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Top 10 collagen boosting foods

<p>We all know how good collagen is for keeping our skin firm. Chances are good your day or night cream probably contain it as an ingredient and if you have regular facials, it’s most likely integrated into the treatment somehow. While our body is constantly creating new collagen, the rate at which this happens starts to slow right down as we get older. Fortunately, along with your topical products, certain foods can help naturally boost collagen in the skin.</p> <p>Here’s what to include on your plate to give your dermis a boost:</p> <p><strong>Fish</strong> – Packed with Omega-3, quality fish helps create stronger cells, which in turn support the structure of the skin.</p> <p><strong>Red fruit and veggies</strong> – Veggies like chilli, capsicum and beetroot and fruits like tomato contain lycopene, an antioxidant that acts as a natural sunblock, helping protect skin from UV rays while also boosting collagen.</p> <p><strong>Dark green veggies</strong> – Rich in vitamin C and high in antioxidants, veggies like kale, spinach and darker varieties of lettuce can help increase collagen production.</p> <p><strong>Orange veggies</strong> – Chowing down on carrots and sweet potato gives your body a hit of vitamin A, which restores and regenerates damaged collagen.</p> <p><strong>Berries</strong> – Low in sugar and delicious to boot, berries contain antioxidants which help eliminate free radicals and increase collagen levels.</p> <p><strong>Soy products</strong> – Whether it’s soy milk, cheese, yoghurt or even tofu, soy contains a hormone called genistein which helps boost collagen production and block enzymes that cause ageing.</p> <p><strong>White and green herbal teas</strong> – Sipping a cup of herbal tea can help support the structure of the skin and prevent collagen breakdown.</p> <p><strong>Citrus</strong> – Fruits like orange, lime and lemon not only contain high levels of vitamin C but they also have the ability to help convert amino acids to collagen.</p> <p><strong>Eggs</strong> – Protein rich foods in general are high in collagen, which can help boost the levels in your skin. Lean meat and nuts are also great for creating a healthy complexion.</p> <p><strong>Garlic</strong> – Not only useful for warding off cold and flu, garlic provides the body with sulfur that is necessary for collagen production.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Collagen 101: What you need to know about this skin saviour

