Let's talk about Collagen

They sell us everywhere that we need to take collagen in pills or powders. Many collagen supplements promise to turn back time, this sounds great but what really works is a balanced diet without processed foods or sugars and includes foods rich in protein, vitamin C and the right nutrients.

So what do we do when faced with this dilemma? Very Easy! The most sustainable and healthy way to increase our collagen levels is to add it to our diet, with foods that can help our body produce it and stop its deterioration.

So the best option is to look for ingredients that have a collagen content that provides it to us naturally through food.

On the other hand, many experts question the bioavailability of collagen supplements. If we add collagen to our diet in the form of powder or capsules, this does not mean that the body can always absorb it.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body: it is present in hair, skin, nails, digestive system, muscles, joints, cartilage, ligaments, teeth, gums... We can imagine it as a natural glue that holds everything together. It also performs other functions, such as giving elasticity to the skin or strengthening bones.

What happens after 40?

The body makes this glue naturally, but over the years, especially after 40, the body makes less of it and wrinkles, muscle pain and other ailments appear.

The hydrolyzed collagen that is sold is of bovine or marine origin, and is obtained from animal remains such as bones, cartilage, spines, fins... People who follow vegetarian or vegan, plant-based diets can take collagen with the following foods

 FOODS THAT HELP INCREASE COLLAGEN NATURALLY

Protein-rich foods are especially important because they provide the body with the amino acids needed to make collagen and maintain healthy bones and muscles.

These are some of the most beneficial foods to take care of bones and skin due to their contribution in these and other interesting nutrients according to the nutritionist and body and mind food coach.

Black and red beans: They are very rich in the amino acids lysine, propin and glycine.

Tofu, tempeh and other soy derivatives: They contain genistein that stops the destruction of collagen

Nuts and seeds: They stand out for their content of essential fatty acids, which are essential for the production of collagen. They also contain zinc, which is essential for healthy skin. For youthful skin we should include especially pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts and peanuts in our diet.

Portobello mushrooms: They are rich in copper, which helps the body stimulate collagen production.

Fruit rich in vitamin C: These are, for example, citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, mango or raspberries: Vitamin C plays an important role in the production of collagen.

Red and orange vegetables: They can be sweet potatoes, beets, red pepper, pumpkin or carrot... They are a source of lycopene, which slows down the destruction of collagen in the body

Kale, spinach, chard and other green leafy vegetables: They are rich in chlorophyll, which functions as a precursor of collagen and facilitates its synthesis in the body.

Broccoli: Broccoli is one of the skin's best allies. It is rich in antioxidants that help maintain youthful-looking skin and also contains chlorophyll and vitamin C, which help the production of collagen in the body and keep skin healthy and flexible.

Avocados: This nutritional treasure has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. We can include it in our kitchen and, in addition, use its pulp to prepare hair masks and topicals...

Garlic, onion, leek and parsley: They are rich in sulfur compounds that help synthesize collagen and also prevent its decomposition.

Tea: The most popular drink in the world contains antioxidants called catechins that prevent the deterioration of collagen in the body.

Enjoy these foods and don't let a day go by without taking any of them, and also if you are not a vegetarian, go ahead and make bone broth or if you don't have the time you can find it at.

Bone broth contains a variety of minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and trace minerals that can help maintain overall health.

Remember that these MIALIFE tips may not be appropriate for everyone.

Everyone is different, and benefits may vary.

If you have specific concerns or questions about your health, it is advisable to consult a health professional.