In the quest for achieving clear, wrinkle-free, and smooth skin, many of us are on the constant look-out for the next anti-aging cream.Resist the urge to purchase the next anti-aging cream until you've added some of these superfoods to your daily diet.

Collagen plays a major role in keeping our skin plump & ageless. Here are 9 of the best foods to boost collagen naturally.

Skip the plastic surgeon and makeup counter and boost collagen naturally with these 11 best collagen foods - your face will thank you!

Read 25 foods that keep you young, keep you feeling awesome, find they contribute to a youthful glow and vitality.

Achieving a youthful glow could be as simple as incorporating foods high in collagen into your diet. Here are thirteen to explore. @fitasamamabear

Collagen is a protein found in the body that plays an important role in keeping the skin elastic and youthful. While our bodies produce collagen naturally, this production declines as we age, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin.

From supplements to foods, learn how to boost collagen naturally with these simple tips. Rebuild and restore collagen in your face and entire body fast.

Read 25 foods that keep you young, keep you feeling awesome, find they contribute to a youthful glow and vitality.

If you're vegetarian and you're looking for an alternative to collagen, we've got good news for you. Collagen for vegetarians is easily obtained by supporting your body's own collagen production.

Naturally fight wrinkles from the inside out.

By Jill Levy Collagen is an important type of protein containing 19 different amino acids, including some that many of us don’t get enough of. Although supplementation is widely available — such as our Multi Collagen Protein powder or Multi Collagen Capsules — making an effort to also include a few servings of protein-rich foods and collagen-boosting foods in your diet can also help to optimize your levels. This in turn can provide support for joint health, skin health, gut health and much more. How can you get collagen naturally, and what foods have collagen? Let’s take a closer look at a few of the best collagen-boosting foods, plus ideas for how you can add them to your diet. Why Your Body Needs More Collagen Collagen is a protein found in abundance throughout the body. Often considered the glue that holds the body together, collagen benefits including supporting the skin’s texture and elasticity, keeping your joints moving smoothly, and much more. As you get older, however, collagen production naturally starts to diminish, which can directly affect skin, joints, nails, hair, the gut and more. There are a variety of other different factors that can interfere with collagen synthesis as well, such as smoking, sun exposure and a poor diet. Fortunately, there are plenty of methods that can help boost collagen levels. Using a collagen supplement is perhaps the most easy and effective way to help boost the building blocks of collagen levels, while consuming a variety of foods that contain collagen is another option to support your body’s own collagen production. Whether with foods, collagen supplements or a combination of both, increasing your intake of collagen can help in these areas: Supports a healthy gut and impacts gut lining integrity Supports the health of your joints, tendons and connective tissue, impacting comfort and mobility Helps promote healthy hair, nails and skin, including skin elasticity Can assist in building muscle Supports the health of the heart and blood vessels Top Collagen-Building Foods Collagen is made up of amino acids that your body has to absorb in order to benefit from. Adding a few foods to your diet that are high in amino acids that form collagen and elastin (a type of protein found in connective tissue) can help support your body’s natural production of collagen. Emphasizing a nutrient-dense diet that includes lots of antioxidants and vitamin C— such as from fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices — is also helpful for maintaining higher collagen levels. Vitamin C is particularly valuable for supporting collagen levels since not only does it act as an antioxidant, but it is also required for the production of type I collagen, which is the most abundant form of collagen in the body. Nutrients including zinc, manganese and copper are also supportive of collagen production. Finally, consuming enough quality protein-rich foods and healthy fats also plays a role in supporting collagen synthesis. Here are a few of the top collagen-rich and collagen-boosting foods that you can add to your diet: 1. Bone Broth Bone broth is one of the few foods/beverages we consume that actually has collagen in it. It’s available in powder form and is an easy collagen food supplement as well a source of other nutrients and beneficial compounds. 2. Spirulina This algae is a great plant-based source of amino acids like glycine, which is a key component of collagen. Use the dried form in green smoothies, desserts or juices. 3. Alaskan Cod Fish Cod is packed with amino acids, such as glycine and proline, as well as selenium, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. Other wild-caught fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel are all excellent sources of not only protein but also sulfur, omega-3s and other compounds that support overall health. 