vegan / vegetarian sources of collagen: Green leafy vegetables, Alfa alfa sprouts, Seeds of hemp, pumpkin, sunflower, Chia. berries especially Goji berries, Nuts like walnuts, brazil nuts & pecans and Beans; mainly kidney & black beans. Ginseng Tea.

Collagen is a key structural skin protein. Therefore Treatments that improve the quality of skin by repairing collagen & promoting the synthesis of new collagen (neocollagenesis) have been a staple in the aesthetic armamentarium. In light of new Clinical evidence, The use of oral collagen supplements in various forms, is growing.

Collagen Supplements can be useful, but it is food that is the best nutritional source. Bone marrow in Meat, fish, chicken & eggs, offer a good source of dietary collagen: bone broth & oral marine collagen peptides are the two best known potent sources for oral collagen. However, vegetarians and vegans often feel limited in their options for foods & supplements of hydrolysed collagen. However, vegans and vegetarians can easily consume BUILDING BLOCKS & collagen stimulators in their daily diet:

• vitamins A, C & E

• copper

• zinc

• Foods that contain proline, glycine & hydroxyproline - the 3 Amino acids which form the protein collagen

Vitamins A, C, E: almonds, papaya, broccoli, berries, almonds, spinach, citrus fruit, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, and carrots

Proline: Asparagus, rice, buckwheat, cabbage, chives, cucumbers, garbanzo beans, peanuts, soy and watercress

Glycine: Beans and lentils have glycine, as does Seaweed / can take daily supplement

Hydroxyproline: Alfa alfa sprouts contain more hydroxyproline than any other plant based sources. Vitamin C acts as a cofactor in the production of hydroxyproline, thus also have plenty Vitamin C rich foods.

Vitamin C: broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, citrus fruits, kale, kiwi, mango, papaya, tomatoes, pineapple, and strawberries

Vitamin A: caroteinoids in apricots, carrots, broccoli, kale, squash and sweet potatoes

Zinc: like Vitamin C, Zinc is a cofactor in collagen production. Seeds, nuts & beans are powerful vegetarian sources of zinc.

Copper: Another vital nutrient is copper, which boosts collagen and elastin development or utilisation while also assisting in forming the fibril structure of these collagens. Some of the essential sources of copper include sunflower seeds, lentils, almonds, apricots, dark chocolate, mushrooms, greens, molasses. Drinking water out of copper bottles also helps.