What makes collagen

Beans are a high-protein food that often contain the amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis. Plus, many of them are rich in copper, another nutrient necessary for collagen production. Next time you reach for a handful of nuts to snack on, make it cashews. Another hidden source of vitamin C, one medium tomato can provide up to almost 30 percent of this important nutrient for collagen. Tomatoes also boast large amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant for skin support. These high-vitamin C veggies contain capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory compound that may combat signs of aging.

A diet full of protein-rich foods, whether from plant or animal sources, can help supply these critical amino acids. Other nutrients that aid the process of collagen production include zinc, vitamin C, and copper. So, fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals are also a friend to supple skin. And, for even more dramatic results, be sure to stay away from too much sugar and refined carbohydrates , which can cause inflammation and damage collagen.

Sometimes a variety of foods is hard to consistently get in your diet. And some have questioned whether consuming collagen-rich foods actually translates to firmer skin. And since dietary collagen for anti-aging is still a relatively new area of research, many experts hesitate to draw definite conclusions.

Still, some research does look promising. A double-blind study published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that women who consumed extra collagen had higher levels of skin elasticity after four weeks than those who took a placebo. Another study observed a 13 percent reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles in healthy females after 12 weeks on a collagen supplement.

Collagen may also help with joint pain, muscles, or digestion. She lives with her husband and three children in Mesa, Arizona.

Find her sharing down-to-earth health and nutrition info and mostly healthy recipes at A Love Lettder to Food. Which foods are good anti-aging staples? To make sure you have the right amount of protein, veggies, and antioxidant-rich fruits, we compiled this…. What you eat affects many aspects of health — including your skin. Here are 12 foods and beverages to add to your diet for better skin health. You might notice this more on your face or on your body during certain times….

You are what you eat. Make sure your skin is at its best with these top tips for healthy skin, from the inside out.

Beauty sleep — is it real? It will add a film-like layer to your skin to reduce water loss and act as a barrier from environmental elements. But using skin cream is probably not as effective as healthy eating — and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure and sunburns, especially early in life, Dr. But there are better ways to boost your levels of this important protein.

Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Is Whey Protein Good for You? Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Caution is advised when using these products. Laser therapy can help treat stretch marks, as it can stimulate the growth of collagen, elastin, and melanin. Some factors can deplete the levels of collagen within the body.

Avoiding them could keep the skin healthy for longer. High sugar consumption : A high-sugar diet increases the rate of glycation, a process where blood sugars attach to proteins to form new molecules called advanced glycation end products AGEs. Smoking : Many chemicals present in tobacco smoke damage both collagen and elastin in the skin. Nicotine also narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin. This compromises skin health by reducing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.

Sunlight : Ultraviolet rays in sunlight cause collagen to break down more rapidly , damaging collagen fibers and causing abnormal elastin to build up. The UV rays in sunlight damage the collagen in the dermis, and the skin rebuilds incorrectly, forming wrinkles.

Autoimmune disorders : Some autoimmune disorders cause antibodies to target collagen. Genetic changes can affect the extracellular matrix. The collagen that is produced can be lower, or it may be dysfunctional, mutated collagen.

The aging process causes collagen levels to deplete naturally over time. There is no way to prevent this. Avoiding tobacco and excess sun exposure and following a healthful dietary and exercise regime can help reduce visible aging and protect collagen, keeping the skin, bones, muscles, and joints healthy for longer.

How often a person should wash their hair depends on several factors. Find out how often hair needs washing and the risks of overwashing hair. Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can reduce the appearance of acne, fine lines, and sun damage.

Here, learn about the types and how they…. There are several different types of hair, and each type benefits from different hair care methods. Learn more here. Glowing skin is typically healthy and hydrated. This can look different from person to person. Learn how to get glowing skin here. Some people may find they can make the lips temporarily more pink by using simple home remedies. Learn how to get pink lips naturally. What is collagen, and why do people use it?

Overview Roles Uses Preventing collagen loss Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. What is collagen? Share on Pinterest Collagen has a sturdy structure. Gram-for-gram, some types are stronger than steel.