4. Eggs Eggs and egg whites are some of the top collagen foods thanks to their content of the amino acids that make up collagen, including glycine and proline. 5. Gelatin This is a type of protein derived from collagen. Use it in soups, stews or broths to bump up the nutritional value. 6. Leafy Green Vegetables Since they’re great sources of healthy inflammation-supporting compounds, antioxidants and vitamin C, leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and arugula are some of the top foods that promote collagen synthesis in the body. Other beneficial veggies include Brussel sprouts, cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, onions, tomatoes and bell peppers. 7. Pumpkin Seeds These seeds also contain around 19 percent of the recommended daily value for zinc in a single serving, a mineral that is integral to collagen synthesis. 8. Berries Berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, cranberries, acai and goji berries) are rich in vitamin C, as well as anthocyanins, ellagic acid and other antioxidants that can support healthy levels of collagen. 9. Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits, such as lemon, limes, oranges and grapefruit provide vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber and other micronutrients that help support overall health. Cherries, grapes, avocados, kiwi, apples and pineapple are other fruits to seek out to help make your diet generally more nutrient-dense. 10. Garlic Garlic is rich in sulfur, which is thought to ramp up collagen synthesis in the body. Onions, leeks, chives and shallots are also good additions to your diet to boost your flavonoid antioxidant and organosulfur compound intake. 11. Fermented foods Probiotic-containing fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, apple cider vinegar and sauerkraut support the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut, which is important for a healthy immune response and maintenance of healthy cells/tissues throughout your body. 12. Herbs and Spices Fresh and dried herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, clove, cinnamon, rosemary, parsley, thyme, oregano and others are supportive of healthy immune system function, gut function and digestive health. Meal Plan to Boost Your Overall Collagen Ready to include more collagen-boosting foods in your daily routine? Here’s a three-day sample day meal plan loaded with collagen-boosting foods to help get you going: Day One: Breakfast: Piña Colada Collagen Smoothie Recipe Lunch: Thai coconut chicken soup made with bone broth, garlic, spices and herbs Dinner: Lemon baked Alaskan cod with roasted broccoli, wilted greens and brown rice Snacks: Roasted pumpkin seeds and hard-boiled eggs Day Two: Breakfast: Greek yogurt with sliced strawberries and chia seeds Lunch: Spinach and strawberry salad with grilled chicken Dinner: Zucchini noodles with pumpkin seed pesto and turkey side salad Snacks: Protein peanut butter fudge and sliced oranges Day Three: Breakfast: Veggie omelet with greens and garlic Lunch: Herb and citrus roasted chicken with Brussels sprouts and quinoa Dinner: Slow cooker chili with grass-fed beef, bone broth and veggies Snacks: Lemon garlic kale chips and citrus fruit salad In addition to getting collagen from your diet, supplementing can be a convenient option for increasing your intake. An added benefit from supplementing with collagen is that you’ll obtain multiple types of collagen from several sources, such as beef, chicken, fish and egg shell membranes. Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein powder is made from four real food ingredients and zero weird chemicals, artificial ingredients, sweeteners or flavors. We proudly source our collagen from non-GMO, pasture-raised, cage-free and cruelty-free sources. It's the same story with Collagen Peptides, which is made from two food sources and also offers skin, joint and gut benefits like MCP. It's also hydrolyzed collagen, meaning it has already been partially broken down, so the critical amino acids are typically easier to absorb. Final Thoughts Collagen supplements, such as collagen powders and capsules, are a convenient way to increase your collagen and protein intake. But your diet is also important for providing you with amino acids that your body uses to make its own collagen. Foods that provide you with amino acids like proline, glycine and arginine — the kinds found in high amounts in collagen — include bone broth, eggs, cod fish, spirulina and gelatin. Certain “collagen-boosting foods” that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C also help to support collagen levels. Some of the best include berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, garlic, pumpkin seeds and herbs/ spices. Jill Levy has been with the Dr. Axe and Ancient Nutrition team for five years. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Fairfield University, followed by a certification as a Holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Jill takes a “non-diet” approach to health and really enjoys teaching others about mindful eating, intuitive eating and the benefits of eating real foods.

Revitalize Your Skin: Top 15 Collagen-Boosting Foods for a Radiant Glow Introduction: Collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies, pl...

