Do you remember the time when you have no wrinkles? During our childhood years, our skin is soft and flexible. In short, perfect. A couple of decades later, small lines start to appear. At first you won’t notice that wrinkles are beginning to form. But over time, the lines increase and deepen. Collagen gives our skin support that’s why when we were young, our skin is flawless. But as we age, collagen breaks down and diminishes. As a result, our skin lacks enough support that’s why wrinkles and skin sags develop.
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But there are foods that can help our body replenish the collagen that is lost. Some of the most common ones are listed below:
1. Tomatoes
Collagen is broken down by an enzyme called Collagenases. The antioxidant Lycopene can inhibit these enzymes. Also, antioxidants can subdue the free radicals that destroy the collagen and the skin’s supporting structure.
Fortunately, tomatoes are very rich in lycopene. So eating tomatoes regularly is highly recommended.
2. Oranges and Lemons
Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits aid the body in the production of collagen.
3. Soya Bean Milk, Tofu and Anything That is Soya Based
Collagen is destroyed by enzymes. Genistain is an isoflavone that has the ability to block these collagen-destroying enzymes. And soy is known to be rich in genistein.
4. Fish
There are certain kinds of fish that are rich in omega fatty acids. These essential fatty acids can maintain the skin’s softness and flexibility.
5. Pig’s Feet
Collagen can be found in pig’s trotters. Chinese often stew these to be eaten with rice. But we still don’t know for sure if the collagen contained in the pig’s feet can be used by our body. However, the lean meat in the pig’s feet is rich in lysine and proline which also promote collagen. So pig’s trotters or any other meat for that matter are beneficial to our skin.
6. Garlic
Damaged collagen fibers get support from lipoid acid and taurine which can be found in garlic. Aside from these substances, garlic is also rich in sulfur. And sulfur is known to aid in the body’s collagen production. The only downside in eating garlic regularly is having garlic breath. But it can be remedied by chewing on some parsley to neutralize the bad odor.
7. Spinach
This dark green vegetable may not give us super strength but it sure can provide us an ample amount of Vitamin C which is useful in the production of collagen. Spinach is rich in other vitamins and minerals such as iron which help slow down the aging process.