts. Hence, the egg comes under the umbrella of collagen boosters.
2. Vit. C rich food are natural collagen boosters
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, but its levels decrease with age. By consuming foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids, can upsurge the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are essential for the skin. Vit. C-rich foods like oranges, red bell peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are important for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. So, hyaluronic acid can help boost collagen production in the human body. To sum up vit. C-rich foods are natural collagen boosters.
3. Garlic
With adding flavor to your food, garlic can boost your collagen production as well. Gabriel says, “Garlic helps in the synthesis of collagen. Also, it prevents the breakdown of collagen as it is high in Sulphur. Garlic has many health benefits when consumed in moderation, but overeating can cause heartburn and an upset stomach.
4. Green Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other salad greens are an important component of our healthy diet. The green color is because of chlorophyll, and they are known for their antioxidant properties.
Coriander leaf, a commonly used herb contains vit. C. Also, it contains linolenic acid, which has powerful anti-aging properties.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant for the skin. Also, these are a good source of vit. C which boosts collagen production.
A Protein-rich diet from various sources and other nutrients like zinc and copper also helps in collagen production. Therefore, fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals should be consumed for supple skin.
Excess sugar intake and refined carbs can cause inflammation and damage collagen. Sugar restricts collagen’s ability to repair itself.