<p dir="ltr">Collagen is having its moment in the world of beauty and health at the moment, taking the form of tablets, creams, lotions and powders that promise to hydrate skin and reduce signs of ageing, but do these products actually work?</p> <p dir="ltr">Products such as <a href="https://happyhealthyyou.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Happy Healthy You’s</a> Happy Collagen powder include benefits for overall skin health, hydration and nutrition, and it turns out that collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in the human body in our skin, muscles, tendons and bones.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-fb92fec4-7fff-9ddc-a7c9-d79319e07d45">Renee Grandi, a naturopath, nutritionist and collagen advocate who helped create Happy Collagen, tells <em>OverSixty </em>that collagen is the “body’s scaffolding system”, which is “critical” for the structure of your skin matrix, arteries, digestive tract, uterine/vaginal tissue, cartilage, eyes and bones.</span></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/Collagen_I_alpha_chain_98-110_500.png" alt="" width="500" height="500" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Collagen Type I makes up between 60-80 percent of the collagen peptides in our skin’s dermal layers. Image: PubChem</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“Collagen constitutes 95 percent of human skin, so it’s a big deal,” she says. “Collagen peptides are formed from glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine amino acids.”<br />There are even different types of collagen - types I through V being the most common - with types I and III making up a combined 90 percent of our skin’s dermal layers.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, ageing (particularly the onset of menopause), lifestyle habits, and even stress can cause collagen to degrade over time - which is where supplements can come in.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Those that are more likely to need a collagen boost include women going through perimenopause and menopause as this is when collagen production particularly starts to diminish,” Grandi says. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This is due to lowered oestrogen levels and increased adrenal stress/fatigue.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The adrenal glands become the primary source of oestrogen instead of the ovaries during menopause. Unfortunately, when we're stressed and cortisol is heightened, cortisol takes precedence over collagen and oestrogen production. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s an average of 2.1% skin-collagen decline for post-menopausal women per year. This can also impact predispositions to accelerated ageing, uterine prolapse, vulvovaginal atrophy, and bone and joint pain. Collagen is essential for women in menopause, especially if you've had a hysterectomy. A collagen supplement is an easy way to ensure you’re getting your recommended intake.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Food vs skincare</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Though collagen got its start as a skincare treatment, the protein isn’t well-suited to these kinds of products since it is too large to penetrate the skin, Dr Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital, told <em><a href="https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/what-is-marine-collagen-and-should-you-try-it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Everyday Health</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is why collagen products nowadays use collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen), which is already broken down, making it easier for collagen to be absorbed in a similar way to when we eat it.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some of the food we eat can contain collagen - think bone broths, eggs, octopus and squid - which is broken down into amino acids that circulate in the blood.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, Grandi says supplements can make it easier for people to get the amount of collagen they need every day.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To boost your collagen for therapeutic integrations you would have to eat about 3-4 servings of collagen-rich foods per day,” Grandi explains.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The best practice is to focus on a holistic approach to skincare with strategic diet, lifestyle, product and supplement interventions. </p> <p dir="ltr">“For instance, you need a healthy gut and skin microbiome to achieve such results, it’s so empowering to learn about what goes on behind the scenes of your skin!”</p> <p dir="ltr">However, upping your collagen intake, whether through diet, supplements, or both, Grandi says it isn’t just a matter of consuming every kind of collagen you can get your hands on.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The trend became to have every form of collagen available and the “more collagen the better mentality”,” she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In reality, the body only uses type 1 and type 3 collagen to improve the skin matrix which is most abundant in bovine collagen. The body also does not need more than 5 grams per day. Any more simply will not be assimilated by the body.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Grandi adds that this is why products like Happy Collagen stand out from the crowd of other products that aren’t as selective.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We conducted two years of developmental testing of different forms of collagen and the range of supporting skin nutritional ingredients in the formula,” she says. “We also worked with our Happy Healthy You Community and our practitioner team for their feedback.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Where collagen comes from makes a difference</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Collagen products can source collagen from one of two sources: marine and bovine.</p> <p dir="ltr">Marine collagen comes from the skin and scales of fish, and tends to contain types I and II, the collagen which is found in cartilage and eye structures.</p> <p dir="ltr">In comparison, bovine collagen contains both type I and III, and is the kind of collagen used in Happy Collagen products.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f428b469-7fff-fe15-bc14-01b7671bdc41"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">For women over 50, types I and III can have additional benefits besides improving the skin’s appearance.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/LisaCurry-Happy-Healthy-You-Happy-Collagen-.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Products like Happy Healthy You’s Happy Collagen powder use bovine collagen, which contains types I and III, for maximum benefits for your skin. Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“Research shows that menopausal women and women suffering from pelvic organ prolapses, vulvovaginal atrophy, genitourinary dysregulation, and painful sex may have significantly reduced levels of collagen type I &amp; III peptides,” Grandi explains. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Type I collagen enhances skin membrane health, wound healing, tissue regeneration, bone, hair, nails, tendons and even your eyes' cornea! Type III is ideal for uterine health, inflammation, cartilage, and cardiovascular integrity. This makes bovine collagen a powerful healing resource for women over 50.”</p> <p dir="ltr">If you are considering introducing collagen supplements into your diet, it’s recommended you seek the advice of a medical professional first.</p> <p dir="ltr">Grandi also advises to add food rich in vitamin C and zinc to “support collagen production and utilisation while taking a collagen supplement”.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, improving your skin health with supplements isn’t just about collagen either, Grandi says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is a range of other factors such as digestion, oxidation and stress that need to be addressed in a formula as well.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b41e82fc-7fff-24db-38e1-f59a2d27ec88"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Body

