10 Collagen Boosting Secrets!
Collagen is a protein, the building block for connective tissue that makes up your skin. When collagen fibers break down, fibroblast cells secrete more collagen into your skin to repair and rebuild the connective tissue. Sadly, aging, slows down the body’s ability to produce collagen, and when it cannot keep up with the demand, your skin becomes saggy and dull. You must be diligent to help slow down the breakdown of collagen in your body and prevent premature aging and wrinkles. Fortunately, you CAN stimulate collagen synthesis within your body!
10 Collagen Boosting Secrets!
- Vitamin C – increases collagen production → found in dark leafy greens, citrus fruit, strawberries
- Bioflavonoids – enhance absorption of Vitamin C → found in citrus fruits
- Zinc – increases collagen production → found in oysters, cocoa, pumpkin seeds
- Lycopene – supports collagen synthesis → found in tomatoes, red peppers, beets
- Sulfur – necessary for collagen production; keratin is a by-product of sulfur and is vital for healthy hair and nails! → found in cabbage, eggs, onions
- Arginine and Carnitine form ⟹ Creatine which stimulates collagen and elastin production within your skin cells. Creatine builds a fiber net that protects the connective tissue. Creatine also helps with cellular regeneration and DNA repair.
- Lysine is an essential (body cannot manufacture) amino acid, important in the production of carnitine which is necessary for creatine formation (as mentioned above).
- Proline, along with Lysine and Vitamin C form collagen fibers called procollagen → found in milk, cheese
- Hyaluronic Acid – helps elastin bind with collagen to maintain skin elasticity and suppleness → legumes such as kidney beans and pinto beans are rich in magnesium which is essential to hyaluronic acid synthesis
- Silica – collagen is made up of primarily silica! Silica promotes collagen production. → found in dark leafy greens
Increased collagen means that your skin cells have the ability to retain more moisture, therefore keeping your skin plump and hydrated. So don’t forget to supplement your diet with foods rich in all these nutrients for your best defense against aging skin!