6 Collagen Rich Foods in India

Did you know that maintaining collagen levels becomes more challenging with age? Note this for women who have previously gone through menopause! This is because your body's ability to absorb the nutrients it needs to build collagen diminishes with age.

Eating foods high in collagen may help reduce part of this difficulty. As a result, your body will be able to maintain its strength and health as you age. To maintain a healthy dermis and prevent hair loss, the body also benefits from collagen supplements for skin and hair.

Also Read: Impact of Collagen Drink on Your Skin

Let's take a look at some collagen-rich food options.

What's The Need For Collagen In The Body?

Collagen is a protein required to maintain the health and function of the connective tissues in your body. The connective tissues that hold your skin, bones, and organs together give your body its shape. Your body's appearance could be radically altered if you lack collagen.

In addition to collagen and elastin, the skin's structural components are also important. Collagen aids in maintaining the skin's elasticity and smoothness. These proteins degenerate with time. As we get older, our skin begins to lose elasticity and wrinkle.

There are around 40 different types of collagen in the human body, but just four are considered the most common. They consist of-

• Collagen type I is a protein that helps produce fibers in connective tissue, such as the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage in the bones. Type I collagen gives your skin a healthy, youthful, fresh look. It is the tissue's structural core.

• Collagen Type II, in cartilage, has fewer structured filaments than type I collagen.

• Most of the body's collagen is composed of Collagen Type III, which is less dense than collagen type I but is essential for organ cell structure maintenance.

• Collagen Type IV is found in the "basement membrane," a sheet-like arrangement of collagen cells that encircle specific tissues.

Also Read: What Does Collagen Peptides Do for Skin?

Collagen Based Foods

Nutrients for collagen formation are found in certain foods. Increases in collagen production may be facilitated through the consumption of the following foods-

Foods Derived From Animal

Collagen is mainly found in animal products. Collagen-based foods include poultry, fish, and cattle. Collagen rich foods in India are found in the following foods:

• Bone broth

Collagen rich foods and bone broth have become a hot commodity in the soup aisle. Simmering animal bones in water and vinegar for 4–24 hours depends on bone content. In addition to helping to break down bone tissue, vinegar also aids in the release of collagen and other nutrients from it. The number of amino acids in each batch varies significantly based on the type of bones, the time they are cooked, and the level of processing (e.g., packaged/canned).

• Skinned Fish

Fish are a great source of collagen. As long as the skin remains on the fish, it is a good source of collagen from the diet. The reason for this is that fish skin contains a lot of collagens. Both freshwater and saltwater fish of bones and skin are rich sources of collagen. In addition to these, fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Marine Collagen (Type I & III) is considered the best source of collagen rich foods for skin and hair.

• Chicken

Chicken is a good source of collagen. A whole chicken has quite an amount of connective tissue. Collagen can be obtained from foods such as pot roast, brisket, and chuck steak due to the meat's connective structure. On the other side, a diet rich in red meat is not recommended for long-term health and sustainability.

• Gelatine

Gelatin is a type of collagen produced by boiling animal bones, cartilage (a non-vascular type of supporting connective tissue), and skin for several hours, allowing the liquid to cool and solidify in the refrigerator. In the decomposition of these tissues, gelatin is produced. The paleo and other low-carb diets frequently include collagen- and gelatin-rich foods. This is a staple of many low-carb diets, including the Paleo diet.

Also Read: Ways in Which Collagen Supplements Can Enhance Your "Glow" Skin Health

Foods Derived From Plants

Vegetarians and vegans can eat collagen-based foods derived from plants.

• Vitamin C-rich foods

Vegetarians and vegans should eat foods high in vitamin C. Eating meals high in this nutrient promotes the body to produce collagen, which helps maintain a healthy and robust physique.

In addition to fruits like blueberries, papaya, and citrus, there are also vegetables like broccoli, leafy greens, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cauliflower high in vitamin C.

There is high valuable availability of Vitamin-C-rich sources, i.e., collagen-rich food, in India because of the country's sizable vegan population.

Foods Derived From Both Animals & Plants

Foods high in collagen include both animal and plant-based foods -

• High-Protein Diets

Some high-protein diets are believed to boost collagen synthesis because they contain the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. In the diet, protein is broken down into amino acids, which are then used by the body to synthesize collagen.

Foods high in collagen such as fish and fowl and meat and dairy products such as milk and soy are included. Because of the country's sizable vegan population, soy & milk products are highly consumed as collagen rich food in India. These natural collagen foods help boost collagen levels in the body.

Also Read: 7 Advantages of Glutathione tablets for skin

What Is A Researcher's Opinion on Collagen-Rich Foods And Supplements?

In addition to consuming collagen-rich foods for skin and hair, there are several ways in which collagen can be obtained, such as collagen-fortified foods & collagen supplements. Collagen supplements and food are still being studied for their specific health advantages. On the other hand, when it comes to collagens, they are an essential part of your diet. Supplemental collagen has health benefits not found in food collagen.

Collagen has improved muscle strength in older adults experiencing muscle loss. Study participants who used collagen supplements in addition to their exercise regimen concluded better results than those who took collagen supplements alone. However, collagens are highly advantageous to your diet.

Amino acids increase collagen synthesis, leading to better health and function of connective tissue. According to a study, collagen and dairy proteins and collagen-rich bone broth increased amino acid (AAs) levels in the blood. Consumption of collagen protein and dairy protein increased the AA glycine, while the AA leucine was increased. Bone broth released the AAs more slowly and steadily than the supplements did.

A small 2015 study examined the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplements on post-menopausal women's skin health and appearance. Supplements contain hyaluronic acid as well as vitamins and minerals. According to the study's findings, wrinkle depth, and skin elasticity.

Also Read:  A Guide To Keeping Skin Hydrated

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

Besides a healthy diet and regular exercise, these activities may help sustain your body's natural collagen-

• Sugary foods should be limited or avoided to keep collagen levels stable.

• Don't smoke or be near smokers.

• Keep a cool head. Collagen production is inhibited when cortisol levels are raised for a long time.

• Exercise may or may not enhance skin quality, although it may slow down cell activity connected to aging skin.

• Ensure you get enough sleep. Most people sleep 7-9 hours per night.

• Use sunscreen or limit sun exposure. Getting 10-20 minutes of direct midday sunlight three or four times a week is enough for most people to get enough vitamin D.

• Supplements can speed up the production of collagen. However, supplements should not be used as a substitute for a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

The body's natural collagen production is aided by a nutritious diet rich in protein, fish & meat, fruits, and vegetables and lessening collagen-damaging habits.