If you’re vegan, you know perfectly well how hard it is to get all the nutrients your body needs solely from your food. And when it comes to collagen - the protein that we mostly source from animal-based foods and supplements, it gets even harder. Your body can also synthesize its own collagen and help you get back your healthy glow in no time. So, how can you stimulate your body to produce sufficient amounts of collagen when you’re on a vegan or vegetarian diet? In this article, we’ll help you understand what vegan-friendly collagen is and which natural supplements to try. Here’s what we’ll cover: What Is Vegan Collagen? Is Vegan Collagen Effective? What to look for in a vegan collagen supplement? 11 Best Vegan Collagen Supplements What is Vegan Collagen? As you already know supplements contain collagen that comes from the bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals like cattle, pigs, fish, and horses. And of course, for the non-vegans, it comes from foods like bone broth, chicken, fish, and eggs. The good news is you actually don’t need an external source of collagen because your body can produce its own. To create collagen, your body needs a sufficient supply of minerals and vitamins. There are a couple of ingredients that take part in collagen synthesis including vitamin C, amino acids (proteins), silica, zinc, copper, and polysaccharides. However, once you reach your mid-twenties, your body produces less and less collagen each year. That’s when wrinkles start showing and your skin slowly loses its elasticity. To make up for the decreasing levels of collagen in your body, you just have to get enough nutrients that will stimulate its production. That’s where vegan collagen supplements come in handy. They provide all the ingredients your body needs to start producing collagen. And the end result is healthier-looking skin, hair, and nails. Is Vegan Collagen Effective? When you take regular collagen supplements, your body can’t actually absorb that collagen fully. In fact, it’s easier and more effective for your body to build its own collagen from scratch than having to break down collagen from another source. This is why vegan collagen builders could be a good solution. They provide you with all the natural ingredients that your body needs to synthesize collagen on its own. And most of them are 100% organic and cruelty-free which is not the case with animal-based collagen supplements. Also, the vegan alternative is not as heavily processed as animal-sourced collagen supplements. This makes it a healthier and more natural way to get your collagen supply. What to Look For in a Vegan Collagen Supplement? Pure vegan collagen is still a work in progress, so first of all, be cautious of any manufacturer that claims it sells true vegan collagen. Honorable brands will label their product as either a “vegan collagen booster”, or “vegan collagen builder”.Secondly, a high-quality vegan collagen supplement will contain some (if not all) of the necessary vitamins and nutrients the body needs to naturally produce collagen. These include: Vitamin C Zinc Copper Amino acids such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. And third, make sure to purchase from an ethical, transparent, and 100% cruelty-free brand. Look for certified companies supported by research studies that use highly bioavailable nutrients. This information can typically be found very easily in the brand’s official website’s policy. On top of it, consider reading reviews as a way to reduce your doubts, and evaluate the brand’s credibility and reliability. We’d also recommend purchasing from brands with solid refund policies. That way, if a product doesn’t meet your needs, or simply doesn’t serve you in the way you’d hoped, the company can compensate you. 11 Best Vegan Collagen Supplements If you want to try out a vegan collagen supplement but you have no idea which is the right one for you, we’ve assembled a list of our favorite ones: Vegan Collagen Builder by Happy Healthy Hippie Garden of Life Organic Plant Collagen Builder Reserveage Vegan Collagen Builder Codeage Beauty Tonic PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder Moon Juice Collagen Protect Ora Organic Vegan Collagen-Boosting Powder Vitauthority Plant Based Collagen Booster Powder Sunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Protein Peptides Amazing Grass GLOW Vegan Collagen Support Organifi Glow Keep on reading to learn more about each of the top featured 11 vegan collagen supplements! #1. Vegan Collagen Builder Get it now! Pros: Cons: Promotes healthy skin, strong nails, and shiny hair Boosts the production of collagen, keratin, and elastin Relieves joint pain Contains fillers Might need some time for the ingredients to build up in your system This vegan collagen builder contains 30 active non-GMO ingredients among which are different fruits, vegetables, herbs, and minerals. All of them work towards giving you a healthy glow and stimulating the production of the 3 beauty building blocks collagen, keratin, and elastin. Once you start taking the supplement you will notice