Collagen is a protein that builds your bones, muscles and skin. Age and other factors may slow down the production of collagen, that’s why it’s a good idea to take some vegan collagen supplements as well as eating collagen-boosting foods.
By default, collagen supplements are not vegan-friendly. They come mostly from animal sources, like cow’s bones or fish. Unfortunately, the majority of collagen powders on the market are animal-based, but there are still options that you can use to improve your skin elasticity without harming any living beings. And in this post, I will show you how to do that.
Facts about collagen
The role of collagen is really important as it improves the quality of skin, hair, and nails, bones and joints. If you are struggling with stubborn cellulite on legs, taking vegan collagen supplements may help with this problem as well.
As it was mentioned before, collagen is a type of protein. It is made from amino acids, mainly glycine, proline, arginine and hydroxyproline. When choosing collagen supplements, you should pay attention whether it contains these main aminos.
However, this alone doesn’t guarantee your body will be able to use it properly. In order to help your body produce more collagen, it’s important to consume the right foods or using collagen-boosting herbs.
What collagen supplements should contain
1.Aminos such as glycine, proline, arginine and hydroxyproline and lysine. You can either take them in the form of pills/capsules or choose a protein powder with the main amino acids. Pea protein combined with rice protein is a great high-quality formula that contains all nine essential amino acids. I would highly recommend trying those.
2.Collagen boosters. Some vitamins, plant extracts and herbs may work as collagen stimulants. I’ll describe just the main common:
Silica is an important mineral found in such plants as bamboo and horsetail herb. It supports connective tissue for healthy skin and hair. Bamboo contains the biggest amount of silica and is also rich in proteins, vitamins and fibers. So opt for the bamboo extract to boost collagen production in your body.
Aloe is another ingredient that can be an amazing alternative to animal-based collagen. It has cell-growth stimulating properties, therefore, it can help to boost collagen production. It’s known to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and boost the absorption of vitamins.
Vitamins A and C are also crucial for better production of collagen. You have to be sure you get enough of those either from foods or supplements.
Gotu Kola is a plant that naturally boosts collagen production in your body. It improves overall skin health, reduces inflammation and improves the quality of veins and capillaries. What’s more, it works as a mild adaptogen, helping to cope with stress and anxiety – which is important because stress hormone cortisol may actually damage collagen.
Superfoods like reishi, shiitake or chaga mushrooms provide essential nutrients that support collagen production. They are also great for improving gut microbiota and boosting the immune system. You can consume them either in the form of powder or as drinks (mushroom hot cacao or tea).
Mung beans contain phytoestrogens that help to improve collagen and elastin production in the skin. They also reduce swelling and boost immunity.
Best vegan collagen supplements
Based on the information provided below, you can sum up that the best vegan collagen supplement should ideally contain amino acids, vitamin E and C, and collagen-boosting plants. Of course, it’s not necessary to combine everything in one product, you can take aminos separately from vitamins and herbs. But in general, you should focus on these ingredients.
The following brands contain the most important nutrients to promote collagen production.
Vegan Collagen Booster by Future Kind brand contains a combination of 16 vitamins and herbal ingredients (silica, zinc, grape seed extract, vitamin A and more) that promote natural collagen production.
The brand has been endorsed by doctors, athletes and nutritionists.
This vegan powder contains aloe, silica, protein and vitamin C and E. I think that powders are very easy to use as you can add them to juices, smoothies and other drinks. It even doesn’t feel like taking supplements.
Another vegan collagen supplement int the form of powder with yummy flavours: watermelon, strawberry or peach. It contains plant peptides from mung beans, animo acids – glycine
L-Proline, berry blend, vitamin C and zinc.
I love all the products by the Beauty Chef because they are formulated to be clean, organic and full of amazing ingredients. This collagen beauty boost is a probiotic elixir with lots of superfoods inside. Besides, it’s really delicious, I just mix it with water and it tastes like berry lemonade! So easy and pleasant to consume!
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This Vegan Collagen Food is based on chaga mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, aloe vera and gotu kola. They all are known to boost collagen production for stronger, glowing skin. But there are also berries and different adaptogens in it that help to reduce stress and detox the body.
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What I love about the “That Hippy Co” vegan collagen supplement is that there are probiotics added. Good bacretia are beneficial for your gut health, immunity and skin. But it also contains aloe vera, amino acids, silica and vitamin C.
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Vegan sources of collagen
Besides taking vegan collagen supplements, you can eat more of foods that stimulate collagen production. The basic idea is to eat enough grains, vegetables and beans to provide all the nutrients for your body. Leafy greens and berries contain lots of antioxidants that are great for collagen support.
There are some vegan sources of collagen-rich foods to include in your diet:
- Soy products like tofu or tempeh. They contain genistein, an isoflavone and phytoestrogen, which gives soy its collagen-building properties.
- Black beans, kidney beans and many other legumes contain the necessary amino acids and copper that are essential for building collagen.
- Nuts and seeds: especially pumpkin, squash, sunflower, and chia are a source of healthy fat and plant-based protein as well as copper and zinc.
- Leafy greens like swiss chard, spinach, and others are rich in chlorophyll that has antioxidant properties. It can prevent collagen damage of collagen.
- Berries and fruits. Both berries and citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C, which is so important for collagen production.
- Tomatoes and bell peppers are also amazing sources of vitamin C. Besides, peppers contain capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory compound, that has anti-aging properties. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin.
Some unhealthy foods may slow down or even damage your collagen production. For example, refined carbs and sugar can cause inflammation and reduce collagen. So many sure you avoid these foods as much as possible.
Please let me know in the comments which collagen supplements you use and what vegan supplements are your favorite.
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xo,
Jane
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