Are you looking for ways to improve your skincare routine? If so, you’ve probably seen plenty of collagen products that promise to rejuvenate your skin and nails.
Luckily for your wallet, it’s better to get collagen from the foods you eat rather than popping a pill. Below, we’ll help you understand what collagen is and the role it plays in your body so you can make the best nutrition decisions.
What is collagen and what does it do?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and, therefore, important in maintaining your body’s functions. Registered dietitian and nutritionist Tony Castillo explains that the best way to think about collagen is “as a glue to hold things together.” It’s the major building block of tendons, ligaments, bones, muscles and skin. It also helps your body rebuild itself after injuries, especially at sites like tendons, ligaments and muscles. Take a moment right now to thank collagen for literally keeping your body together.
Your body creates its own collagen by combining amino acids. The process also uses vitamin C, zinc and copper, so you can promote natural collagen production by eating a well-balanced diet (more on that later).
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Do I have enough collagen?
As we get older, our bodies start to naturally produce less collagen. While wrinkles and aches are a part of the aging process, you may be wondering if low collagen is to blame for your ailments.
Castillo says that the following are signs that you may be low on the vital protein:
- Less flexible tendons and ligaments
- Wrinkles on skin
- Weak muscles
- Worn-out cartilage or joint pain
- Gastrointestinal issues caused by thinning of the lining of the digestive tract
If any physical symptoms significantly interfere with your quality of life, check in with your doctor. If you’d just like smoother skin and a little more pep in your step, it could be worth looking into how you can increase your collagen levels.
Do I really need collagen supplements and skin treatments?
A balanced diet will help promote natural collagen production.
If the world of supplements and freaky skin treatments doesn’t appeal to you, you can take a more natural approach to increasing your collagen.
The most effective way is through a well-balanced diet. When your body produces collagen, it uses amino acids, vitamin C, zinc and copper. To get the necessary amino acids (Castillo specifically names proline and glycine) you can eat eggs, bone broth, beans and meat. For vitamin C, go for citrus fruits, berries and bell peppers. Eat meat, shellfish, nuts, whole grains and beans for zinc and copper.
If you had to choose just one food to increase your levels of collagen, it would have to be bone broth. When you simmer beef, chicken or fish bones in water, the collagen and other minerals seep into the water, delivering a delicious and nutrient-dense liquid. Plan for this type of preparation: Making your own bone broth can take a day or two.
