What is Collagen, and How Can We Get More of It?
In this together
We would all love a bit of magic in achieving optimum health and youthful skin. What a delight that would be!
Magic aside, many of us are eager to learn what to do next in our journey toward feeling healthier and looking more youthful. Collagen is a popular subject circulating in health and beauty discussions today and for good reason.
Let's talk collagen
The production of collagen within our bodies is a natural repeating process. The surprising truth is that collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is necessary for building strong bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin.
Why is collagen so important?
Support has a deeper meaning in the collagen conversation. Effectively we are held together by it like glue. Collagen's webbed structure of amino acid molecules combines to give structural support to connective tissue.
You may recall learning in school that our skin was the body's largest organ. The supply of collagen gives elasticity and flexibility to the dermis layer of skin. Its anti-aging response, when adequately fueled, keeps us looking youthful and vibrant with smooth skin and thicker hair.
Good blood flow is vital for the health of the whole body. Collagen fights against vascular stiffness by maintaining proper resilience and give in veins and arteries. Increasing the level of collagen creates an atmosphere to slow deterioration by strengthening those blood vessels.
How can you stimulate collagen naturally?
Here are a variety of foods that best stimulate collagen production.
- Vitamin C - cilantro, citrus fruit, broccoli
- Zinc - beef, chicken, dairy, lamb, legumes, pork, shellfish
- Copper - cashews, hemp seeds, spirulina
- Manganese - leafy green vegetable, legumes, oats
- Protein - amaranth, avocado, beef, bone broth, cashews, chia seeds, hemp seeds, oats
- Amino Acids - beans, fish legumes, turkey, quinoa
- Omega-3- fish, flax seeds
What depletes collagen?
What you consume and expose your body to is directly linked to the level of vigor we experience.
- Overexposure to ultraviolet light
- Consuming processed foods and refined sugars
- Smoking
- Excessive drinking
- Lack of sleep
The loss of collagen is observable. You can notice the telltale indicators and work to prevent collagen production from dropping too quickly. Some common physical changes are:
- Crepey skin
- Sagging skin
- Lessened elasticity
- Achy joints
- Slow wound healing