Collagen is the hottest skincare trend. Both social media and retail markets are filled with collagen supplements and collagen boosting products. While there is little scientific evidence proving their sanctity, there is a range of food items that boost your collagen naturally. Before we read about them, one by one, let's first understand what is collagen and why we need it.

Explained in simple terms, collagen is a protein that provides structure, support and strength to skin, muscles, bones as well as connective tissues of the body. As we age, we produce less collagen in our skin every year. Therefore, there is a tendency toward wrinkles and thinning skin as we get older.

Here Are Foods That Boost Collagen Production

Bone Broth: While it is often considered a rich source of collagen, research suggests otherwise. A 2019 study found that bone broth typically doesn’t contain enough collagen to make a significant impact. It’s made by simmering animal bones in water to extract nutrients, including collagen.

Chicken: Collagen supplements are often made from chicken—and for good reason. Poultry is relatively high in this protein, especially in its connective tissues. If you've ever prepared a whole chicken, you've likely noticed the visible connective tissues, which make it a good source of dietary collagen. A 2022 mouse study used collagen derived from chicken bone and cartilage to relieve arthritis and inflammation. However, the collagen content can vary between parts of the bird, with thigh meat generally offering more than the breast.

Fish: Fish, like other animals, have collagen-rich bones and ligaments. Some studies suggest that marine collagen may be more easily absorbed by the body and is particularly beneficial for skin health. But while fish like tuna or salmon contribute to collagen intake, the flesh contains less collagen compared to other parts, such as the head, scales, or eyes—parts not commonly consumed.

Egg Whites: Although eggs lack connective tissue, egg whites are a good source of proline, an amino acid that plays a key role in collagen production.

Citrus Fruits: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis as it aids in the production of pro-collagen, the body’s collagen precursor. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are excellent sources. Try incorporating them through broiled grapefruit at breakfast, orange segments in a salad, or yellow peppers in a stir-fry.

Berries: Berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can protect skin from damage. “Berries are also high in antioxidants, which protect the skin from damage,” Davidson added.

Tropical Fruits: Fruits such as mango, kiwi, pineapple, and guava also deliver vitamin C. Guava even provides a small amount of zinc, another nutrient essential for collagen formation.

Garlic: More than just a flavorful addition to meals, garlic may support collagen production. Garlic is high in sulfur, which is a trace mineral that helps synthesize and prevent the breakdown of collagen. However, quantity matters—substantial intake may be required to see a benefit.

Leafy Greens: Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are not only nutritious but may also benefit the skin. Their green color comes from chlorophyll, known for its antioxidant properties. Some studies have shown that consuming chlorophyll increases the precursor to collagen in the skin.

Beans: Rich in protein, many beans also contain lysine—an amino acid necessary for collagen production—as well as copper, another collagen-supporting nutrient.

Cashews: They are a great snack for collagen support as they contain zinc and copper, both of which help the body produce collagen.

Tomatoes: Often overlooked, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and contain lycopene, an antioxidant that supports skin health.

Bell Peppers: Also rich in vitamin C, bell peppers can be a colourful and nutritious addition to salads and stir-fries, contributing to collagen synthesis.

With sporadic measles outbreaks continuing to make headlines, many adults wonder whether they need a booster dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. While the first measles vaccine was introduced in the United States in 1963, its formulation was less potent than the current versions, raising questions about long-term immunity for those vaccinated during the early years.

According to health experts, the timing and type of measles vaccine you received in childhood can influence whether a booster shot is necessary. Dr David Cutler, a physician and vaccine specialist, told Medical News Today that immunity status often depends on when you were born and which version of the vaccine you received. "Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles because they likely contracted and recovered from the disease during childhood," Dr Cutler noted. Natural infection with measles typically provides lifelong immunity.

For those born after 1957, the situation is more nuanced. While most people in this group were vaccinated as children, some may have received the original inactivated virus vaccine used between 1963 and 1967. This version is now considered less effective than the live-attenuated vaccine used today.

Simple Blood Test Can Help You Determine Whether Booster Is Necessary

To determine whether a booster is necessary, a simple blood test known as the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody test can assess an individual’s immunity status. "If the test shows sufficient levels of IgG antibodies to measles, that means you are immune," Dr Cutler explained. "If not, a booster may be recommended."

