68) WHAT ARE THE NATURAL FOODS THAT CONTAIN COLLAGEN?

Care for Beef Tendon Stew? It's high in Collagen.

For dinner yesterday, hubby made beef tendon stew. Needless to say, it was smooth as silk, yummy in my tummy.  Did you know that animal tendon are also a good source of Collagen?



You may have heard that collagen keeps the skin young and supple.  You may also know that the Collagen levels will deplete as we age. 


Collagen is a form of protein that combines with keratin and elastin.  As we age, the body's production of Collagen also slows down.  The result will be aging skin.  The aging signs are thinning, wrinkles, lines, age spots and dullness.

Some women, especially, when they see that their skin has started to age, they would seek solutions in the form of anti-aging products that come in creams, gel, lotion and masks.  Though some do the job, other don't.

So rather than trying to preserve your youth with an expensive jar of Collagen which promises results yet may deliver none, lets look at some of the natural foods that you can add to your diet to boost your Collagen level.

How then do you get more Collagen into your body? 

1. Garlic

Garlic

Garlic possesses sulfur which is essential for producing collagen in your body.  Garlic also has large amounts of lipoic acid and taurine, which are also essential for rebuilding damaged collagen fibers.  Be sure to add generous amounts of garlic the next time you cook soups, pasta, meats and other dishes.

2. Soy

Bean Curd

Soy can be found in cheese, soy milk, bean curd and other products.  Soy contains genistein, a substance that promotes Collagen production and fights skin aging. To slow down the aging process, eat plenty of soy products. If you are lactose intolerant, you can avoid cheese and replace with other alternative soy products.

3. Tomatoes

Red Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain a great deal of lycopene. Lycopene helps fight collagenases.  Basically, collagenases are enzymes that destroy the Collagen in your body.  Stew, grill, bake or make your own tomato sauce to add to your pasta. Add fresh sliced tomatoes to sandwiches or cube it and throw into a bowl of crunchy garden salad as a garnish.

4. Dark Green Vegetables

Basil

Leafy greens and other green vegetables have high nutritional value.  It is more reason to consume them as they contain agents which aid in Collagen production. Eat more spinach, asparagus and kale as they can not only help in the production of Collagen, but they can also help your body to use this protein more efficiently.

5. Omega-3

Salmon

Omega-3 is considered a good fatty acid. However, many of us do not get enough Omega-3 in our diets.   Instead, people tend to consume more bad fats. By regularly, consuming Omega-3, our skin will become smooth, supple and soft. Cod, Sardines, Tuna, Salmon and Mackerel are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acid.  If you are a vegetarian, sprinkle flax seed on your dishes(about 2 tablespoons daily)  or take supplements that has flax seed oils.

6. Red Fruits and Vegetables

Red, Green, Yellow Bell Peppers

Besides tomatoes, red fruits and vegetables are considered good sources of lycopene.  Red peppers and beets are tasty additions to your diet.  These red natural foods also rich in antioxidants that can promote Collagen and fight other signs of aging.

7. Vitamin C Superfoods

Hot Chili Peppers

Vitamin C plays a critical role in collagen production in the skin. If you want your skin to look young and stay young, make it a priority to eat foods high in Vitamin C.

We all know that excellent sources of Vitamin C comes from most fruits and also vegetables. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit are very good sources of Vitamin C. 


But, did you know that even though they are high in Vitamin C, they are not the best sources?

Yes, you have read it correctly. There are a number of other fruits and vegetables that contain superior amount of Vitamin C compared to citrus fruits! It may come as a surprise to you that spicy foods such as both the red and green hot chili peppers are at the top of the list for Vitamin C.


Tasty treat or something nasty?


The Japanese are known to concoct some weird combi food.  Have you ever heard of collagen marshmallows?  They have created and sold these marshmallows as treats and it has a pink grapefruit flavor. However, it contains gelatin, so vegans would have to opt out of the taste test.  They claim that the fluffy puffs supposedly work to make your skin look smoother and less wrinkled and even can reduce the appearance of cellulite!


If this product were to ever reach our shores, would you try it? And by the way, if anyone of you are interested in cooking Beef Tendon Stew, let me know. I'll get the recipe from my hubby..........

My next topic for discussion is, "Top Ten Vitamin C Superfoods ."

You may also like to read:


40) THE SPICES OF LIFE-CAYENNE PEPPER.
THE SPICES OF LIFE-CORIANDER LEAVES.
HOMEMADE MASK AND SCRUB FOR ALL SKIN TYPES
DOES COLLAGEN CREAM WORK?

MY ART CORNER

Thank you for looking and taking the time to read my blog. I welcome feedback and sharing of your thoughts or experience in relation to this topic.


Until my next post, 'Here's To Your Health!"

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