As a type of structural protein, collagen plays a huge role in preserving the integrity of a youthful skin. It prevents premature aging, wrinkles and keeps our tendons and internal organs strong. When it comes to weight loss, you have to remember that collagen is a protein with no fat or carbs. Moreover, it has high amount of calcium, which burns calories in our bodies if there's a high enough concentration in our cells, according to research. Furthermore, collagen helps in muscle development as well which further boosts weight loss, because muscles burn more calories than fat.
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Collagen is the main component that holds our skin and organs together. Thirty percent of the protein present in our body is collagen. But its level decreases with age. Once you reach age 25, its production lowers, which then makes your metabolism lower as well. This can result in sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, weight gain, high blood pressure, arthritis, bone loss, atherosclerosis and more.
By eating foods that contains the nutrients that promotes collagen synthesis, you can help heal the aged skin, blood vessels, joints, intestines and bones. It will also rev up our metabolism. Below, you will find five natural ways to increase your collagen production:
1. Dark green vegetables: Some of these include kale, collard greens, spinach and asparagus. They are loaded with a variety of antioxidants one of which includes lutein. This promotes the production of collagen. Additionally, vitamin C promotes the synthesis of both collagen and elastin, along with making our immune system stronger.
2. Red fruits and vegetables: Red peppers, tomatoes and beets are just some red colored fruits and vegetables that stimulate the production of collagen. Lycopene, the bright red carotenoid, has been shown to block collagenase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of this structural protein. Furthermore, lycopene also stimulates cell communication, and repairs the damaged skin cells DNA.
3. Foods rich in Omega fatty acids: Some of these include salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, cashews, almonds, pecans and avocados. They contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of Omega 3 acid which blocks the production of enzymes that can eat the collagen away, leaving our skin more vulnerable to wrinkles and sagging.
4. Sulfur containing foods: Sulfur is absolutely crucial in the synthesis of collagen. People deficient in sulfur often suffer from premature aging. Additionally, sulfur stimulates the production of an antioxidant called glutathione that in turn affects the manufacturing of prostaglandins, which are compounds that reduce inflammation.
5. Amino acids: Amino acids are the foundation of collagen, and if you are deficient in them, your collagen levels will run low as well. An essential amino acid very important for collagen is threonine. Some of the sources of this include lentils, chicken, peanuts, eggs, chickpeas, hummus and asparagus. Proline is another amino acid important for the production of collagen. Do note that proline works closely with vitamin C to synthesize collagen. So don't forget to keep the levels of vitamin C up.
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