We all need collagen in our diet. Collagen is a term you might have heard used by beauty companies. Maybe you have seen it written on a bottle of wellness supplements. Collagen is one of the better-known substances in the human body. And it’s one of the most abundant proteins you have. For over 20 years, I have used collagen topically and in supplement form.
Collagen isn’t just the substance that determines whether your skin will continue looking youthful and fresh for as long as possible – it’s also the main component of the connective tissues making up various parts of your body.
Without collagen, you wouldn’t have your ligaments, skin, muscles, and tendons.
Here’s your guide to collagen and why it’s so important for good health.
What is Collagen? An Introduction
Collagen is your body’s most abundant protein, responsible for forming critical tissues in your body and performing various functions (like strengthening your bones).
Scientists know of a total of 28 types of collagen. The most common four are:
- Type I: The collagen found in all connective tissues
- Type II: The collagen found in intervertebral discs and joints
- Type III: The main component of reticular fibres found in your skin and blood
- Type IV: The component in your kidneys, eye lens, and inner ear
The collagen naturally produced in your body begins to break down. And it becomes harder for your body to produce more. You can improve your collagen levels by getting more of the substance’s collagen needs to form into your diet.
For your body to produce collagen, you need a host of essential nutrients, including…
- Proline (found in cabbage and dairy),
- Glycine (found in gelatine),
- Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits),
- Zinc (found in chickpeas and nuts),
- Copper (found in cashews and lentils).
Collagen supplements, available in various powders and pills, can also replenish your collagen levels.
What Are the Benefits of Collagen Supplements?
As you get older, your natural levels of collagen begin to drop. This is when you may consider taking collagen supplements.
Collagen is an essential component of many critical parts of your body, and it is essential to maintaining good health. Taking supplements can help you avoid a range of issues.
Some of the benefits of supplementation with collagen include:
Improved Skin Health
Collagen is an essential part of healthy skin, so it makes sense that collagen supplementation would improve skin health.
Studies show that collagen peptides and supplements can help slow the skin’s ageing and even improve its elasticity. Collagen can also help keep your body hydrated and may even stimulate the skin to produce collagen on its own.
Stronger Bones
As we age, our bones naturally become more brittle and less dense. They break more quickly and take a lot longer to heal.
Studies show a daily collagen supplement could be a valuable tool in making your bones denser and slowing some dangerous parts of the ageing process. Collagen supplements could also be helpful in assisting with the development of new bones.
Thicker Hair
Aside from making your skin healthier, collagen supplements could also help improve hair health. Women and men often experience hair thinning and even baldness as they age.
However, collagen may help to improve the health of the scalp and boost the strength of your hair. This could mean you’re less likely to experience hair loss.
Reduced Joint Pain
Collagen forms an important part of the substances between your joints (cartilage). As you age and your collagen levels decrease, your risk of degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis increases.
Some studies indicate collagen supplements may be useful for helping to minimise joint pain.
Researchers also believe collagen supplements may also accumulate in cartilage and stimulate the production of new collagen.
Healthier Nails
Investing in collagen supplements could be a good idea if your nails tend to break easily. Collagen helps form the substances that make up your nails and hair, so taking supplements could help create stronger nails.
Improved Muscle Mass
Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, is crucial for building skeletal muscle. Some studies suggest collagen supplements may be effective in boosting muscle mass in people with muscle loss issues. This important mineral can help promote the synthesis of various other muscle proteins and stimulate muscle growth.
Better Heart Health
Researchers believe collagen supplements may be valuable for reducing the risk of heart conditions. This is because collagen helps to provide structure to your arteries.
Without enough collagen, arteries may become less flexible, which could lead to a higher risk of atherosclerosis.
There’s no arguing with the fact that collagen is one of the most important substances in your body. If you’re concerned that you don’t have enough of this essential protein as you’re getting older. Try taking a collagen supplement because it could be a helpful strategy as you age.
Just remember to talk to your doctor before you start supplementation.
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