Foods that stimulate collagen production for healthy skin, hair and nails. After the age of 25, the skin begins to gradually lose its elasticity and relaxes, and after 30-35 (or earlier) the first wrinkles are noticed. The reason for this is called collagen. Collagen is a protein that is used to create the integrity of the body from its individual parts.

Collagen and skin

The health and appearance of the skin are entirely related to collagen, which takes care of its protection from toxic substances and other environmental damage. Collagen is the main component of hair, nails, tendons and connective tissue.

Responsible for the tight appearance of the skin and is at the base of the dermis. By lowering collagen, it reduces the fresh look and elasticity of the skin. Reduction of collagen in the body and the reasons for this In humans, collagen begins to decline around age 25, but is clearly seen around age 35.

How to increase collagen in the body

As a consequence of reduced collagen weakens the epithelial tissue, the skin thins and wrinkles, the hair loses its strength. Tendons and joints also lose their mobility. Causes of collagen reduction The main reason for the reduction of collagen is age, but there are other factors that speed up the process, here are some of them:

• Frequent sun exposure. Smoking. The polluted environment. Toxic substances. Stressful situations. Physical overload. They enhance the creation of free radicals that destroy collagen;

• Hormonal changes during menopause;

• Treatment with various types of drugs that prevent the body from absorbing useful vitamins and minerals also has a detrimental effect. Harmful foods that increase collagen levels in the skin Protein foods have a beneficial effect on collagen. They can help restore the fresh look of the skin.

Foods for collagen

1. Meat – meat is a staple in most people’s diets that is high in protein. The most suitable types of meat for this purpose are: red meat, poultry, game and others. Skin, bones and other products from them also contain a lot of protein and collagen (bone broth and pig skin);

2. Fish – most collagen is found in fish fins, but the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and tuna help protect the membrane around skin cells. This increases its elasticity and firmness;

3. Fruits and vegetables with red color – apples, strawberries, cherries, red beets, paprika and others are rich in lycopene, a substance that is a good antioxidant and together with it forms collagen;

4. Fruits high in vitamin C – Vitamin C is very important for collagen formation. It is found in fruits such as oranges, lemons, kiwis, mangoes, pineapples. Antioxidants in fruits reduce the formation of wrinkles;

5. Vegetables – cabbage, spinach, eggplant, chicory are very useful in the formation of collagen;

6. Other suitable foods for weight loss – this includes soy milk, cheese, tea, nuts and all lysine products such as potatoes, seaweed and brewer’s yeast. A well-chosen menu will help to quickly and visibly increase collagen in the skin.