Are You Eating Enough Protein for Healthy Skin?

Protein is important for muscles, sure, but did you know how essential it is for beautiful skin? This nutrient is key for the body to build new cells. If you want new, healthy tissue then you want to eat enough protein and get the right nutrients that help our bodies to create new tissue, particularly collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the firmness and suppleness of your skin. How much protein do you need for healthy skin? Is it possible that you may not be getting enough? Will this set you up for faster skin aging, more wrinkles, and skin sagging (oh dear!)?

According to the CDC, the average woman should aim for at least 46 grams of protein a day. If you eat animal products, then it is likely that you are getting enough. For women who are vegetarian, vegan, or who simply tend to stay away from high-calorie foods, even the healthy ones like eggs, nuts, and lean meats, for the sake of losing weight, then you may want to take a look at your protein intake.

To get an idea of what you are consuming, check out these numbers:

• 1 cup of cooked kidney beans has about 15 grams
• 1 cup of milk, 8 grams
• 2 tablespoons almond butter, 7 grams
• 3 ounces of meat, 21 grams

I've noticed it myself - friends who have been regular dieters or who have been veggie-only eaters for years. By the time the mid-30's come around you start to see the signs of aging - thinner skin, creases, and sagging. 

There is nothing wrong with abstaining from animal products. In fact, this is not only a health-conscious but also an eco-conscious lifestyle choice. I rarely eat meat myself. I do recommend eating lots, and I mean lots, of nuts, seeds, legumes, and coconut if you are a veg or vegan! You want to make up for all the proteins and fatty acids that your skin needs to stay soft, supple, and young-looking. 

Don't underestimate the importance of protein intake for healthy skin. You don't have to eat greasy bacon and hamburgers to fight wrinkles, not at all! You should make sure that you are eating a variety of healthy protein sources every day for your skin, no matter what type of diet you eat. Eggs, fish, yogurt, nuts, seeds, soy, beans, and lean meats are all options. 

Also, don't forget your fruits and veggies for the vitamin C and other nutrients that your body requires to create more collagen and elastin for your skin.