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How to eat for healthy skin

<p>Many of us spend a small fortune on lotions and creams to keep our skin looking soft, supple and glowing. But is it possible that what we eat has a much greater effect on our skin health? It definitely does, according to Lauren McGuckin, Accredited Practising Dietitian and spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia.</p> <p>McGuckin is a passionate advocate for the benefits of a balanced diet for all aspects of health and vitality. Skin health is no exception. “There is a massive industry that produces and markets all sorts of products that claim to keep our skin looking youthful. Of course these products have their place and many may be effective, but I’m convinced that what we consume has a much bigger impact on the health and appearance of our skin,” she says.</p> <p><strong>Our skin is an organ</strong><br />Just like the heart or the liver, the skin is an organ and is affected directly by what we eat. “We are all increasingly conscious about the importance of diet for our cardiovascular system and other systems and organs within the body. This principle applies to our skin as well. A well balanced diet with plenty of variety is essential for getting the right nutrients into our skin cells and this helps maintain the strength, resilience of our skin”, she advises. “As a general rule, if we feel good on the inside it will show on the outside."</p> <p><strong>Balance and variety</strong><br />Rather than focusing on specific ‘silver bullets’, Lauren counsels that a broad diet is needed to give our skin all it needs. "The balance of foods that we need for overall health is generally what will also benefit our skin. This means taking in a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, lean proteins and good fats, while limiting sugar and saturated fats. If it’s good for our heart then it will generally be good for our skin too."</p> <p><strong>Look for Omega 3 and 6</strong><br />The so called ‘good fats’ that contain Omega 3 and 6 are an essential part of the dietary combination that promotes healthy skin. Lauren explains, “These fatty acids are important for the condition of cell membranes, which help protect cells and aid the passage of nutrients. To obtain a healthy intake of Omega 3 and 6 I would recommend at least two meals per week that contain oily fish, such as salmon or tuna. Also enjoy other Omega rich foods such as nuts, beans, lentils and avocados. Oils and margarines that are made from canola are a good source too”.</p> <p><strong>The key is collagen</strong><br />Collagen is a type of protein in the body that keeps skin strong and elastic. As we age, our collagen production slows and existing collagen can get damaged, so it is important to include foods in our diet that promote collagen production.</p> <p>Lauren cites leafy greens, like cabbage, broccoli and kale as important for collagen. "Apart from those a good rule of thumb is to eat a variety of red, orange and yellow vegetables and fruits."</p> <p>Good examples include:</p> <ul> <li>Red - apples, strawberries, beets, cherries and capsicums</li> <li>Orange – carrots, pumpkins, oranges, peaches and melons</li> <li>Yellow – corn, squash, lemons and capsicums</li> </ul> <p>Many of these foods also contain vitamin A, which is considered to be great for skin health, and Vitamin C, which is essential for synthesising collagen in the body.</p> <p><strong>Antioxidants boost skin health</strong><br />Lauren also noted the importance of antioxidants in diet. “Antioxidants can help slow cell deterioration because they counter the effects of free radicals in the body, which cause poor cell function or cell decay. Antioxidants cannot be manufactured in the body, so they need to be taken in via your diet”. Examples of foods rich in antioxidants are nuts, seeds, vegetables, fish oils, whole grains, as well as many of the foods mentioned earlier in relation to collagen.</p> <p><strong>Hydration helps</strong><br />Lauren also advises on the importance of hydration in maintaining skin condition and appearance. “There is no need to go overboard with water intake, but aim for a healthy six to eight glasses of water per day and increase this if you are doing heavy exercise. It’s also important to limit alcohol intake, as this can cause dehydration. I am not saying you need to avoid it altogether, but keep it moderate,” she adds.</p> <p><strong>Keeping a holistic outlook</strong><br />Lauren stresses that the secret to good skin health really is to keep sufficient balance and variety in diet and combine this with a balance in other aspects of lifestyle. “Balance in a person’s diet is critical to keeping skin as youthful as possible, and balance in other aspects of life is important too. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, sun protection are all important factors, as well as reducing stress. They all have an impact on how well our skin looks and feels, so it’s vital to make a holistic approach to gain the best results."</p> <p><em>Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/nutrition/how-to-eat-well-for-healthy-skin.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a> </em></p>

Beauty & Style

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10 ways to elevate your collagen levels for glowing skin

