Collagen is a structural protein made of amino acids that holds cells and tissues together.
It boosts the blood circulation in the skin making it more elastic. Our bodies make less collagen as they grow older, hence why many people start to see wrinkles, joint discomfort, intestinal problems, and drooping skin when they age.
Your body can make collagen on its own by breaking down the proteins you eat to get amino acids. Your body can re-purpose the amino acids into collagen with the help of certain minerals like zinc and copper. Vitamins such as A and C work harmoniously to make collagen within the body. Many plant-based foods contain both these vitamins such as papaya, kale, berries, almonds, spinach, citrus fruits, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, and carrots.
Humans don’t need to eat collagen from living beings to have healthy levels of the protein within their bodies. A wealth of plant-based foods can promote collagen production. Vegan diets generally contain more plants than omnivorous diets, and plants are rich sources of anti-inflammatory properties. Cruciferous vegetables, almonds, beans, olive oil, and avocados are some examples of foods that can help reduce inflammation; therefore promoting collagen production.
Sleeping well is important to promote healthy collagen. The body makes collagen during sleep as a repair process. Excessive drinking has also been shown to accelerate skin aging by reducing collagen production and damaging skin repair mechanisms.
You can help your body make collagen and maintain healthy collagen levels by simply including enough vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, and zinc in your diet. If you eat a variety of plant foods, you’ll get more than enough of the amino acid building blocks and the other nutrients that your body needs to make collagen.
