From Kiwi to Guava: Collagen boosting foods that will fail expensive treatments
ETimes November 30, 2025 06:39 AM
As you age, your skin starts losing Collagen, which is one of the major reasons why your skin suddenly starts appearing tired, loses its elasticity, which further leads to wrinkles and fine lines. While aging is a natural process, with growing pollution and poor health conditions, the signs of aging begin at an early age, and this is why your body needs collagen. Here’s a low down of what collagen is and why you need it in the natural form? Read on to find out…
What is collagen?
Collagen is basically an essential structural protein that keeps skin firm, smooth, and youthful, and also helps in ensuring better joint health. However, with age the percentage of collagen starts diminishing from the body, but you will be surprised to know that some of the common fruits are naturally loaded with nutrients that can boost collagen levels in the body, and when balanced with a healthy diet and lifestyle, these can ditch even the most expensive treatments for collagen revival. So, from guava to kiwi, adding these natural foods in the diet can help in collagen-boosting and can be surprisingly effective in stimulating the body’s own collagen production. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote collagen synthesis and protect existing collagen from damage. Here are some fruits that can naturally improve collagen production.
Kiwi
Kiwi is naturally a powerhouse of vitamin C, which has more vitamin c than oranges! In fact, the presence of vitamin c in this fruit makes it perfect for better collagen formation. Along with that, kiwis also contain vitamins E and antioxidants, kiwi helps stimulate collagen synthesis and shields skin from oxidative damage, maintaining firmness and elasticity. Kiwi contains about 93 mg per 100 grams, surpassing oranges, along with high antioxidant levels that shield skin from oxidative damage and promote collagen synthesis.
Guava
Guava is known for its collagen-boosting properties as it contains an impressive 228 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, which is over twice the amount found in oranges. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis as it helps bind collagen fibers and repair skin tissue. Besides vitamin C, guava is rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which protect collagen from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. These antioxidants help reduce pigmentation, prevent premature aging, and promote skin elasticity and firmness.
According to a study published in the N ytochemical Profile, and Health-Promoting Bioactivities it was found that guava extracts and leaves can reduce oxidative stress in skin cells and boost antioxidant enzyme activity, effectively protecting the skin at a cellular level. Moreover, guava's nutrients may support the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping skin hydrated and glowing. Its unique combination of vitamin C and antioxidants makes guava a powerful natural alternative to costly collagen treatments.
Papaya
Papaya is another tropical fruit enriched with vitamin C, vitamin A, and the enzyme papain, which aids skin renewal and collagen metabolism. Regular consumption of papaya improves skin texture, reduces pigmentation, and enhances collagen production. Papaya offers approximately 61 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams and abundant antioxidants like vitamin A and papain enzyme, which supports skin renewal and collagen metabolism.
Pomegranate
Another common fruit is Pomegranate, which is also rich in antioxidants like ellagitannins and polyphenols, not only boosts collagen synthesis but also protects collagen from breakdown and prevents premature skin aging, making it a powerful food for skin health.Pomegranate provides about 10 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams but is notably high in antioxidants, including polyphenols and ellagitannins, which protect collagen from degradation and prevent premature skin aging.
Cashews
Cashews are not just tasty, but are also loaded with essential minerals like copper and zinc that activate enzymes for collagen cross-linking, strengthening collagen fibers and supporting skin and joint health. While not fruit-based, their mineral content complements the vitamin C-rich fruits to assist collagen production. Thus, it is best to pair cashews with these fruits.
