Even if you have heard of collagen, chances are you don’t know much about what it does for the human body. Collagen makes up a third of the body’s proteins. In some ways, it is the glue that holds our bodies together (the first part of “collagen” comes from the Greek word “kolla,” meaning “glue”). Getting your body to produce more collagen can have amazing health benefits, particularly for those who are aging and noticing more wrinkles. There are around 16 types of collagen proteins in the body, but type 1 collagen makes up roughly 90% of a person’s collagen count. Type 1 collagen gives structure to our tendons, bones, connective tissues, and skin. When we’re younger, our bodies produce enough collagen to keep our skin tight and strong. However, as we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, which contributes to thinner skin and wrinkles. The Protein That Holds Us Together ALL ABOUT COLLAGEN
and keep your skin smoother and stronger for longer. Collagen begins in the body as procollagen, which is created when two amino acids, glycine and proline, combine. Vitamin C aids this process, so any foods with high concentrations of these nutrients help your body produce more collagen. Egg whites are a great source of proline, along with foods like asparagus, cabbage, and dairy products. Additionally, pork skin, chicken skin, and gelatin all have high levels of glycine. If you want to get your vitamin C levels up, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries are tasty choices. Watch out for foods and habits that can damage your collagen production, like eating lots of refined sugar, exposing your skin to too much sunshine, and smoking.
Fortunately, there are certain foods and nutrients you can consume to boost your collagen production
By adopting habits and diets that enhance collagen production, you can keep yourself looking younger and feeling better, even as you get older.
Take a Break!
PROTEIN-PACKED BREAKFAST BURRITOS Inspired by TheToastyKitchen.com
You can make these easy freezer breakfast burritos in under an hour! They’re healthy, delicious, and perfect for mornings on the go!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté. Remove from pan and set aside. 2. In the same pan over medium heat, add chicken, sausage, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 3–4 minutes before stirring to get a brown crust on the bottom. Then, stir and continue cooking until meat is cooked through. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs together. 4. In another skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Pour in eggs and scramble them, cooking until no liquid remains. Set aside. 5. Lay out the tortillas with one slice of cheddar cheese on each. 6. Place an even amount of vegetables, meat, and eggs on every tortilla. Wrap each burrito and enjoy immediately or wrap in foil and freeze for another morning!
•
2 tbsp olive oil, divided 1 medium onion, diced
•
•
1 bell pepper, diced
•
16 oz ground chicken
•
16 oz sausage
•
1/2 tsp salt
•
1/2 tsp pepper
•
1/2 tsp paprika
•
1/2 tsp garlic powder
•
6 eggs
•
12 8-inch tortillas
•
12 slices cheddar cheese
423-543-0073 • 3
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker