Natural sources of collagen to heal and repair your body

Collagen is the primary structural component of your skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Since the body cannot produce these amino acids to make collagen, we must rely on protein sources that contain all nine essential amino acids, such as poultry, eggs, dairy, soy, quinoa, and buckwheat. Collagen is not only beneficial for skin, but also necessary for good health. Providing structure, strength, and support throughout your body is the primary function of collagen. Some specific benefits of collagen are-

Increasing collagen levels can make your skin look firmer, smoother, and allow your skin cells to continue renewing and repairing normally. It also aids in the prevention of the effects of aging and collagen loss, such as looser skin, more wrinkles, and decreased elasticity.

When we lose this vital protein, our connective tissues (including tendons and ligaments) begin to move more slowly, resulting in stiffness, swollen joints, and other symptoms. Collagen, with its gel-like, smooth structure that covers and holds our bones together, allows us to glide and move freely.

If you have leaky gut syndrome, a condition in which harmful toxins can pass through your digestive tract, collagen can be extremely beneficial. It aids in the breakdown of proteins and soothes the lining of your gut, repairing damaged cell walls and infusing the gut with amino acids.

Collagen protein serves as the foundation for your fingernails, hair, and teeth. Including it in your diet can help strengthen your nails and possibly reverse signs of hair loss. One study found that adult women who took collagen, experienced improvements in overall hair volume, scalp coverage, and hair body thickness after 90 days. Hair shine, skin moisture retention, and skin smoothness all improved after 180 days.

“Collagen reduces anxiety, making us more relaxed and capable of dealing with life's ups and downs. This is primarily due to the presence of glycine in collagen. Glycine is an amino acid that many of us do not get enough of. It has powerful anti-anxiety properties,”saysDr. Archana Batra Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator & Physiotherapist.

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Muscle mass typically declines with age. With proper exercise, collagen supplements have been shown to help increase muscle mass and strength.

Making specific dietary changes can help you increase your intake of collagen supplements. Egg whites, chicken skin, and fish skin are all natural sources of collagen. Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and avocados are also excellent choices. Including leafy greens, garlic, red and yellow vegetables, bell peppers, beans, and herbs like Ashwagandha in your diet can also help.