Collagen is a type of protein that works with keratin to give skin strength, softness, elasticity and resilience. It is produced by the skin and other parts of the body. When you are young, your body contains a lot of collagen. That's why young children have such beautiful shiny hair and smooth skin. This is what is called the cement that keeps it all together. As you get older, collagen production decreases and skin weakening occurs. It is at this point that the skin gets wrinkled and sags.
The skin is composed of three layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The second layer of the skin (dermis) is where the collagen protein is located. The collagen molecules are grouped in the dermis.
There are ways to help you increase collagen in your skin. You must know what nutrients your body really needs to do this.
Soy products such as soymik and cheese contain an element called genistein. The presence of genistein gives the soy products collagen production qualities, while blocking enzymes that tend to break down and age the skin. Almost all soy products contain enough genistein to be useful, including soy products designed to replace meat products. Personally, I can not eat edamame or any soy-based product unless it's fermented, like miso. Two weeks, problematic, after eating tofu every day for two weeks. Other plant foods that contain genistein include alfalfa and clover sprouts, barley flour, broccoli, cauliflower, and sunflower, cumin and clover seeds. Barley, cauliflower and sunflower are all specific blood groups of the blood group A.
Dark green vegetables are also excellent examples of collagen-containing agents. Add dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, green cabbage and kale. Cabbage (ideal for blood group B) and mustard and turnip leaves are all specific to each blood group. Try it daily in your diet. They are packed with an antioxidant called lutein. You need 10 mg to get results – which equals about 4 oz. spinach or 2 oz. kale. Recent French research suggests that this will stimulate the hydration and elasticity of the skin by fighting wrinkles. Rich in Vitamin C, regular consumption of kale, spinach, green cabbage and asparagus helps to strengthen the body's ability to make collagen and use protein efficiently.
Beans help your body produce a vital anti-aging substance called hyaluronic acid. Aim for at least two tablespoons of beans each day. Find your best beans on Holiday Healthy Bean delicacies for each of the different drop-down menus.
Red fruits and vegetables are also excellent sources for increasing the collagen content of foods in the diet. The presence of lycopene in these types of foods helps to act as an antioxidant, which increases the production of collagen. Try adding red peppers and beets (perfect for blood group B) and fresh tomatoes or stewed (perfect for blood group O). For others, watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene. Also include sweet potatoes, (good for everyone except blood group A), carrots and more. Dr. Ronald Watson's research from the University of Arizona has shown that the antioxidants found in red, yellow and orange foods accumulate under the skin, thus creating extra protection against UV rays . "The effect is so strong that eating six servings a day for about two months will constitute a natural barrier equivalent to a factor four sunscreen."
Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are natural sources of collagen production. You should try to include citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemons, pineapples and strawberries in your daily diet.
The attack of substances called free radicals, which degrade healthy skin tissues, is one of the main causes of skin aging. Antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals before they can cause damage. Prunes are the fruit that contains the absolute highest level of antioxidants. Blueberries come in second place. Consume five to six prunes or a small basket of blueberries daily to improve your health. Prunes also help if you suffer from osteopenia, to prevent long bone fractures.
Omega acids also help to create an ideal environment for collagen production. Fish such as salmon and tuna are excellent sources of omega fatty acids. Nuts such as pecans, almonds for all bodies and Brazil nuts for blood groups B and AB also contain healthy amounts.
Flax seeds, chia seeds and nuts (as well as cold water fish) are a major source of omega-3 healthy fats. The skin cells are surrounded by a greasy layer made up of these fats and other fats. As a result, the higher your intake of omega-3s, the more resistant this layer is and your plump cells are plump, making it possible to mask wrinkles and fine lines. Mix it with smoothies or add it to the balsamic vinegar and use it as a dressing, but try to take a tablespoon each day. On Facebook publications, one guy says that flaxseeds are estrogenic. If you are concerned about breast and uterine cancers, avoid estrogenic compounds. The chia seeds are great.
Foods rich in sulfur are also important for collagen production. These include green and black olives (limit or avoid them) of fresh cucumbers and fresh celery stalks. In combination with sulfur, vegetables rich in vitamin A also help maintain high levels of collagen. Try adding raw carrots, fresh cantaloupe and baked sweet potatoes to the diet (except for blood group A).
Turkey contains an essential protein called carnosine, which slows down a skin process called reticulation. When this happens, the fibers develop in the collagen of the skin, making it rigid and inelastic. Inelasticity prevents the skin from turning back when you do things like smiling, laughing or frowning – and that is what causes smile lines or crow's feet. Eat turkey two to three times a week.
Chocolate is really good for your skin. Studies in Germany have shown that after drinking a cocoa-based drink, blood flow to the skin was increased (which meant that nutrient and moisture levels were higher). It also seemed to be more protected against UV rays. However, only dark chocolate contains enough antioxidants to have effects. Healthy Holiday Bean Delights contains dark chocolate cocoa.
Manuka honey is a special New Zealand honey with unique healing properties. It has been used for centuries by New Zealand Maori in skin care and it is easy to understand why. When used locally, active manuka honey can restore and regenerate your skin. It supports the process of cellular renewal of the skin and assists in the formation of stronger collagen proteins. As an added benefit, active manuka honey is rich in antioxidants and helps reduce blemishes.
Rosehip is one of the plant extracts that can have a rich source of collagen. They contain a high level of vitamin C, which is good for collagen production.
Avocado Oil If you want to know how to naturally produce collagen, you should use masks or creams based on avocado oil. Avocado oil is deeply moisturizing and highly compatible with the natural oils of your skin. Avocado oil is rich in plant-derived steroids, which helps reduce blemishes and age spots. It also helps regenerate and rejuvenate skin damaged by free radicals. Avocado oil is important because it has been scientifically proven that it stimulates collagen production and increases the proportion of collagen soluble in the dermis of the skin. And do not forget to include fresh avocados in your favorite salad recipes and soups. I've added a great guacamole recipe.
One of the key points to keep in mind is that it is possible to provide your body with everything it needs to produce collagen by eating a balanced diet. By including some of the foods mentioned here, you will soon start to see a difference in the quality of your complexion.
