The creaminess in this recipe comes from butter, coconut oil, egg yolks, and coconut milk, which add a ton of healthy fats. It’s the perfect way to start your morning if you ask us. Excessive drinking has also been shown to accelerate skin aging by reducing collagen production and damaging skin repair mechanisms ( 13). Furthermore, some research shows that coconut oil can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease ( 29).

Making collagen also requires vitamin C. You can get vitamin C by eating fruits and veggies, including: Some of the amino acids found in collagen (most notably proline) are used to build keratin. As another important protein in the body, keratin is responsible for keeping our nails and hair strong and shiny. 6 Healthcare professionals also use collagen and collagen-based materials in the medical field, including in treating wounds, burns, and diabetic ulcers ( 8). Flaked or shaved, coconut adds a nice flavor to savory dishes. Its meaty texture and flavor work well in curries, fish stews, rice dishes, or even on breaded shrimp. A review of 19 studies that included 1,125 participants (95% women) between the ages of 20 and 70 found that taking hydrolyzed collagen improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles compared with placebo treatments ( 19).Connective tissue cells called fibroblasts produce and maintain collagen. As people grow older, their collagen becomes fragmented, fibroblast function becomes impaired, and collagen production slows ( 3, 7).

For example, a diet low in compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may help promote skin health. AGEs are toxins that accumulate in the skin. They can cause collagen to stiffen and can inactivate proteins responsible for collagen repair ( 33). The high fiber content of coconut meat can also help slow digestion and may potentially improve insulin resistance, which can help regulate blood sugar levels as well ( 22). For example, vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis, so having low or deficient levels of vitamin C can lead to impaired collagen production ( 17).The membranes in eggs contain proline, one of the main amino acids found in collagen and keratin. 6 Therefore, collagen supplements may not have the same effects in other populations, such as men, those who are younger, or those who don’t have low bone mineral density. Do collagen supplements have side effects? An injury to the skin triggers a healing process in which collagen plays a huge part. First the blood vessels tighten to restrict blood flow and encourage a clot. Skin cells multiply across the wound and collagen begins to grow, pushing the edges to shrink together and close. Over a period of months or even years, the body increasingly adds collagen to the area, letting a scar form and then heal. 7 Therefore, consuming plenty of vitamin C-rich foods can help support healthy collagen production. For example, try citrus fruits, peppers, greens, and berries.

Collagen is a protein — the most plentiful protein in your body. It’s in your muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, blood vessels, skin, intestinal lining, hair and other connective tissues. Lodish H, et al. (2000). Section 22.3: Collagen:The fibrous proteins of the matrix. Molecular cell biology, 4th edition. If you don’t have a silicone mold, you can pour the mixture in a small pan, freeze, then cut into bite-sized squares. Collagen supplements may provide other health benefits as well, such as improving body composition in certain populations when combined with resistance training ( 28).It’s impossible to prevent all age-related collagen loss, but it is possible to slow down the process. With a formulation that you won’t find anywhere else, our Coconut & Collagen can help to boost your collagen levels to support the health of your skin and hair. Who knew you could eat brownies on a keto diet? This collagen recipe makes it possible (and delicious). This gluten, grain, and sugar-free treat is fudgy and satisfying, without the guilt. Sometimes a variety of foods is hard to consistently get in your diet. And some have questioned whether consuming collagen-rich foods actually translates to firmer skin. It’s possible that stomach acid may break down collagen proteins, preventing them from reaching the skin. As mentioned above, diet and other lifestyle factors can significantly affect your body’s collagen production.