In every era, anti-aging is a lifelong lesson for women, especially in the cold winter when the moisture in their skin is drawn out by the external air.This can also damage the structure of collagen protein,leading to atrophy and loss of elasticity, causing loose skin with wrinkles.Nutritionists say that supplementing with high-quality proteins and collagen from naturalfoodscan help restore skin elasticity and delay aging.

[Collagen Loss Too Fast Causes Skin Sagging and Wrinkling]

Monyanling, a nutritionist at Dahua Comprehensive Hospital, states that protein plays roles in tissue formation,energy production, forming many enzymes and hormone precursors, being an essential nutrient for the human body.

There are numerous types of proteins, and the human body can synthesize required proteins through diet.Collagen accounts for about one-third of the total amount of protein in the human body.Collagen is crucial for forming the endothelium of blood vessels,skin, tendons, cartilage, bones, and gums, and it also aids wound healing.However, as people age, their ability to produce collagen decreases.

When collagen loss exceeds its production, not only will there be accelerated skin aging and wrinkles,

but the blood vessels are more prone to rupture, muscles become loose, and wounds heal poorly.Moreover, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light causes free radicals in the skin to generate large amounts of collagen.[Eat for Youthful Skin: Animal Proteins + Vitamin C]How can one supplement with collagen to slow down skin aging and promote health?Monyanling nutritionist believes that dietary changes are key; people do not necessarily need to spend a lot on collagen supplements or health products.Choose animal foods rich in collagen, such as pigskin,chicken feet, chicken skin,beef tendons,fish head,fish maw, and sea cucumber,

for anti-aging benefits.It is worth noting that vitamin C is a key coenzyme for collagen synthesis; when supplementing with collagen, pair it with foods rich in vitamin C to achieve optimal results.

In addition, antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium can slow down the rate of collagen loss and reduce signs of aging.

[Sample Recipe: Gem Fish Miso Soup]Ingredients: 1 gem fish, 1 box of tender tofu,1 tablespoon of sake (about 15 grams),1 teaspoon of sesame oil (about 5 grams), 1 bunch of scallion,1 small piece of ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of salt (about 5 grams), 2-3 tablespoons of miso paste (about 15 grams),and

Method:

Cut the scallions into pearls and cut the ginger into strips; prepare the tofu in large cubes.

Clean the gem fish, cut it into pieces, marinate with sake to remove the stench, and set aside.

Melt the miso paste with a small amount of hot water and set aside.

Boil cold water and add the katsuobushi shavings; when the water boils again, remove the surface foam.

Add the tofu and ginger strips and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add the miso paste that has been dissolved in hot water.

Turn off the heat and add the scallion pearls and sesame oil before serving.

Note:

Different brands of miso have different salt content; this recipe is for reference only; adjust the amount as needed.

Gem fish can be replaced with other fresh fish if desired.

[Health Tip]:

For patients with kidney failure or hepatic encephalopathy, the diet focuses on "low protein". Excessive protein supplementation may place additional burden on the kidneys or liver. Therefore, even though collagen is beneficial for wound healing and anti-aging, these patients should consult a doctor or nutritionist before supplementing to avoid worsening their condition.