All you need to know about foods that help boost collagen production

The structure and suppleness of your skin comes from a protein called collagen. It is also important for the health and functioning of connective tissues in the body.

As we age, the body's ability to naturally produce collagen in our skin reduces. This leads to wrinkles and thinning skin. While there are 40 different types of collagen in the body, four are the most common.

Did you know, to make collagen, the body puts together glycine and proline, two crucial amino acids, which are commonly found in foods like chicken, eggs, beans and fish.

Experts say, the healthiest way to get radiant, glowing, soft and supple skin is through fruits and vegetables. They often tout a dietary approach to boosting collagen rather than relying on supplements.

Here are some foods that may help boost your body's collagen production

Bone broth, made by simmering animal bones in water for 1-2 days is believed to extract collagen. To enhance the taste, you can even add some seasonings to the broth. It contains amino acids, calcium, magnesium, collagen and other nutrients.

Egg whites contain proline, an amino acid necessary for producing collagen. Similarly, beans too are a high-protein food that contain the necessary amino acids to produce collagen. 

Eating fish with the skin on, is considered to be excellent for collagen production. In addition, fish is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

There's nothing that a pack of green leafy vegetables can't solve. Spinach, kale and other green vegetables get their colour from cholorophyll, known to have antioxidant properties. A report by Healthline states that this may help boost collagen.

Other foods you can rely on include cashews, tomatoes, citrus fruits and bell peppers, all of which will help enhance collagen production. Zinc, vitamin C and copper are other crucial nutrients associated with collagen production. But make sure, you stay away from foods rich in sugar and other forms of refined carbohydrates since they may damage collagen.