FOREVER YOUNG

Add some collagen to your diet if you want to restore that elusive youthfulness

Collagen is something of a wonder protein, produced naturally by the human body. It’s the main component of the connective tissues that hold our limbs together. You’ll nd collagen in tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles, just to name a few.

is important protein helps to maintain skin elasticity, supports weight management, strengthens bones, improves joint health and increases muscle mass.

e bad news? Our body only produces it for a very limited amount of time. Collagen production starts to slow down in our mid to late 20s. By our early 30s, we start to lose one per cent of our collagen each year. And by the time we turn 40, our production of collagen drops dramatically, leading to signs of aging.

Wrinkles, sti joints and lacklustre energy are all thanks to the gradual decline of collagen.

Luckily, there are foods you can eat that are packed full of collagen, helping you to restore some of what your body is no longer producing.

ese are the collagen-rich foods to add to your regular shopping list.

CHICKEN

This is filled with collagen, making it one of the best sources there is.

FISH

A good source of collagen, though we don’t tend to eat the parts that have the most (the head, eyes and scales).

EGG WHITES

Full of proline – one of the amino acids needed for collagen production.

CITRUS FRUITS

Vitamin C plays an important role in the production of collagen, so get a good dose of this hardworking vitamin.

BERRIES

These are an excellent source of vitamin C, and are also high in antioxidants, which help prevent further skin damage.

LEAFY GREENS

These contain chlorophyll – a precursor to collagen in our skin.

GARLIC

This flavoursome food contains sulphur, which helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen in the body.

BEANS

They are high in amino acids and copper – both of which are necessary for the production of collagen.

CASHEWS

Filled with zinc and copper, cashews boost your body’s collagen intake.

TOMATOES

As well as being filled with vitamin C, which helps in the production of collagen, tomatoes are also good sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Collagen is a wonder protein