Top 11 Collagen Boosting Foods - Slideshow

Collagen Boosting Foods to Make You Look Younger

The skin reflects inner health status. Collagen is a protein, which is found in the skin and other connective tissues. In the skin, it gives volume and thickness and has the ability to promote youthful skin and also helps maintain shiny hair and strong nails.

Nutrition plays a significant role in improving the skin health and delaying premature aging of the skin. Various skin care products are promoted in the market, but the most effective way to protect and enhance the beauty of the skin and hair is to eat a nutritionally balanced and wholesome diet that includes foods that can boost your collagen naturally.

Tomatoes for Slow Aging

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant present in tomatoes protects the collagen against damage and destruction. Environmental toxins and ultraviolet rays weaken the collagen and cause its breakdown at a faster rate than normal aging.

An interesting study observed that daily intake of tomatoes increases the production of procollagen, the soluble precursor of collagen. It blocks the damage caused by UV rays and decelerates collagen damage.

Avocado Improves Complexion

Avocados and avocado oil are a great source of vitamin E and healthy fats. A regular intake of this fruit or its oil increases the content of soluble collagen in the skin.

The activity of 'lysyl oxidase' is increased by external agents like pollutants and toxins that speed up the aging process. This causes changes in the arrangement and abundance of collagen, which affect the texture of the skin and make you look older. A unique factor present in avocado is responsible for the inhibition of 'lysyl oxidase' activity. It makes the skin smooth and lustrous and further improves the complexion.

Soy And Soy Products Retain Moisture in Skin

Studies have reported that consumption of soy improves the skin of post-menopausal women. A reduction in the quantity of collagen in the skin causes thinning of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Soy foods contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived healthy chemicals that have a positive impact on the skin. Phytoestrogens increase the thickness of the skin, as well as the quantity of collagen. It enhances the moisture content of the skin and reduces flakiness and dryness.

Salmon for Shiny Hair and Glowing Skin

If you want shiny hair and glowing skin, add salmon to your food list. Astaxanthin, a compound present in salmon is responsible for such an effect.

Inflammatory compounds cause degradation of collagen, pigmentation and wrinkle formation. Astaxanthin is a strong anti-inflammatory compound that prevents deterioration of collagen. It further suppresses the expression of inflammatory compounds and prevents formation of wrinkles. Besides this, salmon contains strong hair supporters like omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. These nutrients keep the scalp clean and healthy and promote hair growth.

Green Leafy Vegetables Restore Skin's Youthful Look

Prolonged exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays induces oxidative stress, which causes degradation of collagen. Consuming green leafy vegetables like kale boosts the body's natural antioxidant defense system and protects the collagen against free radical attack.

The secret component present in green leafy vegetables responsible for a healthy skin is 'carotenoids'. Carotenoids improve the texture, elasticity and moisture content of the skin by preventing the breakdown of collagen. It restores the skin's youthful look and helps in the regeneration of the damaged skin cells. Eating fresh green leafy vegetables regularly will surely make all the beautiful difference.

Citrus Fruits Protect Against Skin Damage

Fresh and colorful citrus fruits are loaded with the goodness of vitamin C. This water-soluble vitamin stimulates collagen synthesis and assists in antioxidant protection against ultraviolet-induced skin damage.

A deficiency of vitamin C is linked to poor production of collagen, which leads to fragile skin, brittle nails and corkscrew hair. Hence, addition of citrus fruits in the daily diet, diminishes wrinkles and fine lines, creates a brighter complexion and adds shine to the hair.

Garlic can Prevent Wrinkles

Garlic not only adds flavor to the food, but also inhibits formation of wrinkles and dark spots on the skin due to the presence of caffeic acid.

Caffeic acid scavenges and down-regulates the activity of certain compounds that cause premature aging of the skin as well as hair loss. It elevates the production of procollagen and makes the skin smooth and rash-free. The beauty benefits of garlic make it a perfect anti-wrinkle food.

Almonds for Supple Skin and Healthy Hair

Almonds are densely packed with nutrients and healthy fatty acids that promote hair growth, fight dandruff and other scalp problems and makes the hair lustrous. In terms of skin health, vitamin E and long chain fatty acids present in almonds improve the skin barrier function and appearance of facial wrinkles.

A regular consumption of almonds keeps the skin supple and clears acne too. It protects the collagen against damage by absorbing the harmful ultraviolet rays.

Berries have Collagen-friendly Nutrients

Berries taste delicious and they are great for your skin too. Berries are loaded with an array of collagen-friendly nutrients.

Antioxidants present in berries block the action of free radicals that attack the skin cells and damage the collagen.. They further improve the circulation of nutrient and oxygen-rich blood towards the skin and the scalp. This makes the skin glow and hair strong and lustrous.

Papaya - Use it for a Hair and Face Mask Too

For a radiant skin, long and strong hair and beautiful nails, add papaya to your daily diet. Papaya maintains the firmness of the skin by boosting the production of collagen. Antioxidants present in papaya protect against the damages caused by free radicals.

Thus, papaya prevents the depletion of natural collagen levels in the skin. A papaya hair mask acts as a natural hair conditioner, which makes the hair smooth and shiny and prevents dry, rough and dull hair.

Oysters Boost Collagen Production

Intake of oysters enhances the production of collagen and prevents the formation of unwanted wrinkles and fine lines. A low dietary intake of protein is associated with collagen breakdown. This makes the skin look dull and lifeless.

Oysters are a great source of protein and zinc. Proteins present in oysters improve the skin tone and promote hair growth. On the other hand, zinc activates certain proteins that are vital for the synthesis of collagen.