Collagen is a type of protein that is naturally found in animal flesh like meat and fish that contain connective tissue. It is a special type of protein that makes a big difference in the health and appearance of your hair, skin, nails, and joints. While it is unclear whether eating foods high in collagen has noticeable benefits on skin, joint, or bone health, collagen-rich foods can pack in a variety of nutrients. Here are some foods that are rich in collagen:
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Bone Broth: Made from animal bones and other connective tissues, bone broth contains a form of collagen that your body can easily absorb. It also provides plenty of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, copper, and zinc, which all help with collagen production.
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Wild Salmon: Loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and copper, wild salmon may be the perfect collagen-boosting food. Eating the skin also provides even more benefits.
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Jellyfish: While not a common food in many parts of the world, jellyfish is a collagen-rich food that is popular in some Asian countries. It is also a good source of protein and other nutrients.
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Chicken skin: Chicken skin is a good source of collagen, as well as other nutrients like protein and vitamin E.
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Pork skin: Pork skin is another good source of collagen, as well as protein and other nutrients.
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Certain Organ Meats: Certain organ meats like liver and heart are also good sources of collagen.
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Meat on the Bone: Meat on the bone, including cartilage, skin, and bone, is another good source of collagen.
While plant-based foods don’t contain collagen, foods like legumes, whole grains, and fermented soy contain amino acids that might boost collagen production in the body. It is important to note that collagen supplements contain amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and some may also contain additional nutrients related to healthy skin and hair like vitamin C, biotin, or zinc. However, manufacturers often combine collagen with other ingredients in supplements, and certain ingredients could pose health risks. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods to help protect collagen stores and prevent collagen damage and loss.
