Scientist shares five collagen-packed foods that could make you look younger

THIS MORNING'S DR CHRIS DISCUSSES COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS Retaining our youthful appearance is a goal for many people when it comes to our looks. As we get older we will notice subtle

changes such as skin starting to wrinkle and sag, and grey hairs appearing. While it might seem as if there is not a lot we can do about this without invasive cosmetic procedures, one expert

has revealed that certain changes to your diet could actually help you stay younger looking for longer. Senior scientist at Absolute Collagen, Dr Dave Reilly, explained how foods rich in a

type of protein known as collagen could help keep the skin strong and firm. According to Dr Reilly, collagen is a major component of our ligaments and connective tissue, packed with

wound-healing and skin-boosting properties. It can therefore reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve overall skin texture and aid muscle recovery, he said. READ MORE 'I'M A HAIR

STYLIST - LOOK 10 YEARS YOUNGER BY STOPPING THESE 3 COMMON HABITS' An expert revealed five foods that could help you look younger (Image: Getty Images) Speaking to Express.co.uk, he

said: “It’s no secret that the food we eat has a direct impact on our health and wellbeing. And aiming to have a balanced diet and being more conscious of the nutrients in your food will not

only benefit your overall wellbeing, but it can specifically aid collagen production too. “As you age and your collagen production depletes, making small changes to include more

collagen-boosting ingredients into your meals will have a real benefit to the appearance and strength of your skin.” With this in mind, he shared five of the best collagen-filled foods.

CHICKEN Dr Reilly advised that chicken is “essential” for collagen production. He said: “The amino acids and minerals you get from this popular meat are perfect for helping the collagen in

your body work efficiently.” Dr Reilly recommended chicken as a collagen-rich food (Image: Getty) EGG WHITES Egg whites are another common source of protein used by gym goers, but its

benefits aren’t only to improve and recover muscles. Dr Reilly explained: “Egg whites are particularly rich in an amino acid called proline, which is an essential component of collagen and

will help to aid your glowy skin. “They are also relatively easy to incorporate into your diet, as you can substitute most recipe’s use of eggs for more egg whites, at a ratio of 1:2 or

1:3.” BERRIES As we approach the warmer months, more berries will come into season. Not only are berries delicious, versatile fruits, but the vitamin C they contain is a great way to promote

collagen production within your body, according to Dr Reilly. Berries are also high in collagen, he said (Image: Getty) He said: “Strawberries and some varieties of blackberries will begin

to appear in late spring, and these can be simply added to your morning granola or consumed as an evening snack to help boost your collagen levels.” GARLIC Garlic is also an “important

element in collagen production”, he said. Dr Reilly continued: “Packed with sulphur compounds, it’s essential for forming collagen fibres and maintaining tissue integrity. “By adding garlic

to your meals—whether minced in sauces, roasted with veggies, or infused into dressings—you’re not just enhancing flavour but also supporting vibrant skin.” LEGUMES For vegans and

vegetarians, legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas are “top choices” for collagen support. He said: “Rich in protein and essential amino acids, legumes are great for aiding collagen

production. “What’s more, legumes are a really cost-effective shopping list essential that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, from soups and dips to bolognese sauces.” If you’re

not able to get enough collagen through diet alone, there are also supplements available. Dr Reilly added: “In addition to making more collagen-conscious choices during your food shop, one

of the easiest and most effective ways to incorporate this essential protein is by taking collagen supplements.”