that your hair is shinier, nails are stronger and skin looks brighter. It can also reduce joint and muscle pain. And if you’re not a fan of mixing powders, this supplement comes in the form of tablets that are flavorless and easy to take. #2. Garden of Life Organic Plant Collagen Builder Get it now! Pros: Cons: Contains silica for healthy-looking skin, hair, and nails Gluten-free and non-GMO Protects your skin from UV rays Large size tablets Have to take it twice a day This vegan collagen supplement contains silica - an important mineral responsible for the strength of your hair, nails, and the elasticity of your skin. Another ingredient is the polyphenolic pomegranate which will protect your skin from dangerous UV rays. The rich food blend contains all the vitamins and antioxidants you need including vitamin A, C, E, biotin, turmeric, and green tea extract. This way you get a full-blown health boost and better-looking hair, skin, nails, and stronger joints. #3. Reserveage Vegan Collagen Builder Get it now! Pros: Cons: Improves the natural skin hydration Contains 3 essential amino acids, vitamin C and silica Contains white tea extract that prevents collagen from breaking On the pricey end Contains fillers With time, it’s normal that you start noticing some wrinkles, especially if your skin is exposed to sun, cosmetics, and other environmental toxins. But that shouldn’t discourage you. All you need is to replenish the supply of nutrients your skin needs to get its fresh and plump look back. In this vegan collagen supplement, you can find all ingredients you need to rejuvenate your skin and keep it moisturized. And with the all-in-one combination of vitamins, amino acids, silica, and ceramides you can do that in no time. #4. Codeage Beauty Tonic Get it now! Pros: Cons: 100% organic with no artificial additives Can heal acne scars and breakouts Increases the biotin levels in your body Large size capsules Have to take it 3 times a day The beauty tonic is an all-in-one multivitamin and collagen builder that will make you feel healthy inside and out. The food blend contains bamboo, guava, holy basil, and alma berry among other ingredients. Combine that with all essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C, B-complex, Amla berry, and holy basil and the end result is a healthier and more youthful look. And the best part is that you get the purest ingredients that are certified as 100% organic and non-GMO with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. #5. PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder Get it now! Pros: Cons: Protects collagen from breaking down Gluten-free and non-GMO certified Tastes good and comes in 3 flavors On the pricey end Contains the additives guar gum and tapioca powder This powder collagen builder helps your body to build new collagen and it supports the already-existing collagen in your body by preventing it from breaking down. The vegan collagen supplement is a unique blend from Saberry amla fruit extract, plant protein, white tea extract, and amino acids like glycine and proline. But it also contains the additives guar gum and tapioca powder, which are put in to improve the consistency and thickness of the mix in the liquid. You can choose from 3 flavors - chocolate, vanilla, and original, all of which go well mixed in your morning coffee, hot chocolate, or a shake. #6. Moon Juice Collagen Protect Get it now! Pros: Cons: Tastes good Can substitute for the milk in your coffee, tea, or other drinks Hydrates and detoxifies your skin On the pricey end Contains only 3 active ingredients This vegan collagen supplement contains Hyaluronic Acid, Tocos, and Silver Ear Mushroom. With only 3 ingredients, you get all the nourishment you need for better-looking skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, you source your body with protein, vitamin D, E, and other minerals that help boost the natural production of collagen in your body. And you get all these benefits in the form of a tasty creamer. So if you’re not a fan of pills or weird-looking powders, that’s a good alternative. #7. Ora Organic Vegan Collagen-Boosting Powder Get it now! Pros: Cons: Contains high-quality ingredients that boost collagen production Tasty vanilla flavor 100% non-GMO Only one flavor Might take some time for the ingredients to build up in your body This vegan collagen booster contains aloe vera, which helps with the building of stronger collagen structures in your body. That’s because aloe vera contains polysaccharides that are essential ingredients for the collagen formation. Besides this ingredient, the powder-like supplement also contains vitamin C, E, silica, and protein. This way, you have all the ingredients you need to start producing sufficient amounts of collagen to get your healthy glow back. #8. Vitauthority Plant Based Collagen Booster Powder Get it now! Pros: Cons: Has no added sugars 100% organic Natural pink lemonade taste On the pricey end Comes in only 1 flavor This vegan collagen booster powder is made with 100% organic ingredients and no added sugars or artificial additives. The