Principle Types of Collagen
The principal types of collagen are type I, II, III, and IV:

1. Type I Collagen: Comprises 90% of the body’s collage, made of densely packed fibers, and provides structural support to Skin, Bones, Tendons, Fibrous Cartilage, Teeth, and Connective Tissues.
2. Type II Collagen: Made of loosely packed fibers and found in elastic cartilage. Cushions joints and enables flexibility.
3. Type III Collagen: Supports the structure of Muscles, Organs, and Arteries.
4. Type IV Collagen: Facilitates filtration as present in the skin’s layers.

Why do we loose Collagen?
Think of your body’s collagen production like a factory that’s always working to keep your skin, bones, and connective tissues strong and healthy. But, just like any factory, it can slow down over time. In fact, collagen production starts to decline in our 20s, and this slowdown can accelerate in our 30s and 40s. For women, menopause can be a significant turning point. In the first five years after menopause, collagen production can drop by up to 30%. That’s a significant loss, and it can have a noticeable impact on our skin.

But it’s not just age and hormonal changes that affect collagen production. Our lifestyle choices can also play a role. UV exposure, smoking, and consuming too much sugar can all speed up the breakdown of existing collagen, no matter how old we are. It’s like a triple threat to our collagen factory!
The result? We’re likely losing collagen faster than our body can produce it.

Nutty Tips for Skin and Boost Collagen with Beans
Snacking on nuts is not only delicious but also beneficial for our skin! Cashews, in particular, are a collagen-boosting food due to their rich mineral (Zinc & Copper) content. By swapping unhealthy snacks with nuts like cashews, you’ll provide your body with the necessary nutrients to support collagen production and overall health. But cashews aren’t the only nutty heroes! Here’s how:

1. Almonds are packed with vitamin E, which aids in the production of collagen and protects our skin from damage.
2. Brazil nuts contain selenium, which helps maintain elastin proteins, keeping our skin supple and flexible.
3. Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are proposed to promote skin elasticity and reduce inflammation.

Did you know that certain types of beans are rich in collagen-boosting nutrients? Here are the top 5 collagen-boosting beans:

1. Black Beans: High in protein, fiber, and vitamins, black beans are an excellent choice for collagen production
2. Kidney Beans: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and minerals like copper and zinc, kidney beans support collagen synthesis.
3. Navy Beans: With their high content of protein, fiber, and minerals like zinc and copper, navy beans are collagen-boosting diet.
4. Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, for supporting collagen production.
5. Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas): Rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, garbanzo beans support collagen synthesis and skin health.

“Consuming collagen can improve the health of your hair, nails, and skin, making them stronger and more resilient. ”
– Dr. Nicholas Perricone