You often think of youthful skin, shiny hair and strong joints when you talk about collagen. Most people think of collagen as something found in animal products, but what if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet? So is it possible to support collagen production from plant based sources?
Sure! Let’s take a gander at vegetarian collagen. We will discover how to increase your body’s natural collagen with appropriate foods and nutrients.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It provides support for our skin, bones, muscles and connective tissues. Frequently described as one of the “building blocks” in the body, collagen is essential for preserving good health.
Although collagen itself is not present in plant foods, your body does synthesize collagen from amino acids and essential nutrients. These nutrients naturally come from collagen-rich foods or veg sources.
Key Nutrients to Support Collagen Production
Your body requires three key components for collagen synthesis:
- Amino Acids: Important for collagen production include glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
- Amino acids: From the last four articles, you have learned that amino acids are vital for making protein, and hydroxylation is a process that requires vitamin C — a powerful antioxidant.
- Zinc and Copper: They are crucial for stabilizing collagen fibers.
The good news? Plant-based sources are rich in these nutrients. Let’s explore the best collagen-boosting foods vegetarian style
Best Vegetarian and Vegan Collagen Sources
Soy Products
Soy foods such as Tofu, tempeh and soy milk’s are the best sources of protein and genistein, a plant-based estrogen that enhances collagen formation.
Legumes
Chickpeas, lentils, and black beans are some good beans which contain amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis. They also contain soluble nutrients which include zinc that is very vital in skin health.
Nuts and Seeds
Other nuts and nutrient rich options such as walnuts, almonds, chia seeds and flax seed are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E. They help to tighten the skin and also the organic vegetarian supportive collagen.
Leafy Greens
Vitamin C containing foods include spinach, kale, and broccoli. They also have chlorophyll which may be important in increasing collagen to the skin., Individuals with oranges also have chlorophyll that may improve the collagen on the skin. Those are the great examples of collagen in vegetarian food.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as the oranges, lemons and grape fruits are rich in foods that help in formation of collagen, the chief being vitamin C. However, incorporating these foods in your diet can go along way in improving the skin health. They are wonderful vegetarian foods that improve on the production of collagen.
Avocado
This tasty fruit is a rich source of fats and vitamin E. It also assists in shielding your skin from free radical. It also stimulates collagen synthesis meaning it is a good plant based collagen source.
Pumpkin Seeds
A rich source of zinc and copper, pumpkin seeds are one of the best vegan collagen products out there to add to your diet. These minerals have an important function in relation to cross-linking and stabilisation of collagen fibres.
Seaweed
Marine vegetables, including kelp, nori and spirulina contain antioxidants. These antioxidants arrest the degradation of collagen and maintain young skin. They are amongst the best suitable veg collagen foods for any vegetarian or for anybody seeking to turn into one.
Collagen Supplements and Bone Broth Substitutes
It provides an excellent option for those who still take traditional collagen supplements, or even consume bone broth. Eaten foods bolstered with plant Based proteins and supplemented with vitamin C are already gaining more and more attention. These options are also effective in increasing collagen level on the body and at the same time, are environmentally friendly and animal-friendly too.
Wrinkles and how to fight them
As people grow older, collagen production decreases that can cause fine lines, skin that sags, and joint pain. You must try to add vegetarian foods rich in collagen in your diet so as to combat the effects of aging. This assists in promoting body’s other natural anti ageing benefits.
Advantages of Vegetarian Sources of Collagen
- Skin Health: Makes it to be elastic, affects the wrinkle-free skin, and allows water to be stored.
- Joint Support: Intensify the elasticity of connective tissues, thereby reduces the rigidity and inflammation.
- Hair and Nails: Celestial benefits promote area growth and fortification of strands and nail beds
When these vegan foods rich in collagen are taken they will enhance your health . You will also help support sustainable and cull-free living conditions.
>>Read More: Know Your Skin Type
Conclusion
Healthy skin and bones can be garnered without ingesting animal collagen. This is an excellent news for vegetarians as many plant-based collagen foods increase collagen production in the body. This way you stick to your plant-based diet. Begin including these veg collagen food options today and leave the work of repairing the skin to nature.
For more tips on plant-based health and wellness, stay tuned to Absowell — your partner in Absolute Wellness.