What foods help replenish collagen the fastest?
Disease description:
Recently, I've felt that my skin condition hasn't been very good—it seems a bit loose and lacks elasticity. I've heard that collagen is very important for the skin, so I'd like to know what foods can help replenish collagen most effectively.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Collagen in the human body gradually decreases with age, leading to issues such as skin laxity and increased wrinkles. Foods that can help replenish collagen:
1. Animal skin and cartilage: Particularly pig skin, pig feet, fish skin, and beef tendons. The collagen structure in these foods is similar to that found in human skin, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize. For example, collagen in pig feet can enhance skin elasticity and improve skin quality.
2. Seafood: Such as sea cucumbers, squid, and deep-sea fish are excellent sources for collagen replenishment. These marine animals are not only rich in collagen but also contain amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids.
3. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C: Such as citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwifruit, tomatoes, and vegetables. Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis and can promote collagen production.
However, the effectiveness of directly replenishing collagen through diet is limited because ingested collagen is broken down into amino acids by the digestive system before being absorbed and utilized by the body. Therefore, in addition to dietary adjustments, you may also consider taking collagen peptides as supplements or using skincare products containing collagen.
