Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is found everywhere. It constitutes up to 35% of the whole-body protein content. It is found in various connective and fibrous tissues including our skin, muscles, tendons, bones, and the digestive system.
As you get older the natural collagen production slows down, causing wrinkles and weak muscles. This makes it crucial to eat a nutritious diet with sufficient protein intake and essential amino acids, combined with essential micronutrients such as Vitamin C, Copper, Glycine, and Zinc amongst others. This gives your body the building blocks to build and repair itself. And in turn, gives you a youthful look and increased wellbeing.
In the case that your body is low on collagen, here are some common symptoms that you may experience:
- Painful joints
- Irritable bowel syndrome or leaky gut
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Skin dryness
- Cellulite
To prevent these symptoms, cut down on your sugar and refined carbohydrates consumption, and start adding more collagen and collagen-boosting foods to your daily diet.
Fortunately, there are many nutritionally dense, antioxidant-rich foods that boost your health and wellbeing while being the best natural sources of collagen.
Here is our pick of the top anti-aging and high collagen foods to start eating today, keeping in mind flexibility, affordability, and ease, allowing you to create fresh recipes with them regularly:
Produce
- Sweet Potatoes
- Kale
- Spinach
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Red onion
- Scallions
- Lime
- Banana
- Citrus fruits
- Kiwi
- Pineapple.
- Portabella mushrooms
- Butternut squash
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Brussels sprouts
- Eggplant
- Asparagus
- Legumes
Proteins
- Chicken breasts
- Salmon
- Organ meats
- Gelatin
- Chicken skin
- Pork skin
- Oysters
- Beef
- Crab
Dairy
- Almond milk
- Flax milk
- Parmesan
- Plain goat milk yogurt
Pantry staples
- Quinoa
- Cocoa powder
- Red wine vinaigrette
- Black beans
- Almond butter
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Anchovy paste
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Sprouted whole-grain bread
- Tortillas
- Collagen peptides
Spices and oils
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Cinnamon
- Olive oil
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Green tea
- Superfoods like maca, spirulina, and acai
Regularly consuming these micronutrient-rich and high-collagen foods provides your body with all the tools to maintain your health and well-being as you age. Keeping you and your loved ones in tip-top shape while also reducing the risk of a host of age-related diseases.