5 Easy Ways to Get More Collagen In Your Diet

It seems like we can’t get enough of collagen. Whether it’s in skin care products, supplements, teas, powders or in food, we all love to indulge in this anti-aging miracle protein. Funny enough, did you know your body already naturally produces collagen?

Before we get too into the depths of collagen, let’s start with the basics.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein that our bodies naturally produce. While we have an abundance of collagen in our bodies when we’re young, as we age, we start to produce less and less which leads to that oh so dreaded aging. Between ages 20-25, collagen production starts to noticeably decrease. 

Benefits of Collagen:

Well, the list is pretty long...

• Enhances elasticity in the skin, which is the antithesis of wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Replaces dead skin cells
• Reduces joint pain
• Boosts metabolism, increases muscle mass and energy
• Helps support cartilage, bone and joint health
• Helps with gut health
• Improves liver function and supports cardiovascular health
• Ensures the health and vitality of skin, hair and nails

How to Increase Collagen:

So, yes, while our bodies naturally produce collagen, it slowly starts to dwindle in its production. But, we want our skin to look young and healthy forever so, how do we get more collagen in our system?

You can use:
1. Collagen skin care products

2. Take collagen supplements
3. Sip on collagen tea
4. Scoop collagen powder into your morning smoothie

Or, 

5. Eat foods high in collagen. 

There are foods that contain collagen, you say? Yes! Not only are they great for your skin, but they are packed with nutrients that are great for your overall health, too!

Collagen Rich Foods:

So, there’s two types of collagen rich foods. The first group are foods with collagen and the second group are foods that support collagen synthesis, aka the natural production of collagen in the body.

Foods with collagen:

• Bone Broth
• Eggs
• Chicken
• Gelatin
• Cod

Foods that support collagen synthesis:

• Tomatoes
• Salmon
• Leafy greens like spinach, kale and arugula
• Cashews
• Almonds
• Berries
• Pumpkin seeds
• Garlic
• Beans
• Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple and guava
• Citrus fruits

You can easily implement these collagen rich foods into your diet by:

1. Eating yummy leafy green salads with sprinkles of pumpkin seeds, cashews and almonds on top. 

2.  Squeeze some citrus fruits like oranges and lemons into your drinking water.

3. Make some antioxidant-rich berry or mango and pineapple smoothies.

4.  Eat a delicious caprese salad with tomatoes and arugula, which is a perfect excuse to eat some buffalo mozzarella.

5.  Treat yourself to an oven baked salmon dinner with a side of veggies. For more collagen production, season your dinner with garlic. 

Implementing collagen into your diet is far more simple than it sounds. Not only does eating collagen rich foods have some serious benefits for your skin, nails and hair, but it also implements an overall nutritious and healthy diet.