What is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of structural protein that makes up over 75-80% of our skin. It is present throughout the body including in the muscles and bones where it provides necessary strength. The plumpness, firmness, elasticity and youthfulness of the skin is dependent on the presence of collagen.
When our skin is healthy, it makes and repairs new collagen regularly and keeps the skin smooth and free from fine lines but when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, pollution, erratic lifestyle, wrong eating habits, stress etc., there is formation of free radicals in the skin. These free radicals are one of the biggest causes for the breakdown of collagen fibres and thinning of skin. This accelerates the ageing process.
Now a days, there are numerous artificial techniques that boost collagen in the skin but these invasive techniques do not treat the root cause of issue. Hence, these are temporary remedies.
In Ayurveda, a myriad of herbs is categorized that help in boosting collagen levels.
Herbs for increasing collagen in body are:
- Horsetail (Equisteum arvense): Horsetail plant is also known as ancient bone healer. The stem and root of horsetail are rich in potassium, calcium and silica crystals.
- Silica is believed to very important in maintaining and developing healthy bones and teeth.
- It also helps in restoring collagen which is also known as body glue that holds up the skin and muscle together.
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis): From ancient times, calendula is known for its properties to restore skin, for activating collagen receptors, assisting in wound healing and providing natural glow to the skin.
- Traditionally, this herb is used for healing sunburns, bruises, inflammatory conditions etc.
- According to various researches, this plant has the properties to protect the skin from oxidative and cellular damage.
- Calendula also possesses immune-stimulant and anti-bacterial properties.
- Gynostemma (Gynostemma pentaphyllum): Gynostemma is a wonderful plant for increasing collagen. It contains 80 different types of saponins. These are the natural anti-oxidants and rich source of vitamins and minerals.
- This herb also shows good results in reducing signs and symptoms caused due to the deficiency of collagen.
- This plant possesses rejuvenating properties and also protects the body from the damaging effects of stress.
- It is also used for improving cardiovascular health and balancing hormone levels in females.
- Gynostemma is called an immortal herb because of its quality to work as a biological response modifier.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado is known to increase the production of collagen naturally in the body.
- The oil extracted from avocado contains high levels of collagen stimulating compounds which helps in getting rid of wrinkles, fine lines and makes the skin appear younger.
- Nettles (Urtica dioica): Nettles is known as ancient mineralizer as it contains high amounts of calcium, silica and sulphur.
- Due to the presence of these minerals, it is known as the best collagen enhancer herb.
- This herb also supports the immune system and has anti-septic properties.
- It enhances the working of almost every organ in the body.
- The astringent properties of nettles help in skin tightening and prevent many skin related disorders.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is a very useful herb in Ayurveda as it has innumerable health benefits. It is considered as Rasayana (rejuvenator) in Ayurveda.
- One of its properties is to boost collagen as it helps in the production of healthy collagen and thus provides firmness to the skin, helps in enhancing bone density and makes the body’s metabolism to work efficiently.
- Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter): Cow ghee is known as Ayurveda’s beauty elixir. It is also known as a goldmine of nutrients for the skin.
- It is a tonic for skin as it is extremely nourishing in nature.
- Regular intake of cow ghee in diet arrests the process of skin ageing. It has skin toning and smoothing qualities.
These herbs not only help in collagen production but maintain healthy collagen levels in the body as well.
Diet and Lifestyle to be followed for healthy collagen:
- Include nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and walnuts.
- Take anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon. These are powerful detoxifiers that clean blood, lymph and liver.
- Leafy greens and fresh fruits should be taken regularly as they flush toxins out of the body.
Disclaimer:-
This article is not a substitute to the standard Medical Diagnosis or personalized Ayurvedic Treatment! It is intended only for Information!
For experts consultation, please write us at care@blessayurveda.com.
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