Eat your Vegetables for more Collagen!

February 22, 2018

For all you vegetarians out there...fear not! With all the buzz about collagen and bone broth, vital information is being overlooked...the need for vegetables in our diet which contains the nutrients that are the precursors for the natural production of collagen in our body! That's right...our body is made to produce collagen given the proper nutrients. Here is a list of some of the yummy nutrient rich veggies that provide what we need for excellent health:

Dark leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, kale, collards: These beautiful leaves contain antioxidants which protects against free radicals that breakdown collagen. They are also filled with vitamins and minerals plus have high water content for great skin!
All green plant foods (such as bok choy, green algae, arugula, kale, lettuce, green beans, and broccoli) contain chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their vibrant green color.
Studies have shown that consuming chlorophyll increases the precursor to collagen (procollagen) in the skin. We know green vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet for disease prevention, but they may also be a powerful way to prevent collagen breakdown.

Beets and other red vegetables contain lycopene which boosts collagen production plus acts as a natural sunblock.

Carrots and sweet potato contain vitamin A which restores collagen that has been damaged.

Garlic contains sulfur, lipoic acid, and taurine which helps rebuild collagen fibers that have been damaged over the years. Garlic and its close cousins shallots, leeks, chives, and onions are the best dietary sources of sulfur.

Cabbage is one of the most well-known foods for increasing collagen production. Cabbage is full of vitamins A, B, C, and E, and contains a heavy dose of antioxidants and phytonutrients like lutenin that can help fight free radicals.

Avocados! Avocados are rich in vitamin E, which help fight free radicals and provide omega-3 fatty acids, which increase collagen production.

The list goes on with berries, citrus, pumpkin & chia seeds! So eat your veggies raw, juiced, cooked, stewed...however you like. Just have them everyday for excellent health & wellness!