In general, a measles vaccine booster may be advisable for:

- Children who received only one dose of the MMR vaccine

- Adults who were vaccinated with the inactivated version between 1963 and 1967

- High-risk adults, such as healthcare workers or international travellers

- Anyone whose blood test shows a lack of immunity

Dr Cutler emphasised that adults who are certain they never had measles, never received the vaccine, and have no health concerns that would contraindicate vaccination should strongly consider getting the MMR shot. With measles being one of the most contagious viruses in the world, maintaining adequate immunity is crucial—not only for personal protection but also to prevent community outbreaks. A simple test or booster could go a long way in safeguarding public health.

US Witnesses More Than Double Cases Since 2024The

US now has more than double the number of measles cases it saw in all of 2024, with Texas reporting another large jump in cases and hospitalisations on Friday. Other states with active outbreaks—defined as three or more cases—include New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio and Oklahoma. The virus has been spreading in 'undervaccinated' communities, and since February, two unvaccinated people have died from measles-related causes.

The multi-state outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread could stretch on for a year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said last week that cases in Mexico are linked to the Texas outbreak.

With pollen swirling through the air and weather transitions in full swing, this season can be particularly uncomfortable for those prone to allergies. Everyday elements that seem harmless—floating spores, dust particles, and even pet dander—can bring on an onslaught of sneezing, itchy eyes, and respiratory distress.

But what exactly are allergies, and why do they affect some individuals and not others? One person might cuddle with their dog for hours without a hint of discomfort, while another can’t come close to a puppy without triggering a sneezing fit. These reactions are the result of the immune system misidentifying harmless substances as threats and overreacting in an attempt to remove them.

Allergies typically fall into three main categories: food allergies, airborne allergies, and contact allergies. Whether it's something you eat, breathe, or touch, your body perceives the trigger as a harmful invader and launches an immune response, causing inflammation and irritation.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic lens through which to understand allergies. According to Ayurvedic principles, allergies may arise from several root causes: inherited traits, weakened agni (digestive fire), an imbalance in one's dosha (vital energies), or the presence of ama (toxic undigested food). These imbalances disrupt the body’s natural defences and increase sensitivity to allergens.

To build resilience and prevent allergic flare-ups, Ayurveda suggests natural practices that cleanse the body and strengthen immunity.

10 Ayurvedic Approaches That May Help You Find Relief This Allergy Season:

1. Use a neti pot once or twice daily with a weak saline solution and distilled water. This helps clear out allergens lodged in the nasal passages and relieves the heaviness caused by excess kapha (earth and water energy).

2. Practice nasya, a technique that involves applying sesame oil infused with eucalyptus or camphor into the nostrils, ideally an hour after using the neti pot. This soothes the nasal tissues and provides a protective barrier.

3. Take trikatu, an herbal blend of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, before meals to stoke the digestive fire and prevent the buildup of toxins.

4. Avoid kapha-aggravating foods such as dairy, sugar, wheat, red meat, processed items, and cold beverages. These can slow digestion and dampen agni.

5. Follow a kapha-reducing diet featuring warm, light, cooked foods. Emphasize seasonal vegetables, fruits, and simple meals cooked with ghee or olive oil to soothe mucus membranes.

6. Incorporate warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and cumin in your cooking to boost digestion.

7. Sip on ginger tea throughout the day to stimulate agni and keep the digestive system active.

8. Take triphala at night, a blend of three fruits—amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki—that help detoxify and regulate digestion.

9. Practice pranayama (breathwork) techniques such as Dirgha, Ujjayi, Bhastrika, and Kapalabhati to enhance respiratory health and clear stagnant energy.

10. Exercise regularly to invigorate your metabolism and reduce ama. Choose activities that are fun and energising, whether it's yoga, walking, biking, or dancing.

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in women globally, and in the United States alone, the statistics tell a sobering tale- one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. This is an average lifetime risk of 12.5% but for other women, especially those with a strong family history or genetic mutations, that risk becomes exponentially more likely to reach a 20% lifetime risk or more.

