Today, collagen is one of the most popular buzzwords in the beauty and skincare industry, thanks to its ability to improve your skin’s health. For instance, it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Unfortunately for vegans, the most common sources of this protein are animal products. So, can you get collagen from vegetables? Here are some important details that will help you answer that question.
How Does Your Body Make Collagen?
As you know, collagen is the primary component of connective tissues, like your cartilages and skin. Your body can make this protein by combining the amino acids proline, glycine, and lysine.
Unfortunately, your body’s ability to create collagen decreases as you age. Aside from that, prolonged sun exposure and other unhealthy lifestyle habits can degrade collagen. The good news is that you can help your body make more collagen by eating the right foods. A healthy lifestyle can also help prevent collagen degradation.
Can You Get Collagen From Vegetables?
As mentioned, the most common sources of collagen are animal products. However, vegans can still help their bodies make collagen. Remember, your body combines three amino acids (glycine, proline, and lysine) to create collagen. As such, you need to include veggies that contain these amino acids, such as beans, peanuts, soy, and many more.
Aside from that, it is also essential to consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in zinc, copper, and vitamin C. These nutrients are also necessary to produce collagen. Some foods that contain these nutrients are citrus fruits, beans, seeds, lentils, and nuts.
Aside from those foods, you can also eat fruits and veggies with high antioxidant contents. Remember, the free radicals present in your environment can cause oxidative stress, which eventually degrades collagen. Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals; thus, they can help make your skin look young and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Can you get collagen from vegetables? As presented, vegetables don’t contain collagen. Even so, you can consume plant-based products that can help your body create collagen, such as citrus fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and lentils.
Aside from eating the right foods, you can also help prevent collagen degradation by opting for healthy lifestyle habits. For example, you can avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. Additionally, you can also take plant-based collagen supplements. However, you must consult your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure safety.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
How Does Collagen Improve Your Skin?
