Collagen is a protein that helps skin look healthy and smooth. Children have more collagen stored in their bodies than do adults. This is why children's skin appears smooth and wrinkle-free naturally. Elastin is another protein in the skin that helps to maintain skin flexibility. In order to retain collagen and elastin as you age, it may be helpful to eat foods that can build these proteins in the skin.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy green vegetables provide lutein to the body. According to Health Central, lutein helps increase elastin in the skin, and this increases the skin's flexibility. Vegetables contain vitamin C, an important vitamin in aiding these proteins to function properly in the body. Good sources of green leafy vegetables include spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens and arugula. These can be served in a daily salad or added to sandwiches to provide a healthy meal for the body and the skin.
Soy
According to Health Central, products that contain soy may help boost collagen production in the skin. Soy contains a substance called genistein, an element responsible for increasing collagen synthesis. This element also protects against skin breakdown by blocking harmful enzymes in the skin. Many soy products contain a good amount of genistein.Tofu, edamame and tempeh are good choices that can be added to salads and stir-fries. Other sources of soy include soy milk and soynuts.
Foods Rich in Vitamin A
Vitamin A can boost the production of collagen levels in the skin. Including foods rich in vitamin A on a daily basis can be positive step in building and maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Good sources of vitamin A include carrots and sweet potatoes. Carrots can be eaten raw as a snack. Sweet potatoes offer good amounts of vitamin A whether they are roasted or baked. Fresh fruit such as cantaloupe and melons also contain good amounts of vitamin A. Adding chopped cantaloupe to a morning bowl of cereal can give the skin a healthy boost in collagen.
Foods Rich In Zinc
Healthy Skincare recommends food high in zinc as a good way to support collagen and elastic growth in the skin. Zinc can help build and maintain strong collagen and elastin fibers. It also enables these proteins to combine with other building blocks of protein to form new collagen. Good sources of zinc include shellfish and other fish, such as cod, tuna and salmon. Other good sources include lean meat and dairy products, such as yogurt, milk and cheese.
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