<p>As we age, on average, <span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/">we lose</a></span> about one per cent of our collagen per year. Experts believe that collagen loss contributes to the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. So, if you want to avoid having skin that looks wrinkled, saggy or dull, elevating your collagen levels can be the key to success. Here are 10 different ways you can accomplish that.</p> <p><strong>1. Schedule skin needling therapy</strong></p> <p><span><a href="https://www.cosmosclinic.com.au/skin-acne/skin-needling/">Skin needling therapy</a></span> is a process in which collagen production in your skin is stimulated by means of a pen-like tool that makes tiny needle pricks on your skin’s surface. Multiple <span><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijd.12761">studies</a></span> have shown that skin needling has a positive and rejuvenating effect on the skin. This therapy can benefit skin in multiple ways, including reduction of fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring.</p> <p>You’ll achieve the most dramatic results if you see a professional for micro needling therapy. You do also have the option of treating yourself at home using a dermaroller tool.</p> <p><strong>2. Massage your face</strong></p> <p>If sticking needles in your face seems too weird or scary to even consider, a milder but still effective therapy for boosting collagen is a simple <span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5383004/">facial massage</a></span>. This low-tech therapy is far <span><a href="https://www.thecut.com/2013/04/facial-massage-good-alternative-to-injectables.html">less invasive</a></span> than Botox or collagen injections. You can have a facialist perform the facial massage, or you can do it yourself at home.</p> <p><strong>3. Nourish yourself with vitamin C-rich foods</strong></p> <p><span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/">Vitamin C</a> </span>is essential for the synthesis of collagen in the human body. If your vitamin C levels are low, you’re likely to notice that wounds on your skin don’t easily heal. This is a direct result of impaired collagen formation. Nourish your skin by eating a variety of vitamin-C rich foods, including citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, kiwi fruit and leafy green vegetables.</p> <p><strong>4. Consume aloe vera orally</strong></p> <p><span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20548848">Researchers have discovered</a> </span>that oral supplementation with aloe vera can result in a dramatic reduction of facial wrinkles. As their study progressed, the researchers observed that aloe vera supplementation was correlated with an increase in collagen production. They also found that aloe helped to improve the elasticity of the skin.</p> <p><strong>5. Eat Brazil nuts in moderation</strong></p> <p>Selenium deficiency results in reduced collagen levels, according to <span><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0300962982902353">research</a> </span>published in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology. Brazil nuts are high in selenium and eating just a few of them can make a big difference in preventing issues with deficiency. However, you don’t want to overdo it, as selenium is a nutrient that you can easily get too much of. So, don’t gorge on Brazil nuts; eat just a few nuts at a time for optimum results.</p> <p><strong>6. Don’t consume sugar</strong></p> <p>When you <span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20620757">ingest sugar</a></span>, one of the many less than ideal results is a cross-linking of your collagen fibres. This can inhibit your skin from easily repairing itself – which, in turn, leads to your skin showing increasing signs of age.</p> <p><strong>7. Avoid overexposure to the sun</strong></p> <p>It’s common knowledge that overexposure to the sun can cause bunches of problems, from sunburn to skin cancer. <span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8310007">Researchers believe</a></span> that, in the dermis of sun-damaged skin, the presence of the collagen fibres may be masked, or perhaps even replaced. Limiting sun exposure is essential for maximising your collagen levels.</p> <p><strong>8. Do not smoke cigarettes</strong></p> <p>There’s plenty of research available demonstrating that cigarette smoking results in facial wrinkles and other premature symptoms of aging. <span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11966688">In one study</a></span>, the researchers discovered impaired synthesis of collagens of types I and III. In the group of smokers, these collagens were lower by 18 per cent and 22 per cent as compared against the control.</p> <p><span><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/33385839/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/t/twin-study-reveals-secrets-looking-younger/">Another study</a></span> examined the appearance of twins. Of particular interest were the results when one twin smoked and the other did not. The researchers found that the twins who smoked looked older than the twins who didn’t.</p> <p><strong>9. Drink white tea</strong></p> <p><span><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810085312.htm">Researchers at Kingston University</a> </span>have discovered that white tea offers a remarkable number of health benefits. One benefit: White tea contains antioxidants that support and protect the elastin and collagen in the skin. This is accomplished by an inhibition of the activities of oxidants and enzymes that can break down the skin’s supplies of elastin and collagen.</p> <p><strong>10. Supplement with royal jelly</strong></p> <p>Honeybees produce a milk-like substance known as royal jelly. They feed the royal jelly to their adult queen bee and their larvae. People sometimes use this royal jelly for a variety of medicinal purposes. Its anti-aging properties are one popular reason for its use. <span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22468645">Research suggests</a></span> that royal jelly could possibly help to sustain collagen levels. Numerous beauty seekers confirm that royal jelly has helped to improve the appearance and texture of their skin, as well as decreasing the appearance of wrinkles.</p> <p>Trying one or more of these suggestions is likely to elevate your collagen levels significantly. If you’re hoping to tighten up saggy areas, reduce wrinkles and enjoy the appearance of healthy, glowing skin, those are 10 steps you can take to achieve your desired results.</p> <p>Will you be trying out any of these beauty tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Beauty & Style

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The secret to keep your skin looking young

