Top Collagen Boosting Foods

What is Collagen? We hear about it in every beauty magazine, products boast about how they can help us rebuild, rejuvenate and boost collagen production, but what is it?

Collagen is located below the outermost layer of the skin, known as the dermis, and is the foundation of connective tissue that supports the skin's structure. This makes it essential for firmer and younger-looking skin. As we age, collagen production slows down causing the skin to thin, lose suppleness and form wrinkles. Everyday factors such as the sun, pollution, free radicals, and smoke can also be responsible for the break down of collagen.

The good news: In addition to skin care products, like Leaders Coconut Biocellulose SuperFood Sheet Masks, certain foods are a great way to naturally boost collagen in the skin and regain your youthful complexion.

Red Vegetables

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Tomatoes, peppers, and beets contain the skin-transforming antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a natural sunblock and protects the skin from damage while increasing the levels of collagen production. Caprese salad, anyone?

Berries

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Blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries act as your skin's personal bodyguards. These powerful fruits hunt down free radicals while increasing collagen levels.

Citrus Fruits


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Studies show that citrus fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits that are oozing with vitamin C have the ability to transform amino acids into collagen. Vitamin C is also a great neutralizer of free radicals, which attack and disintegrate collagen and elastin in the skin.

Oysters


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An exotic food fave, oysters are naturally rich in zinc - an essential to the collagen-building process. Bursting with vitamins and minerals including iron and vitamin B12, oysters are a low calorie option with a long resume of proven health benefits!