Collagen has a plethora of benefits that make it an attractive health supplement. From improving joint health and digestion to making skin look healthier and younger, it’s no wonder so many people want to add collagen to their diet.
There are plenty of ways to improve your collagen intake and production. Here are the six best ways to get more collagen in your body.
Drink Bone Broth
Bone broth is one of the quickest, most natural ways to introduce high-quality collagen into your body. What is bone broth good for? You can use it to make soups, mix it with rice or potatoes, or just sip it as a high-protein replacement for a cup of tea.
Bone broth is made using the connective tissues and bones of animals. When the components are simmered in water and vinegar over low heat for an extended period, the liquid absorbs the natural collagen from the tissues.
One downside to bone broth is that there’s no vegan alternative.
Eat Foods High in Vitamin C
Foods that have high levels of vitamin C don’t generally have collagen in them. However, vitamin C plays a crucial role in hyaluronic acid synthesis within the body. Hyaluronic acid, which naturally decreases with age, is connected to the production and use of collagen within the body. Thus, by eating foods with a high vitamin C content, you can indirectly boost your collagen levels.
Great vitamin C foods to add to your diet for collagen production include:
- Citrus fruits
- Bell peppers
- Wildberries
- Watermelon
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Leafy Greens
Some of these foods— berries, for example— are also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body function as it should and use proteins like collagen more efficiently.
Apply Aloe Vera to the Skin
Aloe vera is perhaps one of the most incredible gifts nature has given the world. This plant is affordable and easy to grow, with a plethora of health benefits that can’t be ignored. Its effects on the skin make it a valuable treatment for wounds and burns.
How does aloe accomplish its incredible healing powers? By stimulating collagen production! Use aloe vera as the base for natural beauty products and consider adding an oral supplement to your diet. Consult your physician before taking aloe supplements.
Wear Sunscreen
One of the simplest ways you can improve collagen levels within the body is to wear sunscreen. When you get a sunburn, collagen is what promotes healing in the skin. Excessive sun-related damage can deplete your collagen stores and prevent it from doing work elsewhere.
Wear sunscreen even when you’ll be inside, especially if you sit near a window. Women can look for makeup with an SPF to help protect their faces year-round.
Eat Egg Whites
Egg whites have long been a staple in the health and wellness industry. They’re high in protein and low in fat, making them an easy snack to promote weight loss and muscle growth.
While egg whites don’t contain the connective tissues of a chicken, they do contain proline. Proline is an amino acid that is a key component in collagen. By increasing the level of proline in the body, you’ll be providing the not-so-secret ingredient for collagen production.
Reduce Processed Sugar Intake
When trying to boost collagen levels in the body, it’s not just about what you eat; it’s about what you leave on your plate. Processed sugars can wreak havoc on collagen production and cause inflammation within the body. While indulging in a treat now and then isn’t going to derail your collagen levels, eating a diet high in refined carbs and sugars will.
Prioritize getting the high-quality proteins, fruits, and vegetables listed above rather than eating processed sugar.
With these six tips, you can improve collagen levels in the body and reap the benefits of this powerful protein.
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