Antioxidants, Collagen, and Keto

Whatever your reasons for starting the ketogenic diet, you are bound to reap benefits you may have never expected. Full of lean meats, heart-healthy fats, and leafy greens, the ketogenic diet can aid in improving antioxidant levels and optimizing collagen production.

The ketogenic diet and oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is the process by which free radicals damage our healthy cells and lay the groundwork for disease. We can’t help but create a small number of free radicals with every breath, but certain lifestyle factors can increase our exposure to oxidative stress. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet can all cause higher levels of free radicals.

In a 2014 study, experts discovered that the ketogenic diet can be effective in preventing oxidative stress. By increasing blood antioxidant capacity, the ketogenic diet can aid in the prevention of cell and tissue damage, accelerated aging, and diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.1

Another study measured how the ketogenic diet affected antioxidant blood levels. It showed that after just 14 days on the ketogenic diet, antioxidant levels in the blood significantly improve.2

The keto diet can help prevent cell damage and create newer, stronger cells to fight disease and infection.3 No wonder the ketogenic diet has been found to improve – and sometimes completely alleviate – symptoms of certain diseases such as diabetes, cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, and more.4

A Diet Naturally High in Collagen

Collagen is instrumental in bone, joint, and skin health, and many keto-friendly foods are chock-full of this useful compound. Here are just a few keto-friendly foods that aid your body’s natural collagen production:

Fish and Lean Meats

The Omega-3s in fish and lean meats contribute to our body’s natural collagen production. These foods help protect the fatty membrane around skin cells for youthful, supple skin. Moreover, a study published in the Open Nutraceuticals Journal determined that fish collagen helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.5

Avocado

A study published in The Journal of Rheumatology concluded that avocados have a beneficial effect on collagen production, and are fantastic for cartilage repair and joint health.6 Pass the guacamole!

Eggs

Eggs are one of the healthiest foods in the world, and their bright marigold yolks are abundant in collagen. 7 The type of collagen found in hen eggs is extremely beneficial for the skin and hair, for our connective tissues and joint health, and even for arthritis.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens is where antioxidants and collagen come together to form a dream team! Dark leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach protect against oxidative stress that breaks down collagen and causes wrinkles and premature aging.8

Of course, these aren’t the only keto-centric foods that are fantastic for antioxidant and collagen production. Plenty of others – such as berries, tea, nuts, and seeds – have incredible antioxidant and collagen-boosting properties.

Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in starting the ketogenic diet. There are plenty of benefits – including the disease-fighting power of antioxidants, and the protective power of collagen.