There’s a lot of buzz around collagen in the beauty world right now. A structural protein, collagen is found throughout the body in the skin, muscles, bones, and tendons. It’s also what gives our skin its structure and elasticity.
Unfortunately, as we age, the cumulative sun damage, environmental influences, pair with genetics, our bodies produce less and less collagen. This leads to thinner, sagging skin, the development of wrinkles, and joint pain. To combat this natural decline, many people are turning toward collagen supplements. If you prefer to go a more natural route, however, the following 13 foods contain a wealth of nutrients that boost the body’s production of collagen.
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Fish
Fish are packed full of essential nutrients called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are vital for skin health, as they are anti-inflammatory and protect the fatty membrane that surrounds our skin cells, thus supporting the skin’s structure.
Salmon is a particularly valuable source of omega-3s. Other fish varieties that are rich in omega-3s include mackerel, trout, herring, and tuna.