If you’re looking for foods that can help you lose weight (and keep it off), this post is sure to give you some great ideas to work with!
These everyday foods can help boost collagen levels naturally in your body:
#1 Protein
Protein builds collagen.
High-quality animal protein (such as free-range chicken, grass-fed beef, or wild-caught fish), as well as eggs (which contain lysine, proline, and collagen) help support and nurture your body’s natural collagen production.
#2 Fish
Everyday fish products (like tuna or salmon) are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support your skin’s structure.
#3 Green Vegetables
A rich source of vitamin C, dark and leafy green vegetables (like spinach and kale) amp collagen production. An antioxidant, vitamin C stabilizes collagen production and protects against free radicals.
#4 Fermented Foods
Tempeh, yoghurt, sauerkraut, or kombucha are examples of foods that contain Lactobacillus, a powerful probiotic and bacteria-based antioxidant that helps prevent collagen loss and reduces free radicals.
#5 Red Vegetables
Bright red veg (such as tomatoes, sweet or bell peppers, and beetroot) contain lycopene, another antioxidant that boosts your defence against sun damage and acts as a natural UV filter.
#6 Orange Vegetables
These vegetables (i.e. carrots or sweet potatoes) are vitamin A power stores, and help to restore and regenerate weak or damaged collagen.
#7 Vitamin C–Rich Fruits
Fruits rich in vitamin C help amino acids (such as lysine and proline) to convert to collagen once eaten. Amongst these fruits, guavas and kiwi fruit contain the highest concentrations of vitamin C, although citrus fruits and most berries are also great sources of vitamin C.
#8 Bone Broth
Bone broth is a great addition to most meals and can be used for just about any base sauce.
#9 Soy
Soy milk, soy cheese, and tofu contain genistein (which are plant-based antioxidants), prompting collagen production and blocking enzymes that can age and wrinkle your skin.
#10 Oysters
Long touted as an aphrodisiac, oysters are rich in copper, manganese, and zinc – critical elements in collagen production. You’ll also find other nutrients (like iron and vitamin B12) in this bite-sized treat.
#11 Garlic
Certainly one of the most smelly of foods, garlic nevertheless ranks high as one of the best sources of sulfur (and thus necessary for collagen production), and contains both lipoic acid and taurine to help rebuild collagen damaged collagen fibres in your body.
