[Which foods can help wound healing and improve scars?】

1. Protein:

Protein is responsible for building and repairing muscle tissues throughout the body.  Protein breaks down into amino acids, and two amino acids, arginine and glutamine are particularly important for wound healing.  They can increase the production of reparative collagen and help white blood cells resist bacterial infections.  Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and plays a crucial role in skin elasticity. Injuries often lead to scars, and collagen fibers aid in wound repair.  Insufficient protein intake can hinder wound healing and result in scar formation.

Food sources: Eggs, milk and dairy products, soy milk, soy and soy products, fish, lean meat, nuts, etc.

2. Vitamin A:

Vitamin A helps in the synthesis of skin cells, enhances infection resistance, and promotes wound healing.

Food sources: Red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, papaya, tomatoes, bell peppers, as well as dark green vegetables like spinach, kale, sweet potato leaves, etc.

3. Vitamin C:

As an antioxidant, vitamin C aids in the production of collagen.  It also helps transport nutrients to new blood vessels in the wound.

Food sources: Pomegranate, red/orange/yellow bell peppers, bitter gourd, kiwi, papaya, strawberries, citrus fruits, lemon, etc.

4. B-complex vitamins:

B-complex vitamins refer to essential water-soluble vitamins other than vitamin C. Vitamin B1, B2, and B6 can help prevent wound infections or improve the body's efficiency in utilizing proteins.

Food sources: Oats, brown rice, whole grains, nuts, beans, meat, liver, dairy products, eggs, etc.

5. Zinc:

Zinc is one of the most important minerals for improving scar formation.  It aids in protein synthesis and collagen production, promotes wound healing, and enhances immune function.

Food sources: Oysters, crab, shellfish, kelp, seaweed, lean meat, pumpkin seeds, etc.

6. Potassium:

Replenishes the loss of tissue fluid from the wound.

Food sources: Kelp, nori seaweed, mushrooms, root vegetables, bananas, kiwi, celery, sweet potato leaves, edamame, nuts, etc.

7. Iron:

Iron is crucial for collagen production and promotes the growth of vascular endothelial cells, stimulates granulation tissue formation, and vascular generation.

Food sources: Clams, lentils, beef, pork liver, wood ear mushrooms, amaranth, spinach, firm tofu, black sesame seeds, etc.

8. Omega-3 fatty acids:

Essential fatty acids help cells retain moisture, regulate immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Food sources: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, olive oil, canola oil, mackerel, sardines, salmon, herring, yellow croaker, salmon, trout, etc.