Do we really need collagen supplements even though many people see them as a way to rejuvenate the skin? The short answer is, no.
Collagen is a protein made of three main types of amino acids (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline). You can obtain these amino acids from supplements, food, or your body can synthesize them internally.
Why prioritize beauty supplements when our bodies can naturally produce the amino acids needed for collagen? Furthermore, some argue that collagen supplements could potentially boost collagen production, but experts are still deliberating this issue. Keep in mind that the body doesn't directly absorb complete proteins; it has to break them down into individual amino acids in the small intestine. So, we can't guarantee that additional glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline will exclusively serve the purpose of creating more collagen. These amino acids might do other jobs too. In addition, making collagen and keeping your skin healthy needs different important nutrients.
Vitamin C and Skin Radiance
This vitamin is like a helper that makes collagen in your body. It works by activating the machines that make collagen and even communicates with your DNA to control collagen levels. You can find these nutrients in foods like bell peppers, veggies like cauliflower and broccoli, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, kiwi, non-boiled potatoes, and strawberries.
The Significance of Zinc in Supporting Connective Tissues
Think of this mineral as a key that get things going the process of making collagen in your body. You can find it in foods like tofu, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Copper's Contribution to Collagen Health
Copper: Consider this mineral as the essential element that initiates a crucial process in collagen production. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in providing your body with the necessary energy. It can be obtained from a variety of food sources, spanning nuts (such as peanuts, cashews, and walnuts), seeds (like sunflower and sesame), whole grains (including brown rice, oats, and quinoa), and even chocolate.
Vitamin E's Antioxidant Effects on Skin
Picture this vitamin as a superhero battling against the adversaries called free radicals. It combats elements that can lead to inflammation, harm your skin's DNA, and enhance the efficiency of your immune system. You can find it in various food sources, including nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts), seeds (such as sunflower seeds), avocado, and kiwi.
Vitamin A: A Vital Nutrient for Skin Renewal
Think of this vitamin as a helpful repair kit for your skin. It actively combats inflammation and mends skin cells that have suffered damage. When it comes to plant-based sources (provitamin A / carotenoids), you can discover it in foods like pumpkin, squash, spinach, carrots, kale, and orange bell peppers.
The Importance of Lysine in Skin Health
This crucial amino acid, present in collagen at about 3%-4% of the total amino acid content, plays a pivotal role in forming the connections between molecules that constitute collagen fibers. When it comes to dietary sources, you can obtain it from foods like beans, lentils, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and soy products.
Harnessing the Power of Phytonutrients for Skin Health
Potent antioxidants found in plant-based foods combat inflammation, which can have detrimental effects on the skin, potentially causing redness, rashes, or acne. Having a greater level of antioxidants has been linked to a decreased likelihood of skin issues such as eczema.
Amino Acids: Building Blocks for Tissue Regeneration
The skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments of animals and fish contain collagen (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) but collagen forming amino acids can also be found in plant foods like glycine (peanuts, almonds, whole grains, beans soy) and proline (cabbage, soy, sunflower seeds, asparagus). The body converts proline to hydroxyproline with the help of vitamin C.
Nutrient rich foods are not the only key to collagen production. We produce less and break down existing collagen faster as we age. We cannot stop aging, but lifestyle choices like smoking, excess drinking, excess sun exposure, high sugar and refined carbs intake, and lack of sleep and exercise will accelerate collagen loss and negatively impact production. The true key to maintaining healthy and youthful skin isn't costly supplements or consuming endless amounts of bone soup. Conversely, it lies in a diet rich in nutrients, regular exercise, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Ensure you consume a minimum of five servings of colorful fruits and vegetables each day, and savor the benefits of green tea!