Since the goal should always be to proceed realistically, let’s talk first about what a food CAN and CAN NOT DO in terms of anti-aging powers. Ingesting collagen does not mean your body will automatically spring to action and start firming up your skin.
“Eating collagen does not mean that your body will make collagen from it,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel, a dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “Our bodies break food down into amino acids, and then proteins are formed from them — what protein and where it is put depends on what our bodies need at that moment. However, There are certain foods that are better for breaking down into amino acids.”
Citrus Fruits
That’s where high-collagen foods come into play. Bananas, apples, and pears are always healthy options — but if collagen production is your goal, citrus foods should be included on your shopping list.
“Citrus foods or foods rich in vitamin C are important, as vitamin C is important in collagen production,” Patel says.
And one of the best high-collagen citrus fruits of them all is one that might not be included in your regular shopping rotation.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Small in size, but nutritional giants, amla is considered a super fruit because its vitamin C content is off the charts.
“Among all fruits, it has the highest amount of vitamin C that aids in the production of collagen,” says Nutrition Expert Mazia Ahmed. “Amla fruit is also rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, iron and calcium which is why it is considered as the best fruit for anti-aging.”
A 100-gram serving of amla contains as much vitamin C as 20 oranges, plus it is rich in flavonols that can help boost your brain and memory. Whether you eat this delicious fruit raw, add it to your smoothie or juice, or whip up a healthy chutney with it as the main ingredient, the nutritional benefits of amla are well-documented and its ability to aid in the body’s production of collagen will win you over.