Collagen is a long-chain amino acid that gives your scalp its strength. It is also essential for healthy skin (including your scalp). In fact, it’s estimated that up to 35% of the whole body protein content is collagen type 1 the building blocks of scalp and skin!
If you’re losing hair due to poor scalp health, or if your hair appears thin and patchy because of split ends and breakage, you may not be getting enough collagen. Thankfully, this hair growth-boosting amino acid can be found in an array of dietary sources, not just in hair supplement pills!
Try adding one of these foods to your meals today. As a side bonus, not only will your hair appear healthier and thicker, but collagen can also help with common signs of aging, such as wrinkles and poor skin tone!
1. Bone Broth
Bone broth is made from boiling bones, such as organic free-ranged beef bones, for a long period of time. The resulting broth is rich in amino acids and dietary collagen. Many people drink bone broth not only for hair and skin health, but also to soothe inflammation.
2. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Here’s yet another reason to eat kale. Kale helps slow down how quickly your collagen breaks down. Make a salad with bell peppers, which are high in lycopene that increases your collagen levels.
3. Garlic and Onions
These herbs are high in taurine and lipoic acid, which helps your body to rebuild damaged collagen. These aromatic spices are also a great way to eat more sulfur. Your body needs sulfur to produce more collagen.
4. Chlorella
Hold your nose! Chlorella is a single-celled algae that smells a little fishy but has potent powers. It’s one of the best whole foods that contain retinol, the vitamin that shields collagen from damage and reduces skin and scalp damage. Chlorella also has chlorella growth factor, a type of micronutrient that can boost your body’s natural collagen production.