<p>By the age of 50, women will have naturally lost almost half the collagen from their skin. A high-sugar diet, smoking and sun exposure can decrease levels even more dramatically. The good news is that if you’re looking for a boost that can beautify your skin from within, new research shows there are many benefits to taking collagen supplements.</p> <p>According to the latest study, published by the <em>Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture</em> in February this year, the use of collagen supplements “led to improvement in facial skin conditions, including facial skin moisture, elasticity, wrinkles and roughness.”</p> <p>Pam Greenhalgh, a professional sportswoman from Auckland, spent many hours of her youth out in the harsh New Zealand sun, which eventually caught up with her as she entered her 40s.</p> <p>“I didn’t really think about the damage to my skin back then, but now it’s a big concern for me,” she said. “I don’t feel any older and I just want the outside to reflect how I feel on the inside and I know that collagen supplements have really made a difference to my skin.”</p> <p>The importance of collagen should not be underestimated. Collagen is a naturally produced protein responsible for 80 per cent of all connective tissue and 75 per cent of skin – it is essentially the glue that holds the body together. It is mostly found in fibrous tissues like tendons, ligaments and skin, and is also abundant in the cornea, bones, cartilage and blood vessels. There are 28 kinds of collagen, with the body needing types I, II and III to produce all the varieties it needs. Skin is made up of types I and III and cartilage contains type II collagen.</p> <p>Our bodies naturally produce the collagen that it needs, but this is gradually disrupted as part of the natural ageing process. Women also produce less collagen than men, and from the age of 25 this collagen is lost at a rate of around one per cent per year. This depletion of our collagen stores results in the tell-tale signs of ageing like wrinkles, sagging skin, thin hair, brittle nails, swollen and stiff joints and muscle aches. But this latest research is giving hope to all those looking to wind back the years.</p> <p><strong>The top benefits of collagen supplements </strong></p> <p>A supplement delivers the collagen or collagen peptides to your body in a way that increases your levels directly. The benefits include improved skin texture, firmness and hydration, stronger teeth, hair and nails, improved tendon and joint flexibility and strength. It can also aid in the recovery from injuries and muscle repair.</p> <p>The effects of collagen have been backed by multiple studies. A <em>Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology</em> clinical trial in 2015 showed significant increases in skin hydration and improved collagen density after eight weeks of a daily oral collagen supplement, with effects lasting after 12 weeks. The report found, “The oral supplementation with collagen peptides is efficacious to improve hallmarks of skin ageing.”</p> <p>In 2014, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 69 women between the ages of 35 and 55 showed a statistically significant improvement in skin elasticity after eight weeks, compared to the placebo group. Importantly, no side effects were noted.</p> <p><strong>The different types of collagen </strong></p> <p>There are three main sources of collagen: bovine, porcine and marine, but the effectiveness varies between sources. The preferred source is marine collagen because of its superior bioavailability (the quantity of the ingested dose that is absorbed). It is absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently into the body due to the smaller particle size of fish collagen peptides.</p> <p>Jude Salisbury, managing director of abeeco New Zealand, which produces Kiwi-made Marine Collagen + Keratin, says, “We wanted to make sure that our collagen capsules were the most effective on the market so we won’t use anything other than high grade marine collagen and our customers keep coming back for more. Adding the keratin to our advanced formula aids in the synthesis of collagen as well”.</p> <p><strong>The key facts about collagen:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Collagen is the most abundant protein found in nature.</li> <li>Collagen gives skin its strength and structure and is responsible for 75 per cent of the skin.</li> <li>Collagen supplements are made from one of three main sources: bovine, porcine or marine.</li> <li>Marine collagen is absorbed 1.5 times more efficiently into the body.</li> <li>Collagen declines with age and can be damaged by sunlight, smoking and high sugar consumption.</li> </ul> <p>THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL FEATURE BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUCTION WITH <a href="http://www.abeeco.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ABEECO</span></strong></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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How to eat collagen for naturally beautiful skin

