Collagen is the necessary protein responsible for skin elasticity, stretchiness and healthy joints. As we age, our skin loses its firmness, so seeking collagen from an outside source like in specific foods and supplements is a great step to add to your anti-aging skincare regimen! We spoke with dermatologist Dr. Lilliana Ramírez García, M.D. of Nava MD and learned about the many benefits of one collagen-boosting fruit that can easily be eaten by itself every day, in smoothies, in oatmeal and other ways. Read on for the endless possibilities of this multi-faceted food.
How Bananas Support Healthy, Radiant Skin
Bananas are a popular breakfast addition for many reasons— they're undeniably tasty, versatile and have an array of health benefits due to their nutrients and digestive benefits. What you may not know about this beneficial fruit is how it can help your skin appear more radiant and promote a youthful glow.
"For starters, bananas have potassium," says García, noting that potassium supports "healthy blood flow in your skin," giving it a brighter, more luminous quality.
"Bananas are also rich in manganese," she continues. "Manganese helps boost the production of collagen, the structural protein that can help prevent and diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging."
This "complexion-enhancing" fruit, as García points out, is also rich in antioxidants, which "help your body stabilize free radicals, unbalanced molecules that can accelerate the signs of aging."
Banana Smoothie Ideas For A Better Complexion
If you're in a pinch, a smoothie is a great way to have a quick, on-the-go breakfast that is still immensely healthy and fits your morning needs. Banana smoothies, García says, can give you the energy you need to start the day while also promoting healthy skin.
"Starting your day off a healthy smoothie can have a noticeable impact on the look and feel of your skin," she says, noting that along with bananas, you'll want to include leafy greens and other ingredients that are "high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants," in your smoothie, like spinach.
"Spinach is packed with Vitamin A, a nutrient that moderates oil production in your skin," she adds, saying this helps reduce acne breakouts while keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. More fruits to add to a banana smoothie include blueberries and pineapple, which she says are abundant in antioxidants as well.
Other ingredients that pair well with bananas in smoothies are lemon and ginger, which García says are especially worth adding if you are prone to breakouts and irritation.
"These nutrient-dense ingredients are known to reduce inflammation," she says, "the source of many skincare concerns." Coconut water contains vitamin B2 and other nutrients that increase skin’s hydration and elasticity, making it a worthy addition as well.
Overall, the possibilities for bananas in your daily breakfast are truly endless, and with their array of skin benefits, it's worth including this fruit in something you prepare this week!
