Vegetarian alternative to collagen: Make up for collagen deficiencies without eating animal products

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and is a key building block of all tissues. It provides elasticity and resilience to the skin and healthy, strong hair and nails. The body is able to produce the protein on its own, but as we age, our ability to produce collagen decreases and less and less of the substance can be missed. It manifests itself, among other things, through loss of skin firmness, weakened joints and bones and deterioration of hair. Continue on to the rest of the article and learn about innovative sources of collagen.

Collagen deficiencies: What sources to get vegetarian collagen from?

Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue in animals and humans. Therefore, its largest deposits will be found in jelly, gelatine, chicken skin or fish. So, for those who have made the decision to stop eating meat, is there no option for adequate supplementation?

Collagen in tablets - can a vegetarian use it?

When choosing the right supplement, we can often fall into a trap. The tablet looks innocent and it might seem that there is nothing of the animal in the white capsule. Unfortunately. Supplementation in tablets also contains animal collagen in the form of hydrolysates, or collagen peptides. This structure of the substance allows faster absorption than collagen derived from food. Before purchasing a substance, it is worth finding out whether fish or pig collagen is present in the preparation.

When choosing the right supplements in tablet form, it makes sense to go for dedicated vegan or vegetarian collagen. With that said, there is no vegan product that will have typical collagen in it and provide a 100% substitute. Despite this, there are plant-based substitutes on the market that help to increase collagen synthesis and prevent premature collagen atrophy. These substances include genistein. It is available in supplement form or supplied with food. It is found in red clover, lentils and pulses.

An alternative to collagen supplementation - start stimulating the processes involved in collagen production

Vegetarians and vegans, instead of having to think about how to provide themselves with more collagen in the form of supplements, can simply mobilise their body to increase its production. How to make this happen? Collagen in our body is formed in the course of biochemical reactions involving various components. If the collagen production processes are not impaired in our body, you can further support them by providing your body with the following vitamins and minerals:

1. Vitamin C - influences the activity of key enzymes involved in collagen production. These include proline hydroxylase and lysine hydroxylase, which are responsible for the correct structure of collagen. Including raspberries, strawberries, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower or parsley in your diet will ensure a constant supply.
2. Copper - also essential in maintaining healthy connective tissues by stimulating collagen production. Providing large amounts of copper promotes increased cross-linking of collagen fibres. In other words - copper allows collagen to be stronger and more resistant to damage. We will provide it in products such as sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, potatoes or yams.
3. Zinc - zinc will also be necessary for protein production. Deficiencies of this element manifest themselves through brittle hair and slow-healing wounds. By ensuring an adequate supply of this element, you are able to support collagen production. Vegetarians should reach for products such as buckwheat groats, almonds, cocoa or pumpkin seeds.
4. Silicon - an important nutrient when it comes to wound healing and also bone formation, as it is involved in the production of collagen protein. To arm yourself with sufficient silicon, it is advisable to consume bran and dark bread, as well as bananas, dates and sultanas.

An alternative to collagen - provide the building material

The above ingredients are functional, meaning that they will be able to stimulate the processes involved in protein production. However, in order for its production to take place, the building material, i.e. the amino acids, is needed. We are mainly thinking of proline, glycine and hydroxypolyne. Our body has the capacity to produce these on its own. On the other hand, if their production is not sufficient to fully cover the demand, it is good to supplement them.

Ghk-Cu - an innovative anti-ageing therapy for vegetarians

Ghk cu is a copper peptide, which includes copper as well as L-glycine, L-histidine and L-lysine. The peptide is a synthetic compound, so there are no contraindications for vegetarians against its use. The substance will be ideal for anti-ageing treatments. Its main benefits include, above all, the restoration of a youthful and radiant skin appearance. It improves the condition of hair and nails by promoting the reconstruction of their structure. Ghkcu It also accelerates wound healing and tissue damage. This is all due to the peptide's ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, two proteins that form the 'scaffolding' for the skin.

People who do not eat meat and have so far struggled with a deficiency of the skin-building protein 80% are keen to use the peptide to replenish collagen in the body. It allows them to provide the right ingredients without having to give up their beliefs.