Collagen is a group of proteins largely responsible for the formation of tendons, bones, skin and other connective tissues found in humans. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, collagen fibers are made from protein containing primarily two amino acids--hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline. While there have been relatively few studies linking the consumption of foods high in these amino acids to increased collagen production in the body, certain foods, such as egg whites, soy products, legumes and fish, all contain high qualities of hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline and are suspected to contribute to increased levels of collagen.
Step 1
Create a list of all the collagen-forming foods and diet items by consulting an online chart of collagen-forming foods, such as the one available on the Health Central website. Write a list of foods that may promote collagen, such as soy products, dark green vegetables, egg whites, legumes, beans, prunes, turkey and fish. Place this list on your refrigerator door or anywhere else where you normally cook or prepare meals.
Step 2
Call your favorite restaurants and cafes, and ask if any of their dishes contain any foods on your list. This will help reduce your chances of consuming collagen-forming foods included in the flavoring or other ingredients that you may not know about.
Step 3
Visit your local farmer's market or grocery store, and buy produce and other food products that are not on your list of collagen-forming foods. Consult recipe books for dishes you may prepare that are low in collagen-forming foods, such as fresh pasta with a basil pesto, or bean-free burritos.
Step 4
Substitute your chocolate indulgences with alternative deserts, such as spelt muffins or millet cake. Make sure none of your favorite deserts include soy products, such as soy milk, and always consult the list of ingredients when in doubt about a product's collagen-forming ingredients.
Tips and Warnings
- Collagen is frequently linked to many beneficial conditions and skin factors, from increased UV protection to antioxidant protection of your skin's cellular bonds. Consider your reasons for avoiding collagen-forming foods, and ask your doctor about the best course of action for your concerns.
- Consult your doctor or personal physician before attempting a diet free of all collagen-forming foods, to make sure you will still be receiving enough necessary vitamins and minerals to sustain your overall health.
