Collagen is one of the main proteins that gives skin its structure, strength and elasticity, but, with age, collagen production within the body naturally slows down. While topically applying products that contain collagen to your skin can make a difference, it is important to push this even further by incorporating certain foods into your diet that will help to boost your natural production of collagen.
Red Vegetables and Fruits
Red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and berries, contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which not only acts as a natural sunblock, but also increases the amount of collagen in the skin. Thanks to the way in which lycopene is able to protect each cell’s DNA from damage, it keeps the skin much healthier for longer, which in turn combats the effects of aging.
Cabbage
Cabbages are one of the foods that contain the highest amount of collagen-boosting qualities, mostly due to the fact that it is absolutely packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients. In addition to being able to increase your body’s collagen production, cabbage also brings with it a number of other nutrients and benefits, including fibre, iron, calcium and vitamin K.
Orange Vegetables
Orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, are packed with vitamin A, which is often the primary ingredient in many high end anti-aging products. This is because vitamin A is not only able to increase the production of collagen within the body, but it also slows down the degradation of the collagen that is already there.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, which is an ingredient that can have an extraordinary effect on your skin. Fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes have the ability to convert certain amino acids, such as lysine and proline, into collagen. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that can help to reverse damage caused by the sun, thereby slowing down the overall skin aging process.
Black and Green Olives
Foods that are high in sulphur, such as black and green olives, are vital when it comes to speeding up collagen production. Believed to be one of the oldest foods in the world, olives are also able to slow down oil production, which can make a huge difference to those that suffer from oily skin or acne.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is an ingredient that has been scientifically proven to stimulate the production of collagen, and also increases the amount of soluble collagen in the inner layers of your skin, meaning that it is much more accessible to your body. Packed with plant steroids, avocado oil is also able to reduce the appearance of age spots and blemishes. While avocado oil can be applied topically to your skin, consuming more avocados in your diet will also bring about these same benefits.
A healthy supply of collagen is absolutely essential when it comes to smooth and youthful skin, and, especially once you age, supporting your body by consuming these vegan sources of collagen is always going to be beneficial. From the intense power of citrus fruits to the sulphur that comes from olives, these foods can all make a significant difference to the overall appearance of your skin.