powerful plant blend includes Camu Camu, pomegranate, and Amla berry extract, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on your skin, hair, and nails. They help neutralize any free radicals that cause the formation of wrinkles and saggy-looking skin. The combination of Hyaluronic Acid and coconut water will leave you refreshed and hydrated for a long time. The powder has a light pink lemonade taste that is sweetened with stevia and contains only 15 calories per serving. #9. Sunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Protein Peptides Get it now! Pros: Cons: Comes in 3 tasty flavors Includes peptides which support the production of collagen Contains 18 g of protein Might have traces of peanuts and other tree nuts Contains 100 calories per serving The collagen-building protein peptides powder is a good option if you're on a vegan, keto, or paleo diet. The powder has zero added sugars and no artificial sweeteners. And if you’re looking for a tasty vegan collagen supplement that also contains lots of protein, this one’s a good choice. The powder comes in 3 flavors - original, chocolate, and vanilla, and contains 18 g of protein per serving. The peptides come in combination with biotin, lysine, and vitamin C among other ingredients. This stimulates collagen production in your body and results in healthier skin, nails, hair, joints, bones, and muscles. #10. Amazing Grass GLOW Vegan Collagen Support Get it now! Pros: Cons: Comes in 3 flavors and contains 15 g of protein Affordable price Boosts your skin health and vitality Contains stevia, which might taste way too sweet for some Doesn’t mix well in water This vegan collagen supplement is a combination of a collagen booster and a protein supplement. It comes in 3 flavors - berry, chocolate, and vanilla, and at a very affordable price. But even though it has no added sugars, the stevia sweetener might be too strong for some of you. But if you don’t mind the stevia, this supplement might be a good option. It’s a great source of biotin, vitamin C and B-complex among other ingredients that support the collagen synthesis in your body and give you shinier skin, stronger hair, and nails. #11. Organifi Glow Get it now! Pros: Cons: Contains 13 plant-based ingredients Gluten-free Only 19 calories per serving On the pricey end Comes in only one flavor This organic supplement is a mix of 13 superfoods that will boost your collagen production levels in no time. And you get that in the form of a powder with fresh raspberry flavor. The end result is a low-calorie tasty juice that has all the collagen-making ingredients you need. It’s a good solution if you want to avoid the more filling and nutritious collagen supplements. Not only do you get a more moisturized and softer skin, but also a full vitamin complex, including iron, zinc, vitamin C, and calcium. Vegan Collagen FAQ #1. Do vegans get enough collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It’s what holds together our muscles, bones, and skin.But if you’re vegan, that means you can’t get collagen directly from your food, because as we already know, collagen is 100% animal-based.So, chances are, your body probably needs to consume more foods that can boost its ability to naturally make collagen. This includes foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, copper, and amino acids. Besides dieting, vegan collagen boosters and builders are a second great way to boost collagen without consuming meat. #2. Is vegan collagen effective? As we’ve mentioned, there’s no known source of a vegan collagen, and scientists are still looking for ways to develop a vegan collagen product under laboratory conditions. This being said, vegan collagen boosters and builders are highly effective alternatives. They contain all of the nutrients necessary to boost the body’s natural collagen production, strengthen bones and muscles, increase energy levels, and fight off stress & anxiety. #3. Which vegan foods are high in collagen? Foods that help collagen production contain vitamin C, zinc, copper, and amino acids. Some of the best alternatives to incorporate into your vegan diet include: Strawberries Citrus fruit such as oranges, mandarine, lime, grapefruit, lemons, etc. Tropical fruit such as kiwi, mango, pineapple, passion fruit, papaya, acai, etc Broccoli Mushrooms Legumes such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas Oats Tofu Nuts and seeds such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, etc. Conclusion Knowing exactly what you put in your body is very important. A vegan collagen builder provides you with vitamin-dense formula and high-quality ingredients that support the creation of collagen in your body. This way, you avoid sourcing collagen from regular supplements that usually go under heavy processing before making their way to you. Substituting them with vegan alternatives is a natural and cruelty-free way of getting your daily dose of collagen. In the end, aim for the collagen supplement that works best for you and makes you feel amazing.

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