Knowing your personal risk is not only helpful it's possibly life-saving and though genetics and family history play large roles in breast cancer, a new emerging body of research identifies a modifiable risk factor many women over 35 may be ignoring- weight gain in midlife.

As women approach their late 30s and early 40s, hormonal changes, lifestyle changes, and metabolic changes all come together. Although these are natural changes, how they are dealt with can make a huge difference in long-term health, particularly breast cancer.

A new study published in Cancer Biology & Medicine has established a definite correlation between weight gain after the age of 35 and a highly increased risk of breast cancer. Scientists discovered that women who increased more than 10 kg (approximately 22 pounds) over age 35 had a 41% greater risk of having breast cancer. Women who were premenopausal were most at risk: those who increased 5 to 9.9 kg (11 to 22 pounds) had an 89% higher risk, and those who increased more than 10 kg over twice their risk.

The large-scale longitudinal study followed close to 73,000 Korean women, tracking weight changes across five stages of life. The aim was to examine how changes in body mass index (BMI) influenced breast cancer risk, particularly during hormonal transition periods such as perimenopause and menopause.

What was striking was the V-shaped association between weight gain and risk of cancer. Women who gained weight at a moderate but steady rate — 0.25 to 0.49 kg (0.55 to 1.08 pounds) per year — were at the greatest risk. This indicates that even slow weight gain, commonly viewed as innocuous, can have serious health consequences in the long run.

Do Hormones Cause Weight Gain?

But why is weight gain after age 35 such a strong risk factor? The answer has to do with the way that fat tissue works within the body. When women reach menopause, estrogen levels plummet, and the body responds by making estrogen in fat tissue. Too much fat, particularly around the belly, can lead to an estrogen-rich environment — a hormone associated with the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.

In addition, weight gain can cause an increase in inflammation, insulin resistance, and other metabolic derangements, all of which could contribute to tumor growth.

Why it is Important to Watch Your Weight As Your Age?

It's significant to realize that not all risk is due to lifestyle. There are a few other high-risk categories:

Family history: A mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast or ovarian cancer — particularly under the age of 45 — raises your risk.

Genetic mutations: Having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation may increase your lifetime risk to up to 85%.

Dense breast tissue: Denser breasts contain more gland and connective tissue than fatty tissue, making cancer more difficult to identify and very slightly more likely to develop.

Previous abnormal biopsy: Women with a past history of atypical hyperplasia or other precancerous cells are at higher risk.

Radiation exposure: Women who got chest radiation as children (e.g., for lymphoma) also have higher risks.

Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

Though we can't alter our genetics or family history, we can control our weight and lifestyle. The results of this research are not only theoretical — they're an appeal to action for women, physicians, and public health experts.

Dr. Daehee Kang, senior author of the study, underscored the significance of identifying midlife as a "critical window" for breast cancer prevention. "By tackling weight gain in mid-adulthood," Dr. Kang said, "we might be able to significantly cut breast cancer risk and change how we think about cancer prevention efforts for women."

What You Can Do Starting Today

If you're 35 or older, it's time to take control of your breast health through proactive measures that can have a significant impact. Begin by sitting down with your doctor for an open and honest discussion of your unique breast cancer risk, particularly if you have a family history or other identified risk factors. Knowing your own personal risk is the key to developing a prevention plan that's right for you.

Also crucial is being aware of your Body Mass Index (BMI), which between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, and closely monitoring any steady increase is crucial, as more research connects weight gain after age 35 with increased risk of breast cancer. Adding regular exercise—only 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise—can go a long way toward maintaining a healthy weight and lowering body inflammation.

Nutrition is important too. Eating anti-inflammatory foods, reducing sugar intake, and staying away from processed fats are all food choices that promote general wellness and can decrease risk of cancer. And don't miss your routine checkups. Mammograms and clinical breast exams are important weapons for detection early, while breast cancer is most curable and rates of survival are highest.

While it's not possible to prevent all instances of breast cancer, a great number of risk factors—most importantly, weight gain past your mid-30s—are reversible. Through vigilance and steady action, you can significantly lower your risk of the disease. Because when it comes to breast cancer, knowledge isn't power, it's protection.