Collagen is a lauded protein that is one of the major building blocks of your body, including your bones, skin and muscles. While collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, unfortunately, you start to produce less of it in your 20s, which is why collagen-infused products are all the rage at the moment, as this protein is what keeps your skin plump and bouncy and prevents sagging.
And, we’re huge collagen fans and love a little collagen powder or collagen skincare moment, but did you know that you can also consume collagen via food? In fact, some of the foods you eat every day are filled to the brim with this protein.
According to a recent TikTok video by dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe, eating these certain foods on a regular basis can boost collagen in your skin, which is very good news indeed. In even better news, you probably have these three foods sitting in your fridge and pantry right now. They are:
Citrus Fruits
“Your skin requires vitamin C in order to synthesise collagen, so go ahead and squeeze that lemon into your water,” Dr Bowe says in the video. Drink lemon water, eat oranges and start your day with grapefruit — whatever citrus fruit floats your boat, lean into it to up your collagen production.
Eggs
“Eggs, specifically the whites, which contains glycine and proline, the amino acids that make up collagen,” she said. If you’re not on the egg train, now is the time to switch up your breakfast or lunch choices and add eggs to your plate.
Nuts
“Go nuts for nuts! Because they contain zinc, and zinc actually supports your fibroblasts, which are the cells that make the collagen,” said Dr Bowe. Nuts are also a great source of essential fatty acids, which helps to fight free radicals and keep your skin function healthy.
There you have it — three foods that are healthy, delicious and keep your skin bouncy, supple and healthy. Too easy!
