After the age of 25, collagen levels begin to decline naturally, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles and weak bones. One of the natural ways to help the body increase collagen production is through diet - especially tomato supplementation.
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. According to research, lycopene has the ability to protect collagen structure from destruction by UV rays - the main factor causing collagen degradation in the skin.
A diet rich in lycopene helps reduce the harmful effects of sunlight on the skin by up to 40% and helps improve collagen density.
In addition to lycopene, tomatoes also provide vitamin C, an essential micronutrient for collagen synthesis. The World Health Organization emphasizes the indispensable role of vitamin C in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine - two amino acids needed to create a solid structure of collagen.
How to eat tomatoes to best supplement collagen
To maximize the benefits, you should eat cooked tomatoes or processed them into juice. Cooking helps increase the bioavailability of lycopene by 2-3 times compared to raw tomatoes. At the same time, combining tomatoes with healthy fats such as olive oil helps absorb lycopene more effectively.
Now that you know that tomatoes are a food that effectively supports collagen production and protection thanks to their lycopene and vitamin C content, housewives should add tomatoes to their diet.
Using tomatoes properly, combined with a healthy diet, can help slow down the natural aging process, improving skin and bone health.