<p>Collagen is the building block of good skin. It's responsible for skin strength and elasticity – when collagen breaks down which happens naturally over time, that's when lines start to form.</p> <p>The beauty industry has packed collagen into face products for decades. But who knew we could eat it as well?</p> <p>Naturopath Anthia Koullouros takes us through her top picks for younger looking skin.</p> <p><strong>1. Fat</strong></p> <p>You'd better believe it. If you've been eating a low-fat diet all your life, time to switch. Not only does it not make us fat, but it's a major factor in the anti-aging game.</p> <p>"Fat in any form is great for your skin, whether it's a good quality animal fat or plant fat," says Koullouros.</p> <p>"Duck fat, pork fat such as lard – sometimes I'll cook a pork belly and put no other seasoning, just salt – to collect the fat and use that for cooking other things in. Same with duck fat. Beef fat or lamb fat, usually through bone broth is another type of fat that's great. And then plant fats like olive oil and coconut oil. Fats have omega-3 fatty acids, which is anti-inflammatory and contain essential fatty acids plus your fat soluble vitamins – A, D and E and K2 which are excellent for skin.</p> <p>But be picky when consuming animal fats, because not all fats are created equally.</p> <p>"The animal should have been grass-fed and organic. Grass-fed trumps organic though," says Koullouros. "If it's organic as well, then great. If it's grass-fed, it has so much more omega-3 than omega-6 which is actually inflammatory. Grain fed animals have more omega-6 than omega-3."</p> <p><strong>2. Gelatin</strong></p> <p>Sounds a bit gross, right? Isn't gelatin just for making things jelly-like? But Koullouros confirms that gelatin from a grass-fed animal "yields collagen. So initially when we talked about nose to tail eating, preserving the bones to make bone broth was all about keeping food costs low and making the most of everything."</p> <p>"Bones store minerals and the cartilage and marrow store gelatin, which yields collagen. Instead of just putting it on your face, which is what expensive face creams do, you can eat it."</p> <p><strong>3. Oysters</strong></p> <p>The myth that they are an aphrodisiac must have some truth to is, but the other treasure we get from oysters (besides pearls) is zinc.</p> <p>"Zinc helps in the production of collagen," says Koullouros. And as you now know, collagen is super important in the anti-ageing game. "So any other zinc rich foods like crab, lobster, beef or lamb will help."</p> <p><strong>4. Orange or red fruits and vegetables</strong></p> <p>"Because the pigments give you a natural glow!" says Koullouros. </p> <p>This is kind of cheating, but who cares, because anything from beetroots or juice to carrots and pumpkins will help with the glow.</p> <p>"The bonus is you're getting lots of antioxidants, which mop up free radicals and delay the formation of fine wrinkles and lines," says Koullouros.</p> <p><strong>5. Fluid</strong></p> <p>Lastly, drink. DRINK.</p> <p>"To aid hydration and to detoxify," says Koullouros. "Whatever form it comes in – it could be bone broth or herbal tea or water, you should aim to hydrate the body from the inside out."</p> <p>Will this information about fat change the way you cook? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Nedahl Stelio. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/5-beauty-miracle-products-that-are-not-true/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 beauty miracle products that just aren’t true</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/more-ways-to-use-vaseline-in-your-beauty-routine/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 ingenious ways to use Vaseline in your beauty routine</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/problem-with-all-natural-skincare-products/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The problem with “all-natural” skincare products</span></em></strong></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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Is there enough collagen in your diet?

<p>Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and provides the foundation of our bones, skin cartilage, blood vessels, hair and much more.</p> <p>But with modern food processing, it’s difficult to get enough from our food.</p> <p>As we age our ability to produce collagen on our own diminishes and many people consider supplementing their diets with the protein.</p> <p>Here are four potential benefits of upping your collagen intake:</p> <p><strong>1. Minimise the signs of aging</strong></p> <p>Collagen has been known to reverse some of the signs of ageing, such as fine lines, deep wrinkles and reduce elasticity as this 2014 <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23949208" target="_blank"><span><strong>clinical study</strong></span></a> shows.</p> <p><strong>2. Improve digestion</strong></p> <p>Collagen supports hydrochloric acid production in our stomachs, which makes it easier to digest food. It can also help repair sensitive lining in our digestive systems.</p> <p><strong>3. Support restful sleep</strong></p> <p>Collagen contains a small, nonessential amino acid called glycine. Studies have found this to be effective in calming the nervous system, to improve sleep quality.</p> <p><strong>4. Strengthen hair and nails</strong></p> <p>Collagen is the foundation of your hair and nails, and regular collagen intake can lead to hair and nails that grow notably faster and tend to be stronger and more luscious. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/03/gluten-free-chocolate-brownies/"><strong><em>Gluten-free double chocolate brownies</em></strong></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/body/2016/03/digestive-tips/"><em><strong>5 “digestible” tips to reboot your health and wellbeing</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/health/body/2016/04/apple-a-day-increases-life-expectancy-for-women/"><strong><em>Apple a day increases life expectancy for women</em></strong></a></span></p>

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