Collagen Boosting Smoothie

Healthy strawberry smoothie with collagen boosting antioxidants in a glass on a table

This collagen-boosting smoothie is not only quick and easy to make but also low in calories. I usually whip this smoothie up in the morning and add my daily does of Vegan Collagen for a quick skin-firming pick-me-up.

Strawberries are one of the start ingredients in this delicious smoothie and are packed with incredible anti-ageing nutrients. They also actually contain more vitamin C than an orange!

Strawberries are high in antioxidants which help protect our bodies from oxidative stress and delay the signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. The Vitamin C content helps to fight free radicals that cause damage to cells and collagen resulting in fine lines, as well as helping to support collagen production itself. Other antioxidants in strawberries that help delay ageing are lycopene and anthocyanins.

Lycopene, a type of carotenoid, is also found in tomatoes and carrots. Lycopene has been praised for its ability to strengthen and smooth skin by inhibiting the activity of collagenases—enzymes involved in the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Protecting collagen fibres helps ensure the firmness and elasticity of your skin and prevents wrinkling.

Strawberries also contain a compound known as quercetin, which is a powerful anti-ageing antioxidant. Also found in raspberries, quercetin appears to slow-down the ageing process by fighting free radicals, inflammation and potentially reducing a cellular ageing process known as senescence.