What is collagen?
The body’s protein content is dominated by collagen. The main components of connective tissues that make up for several body parts include tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles.
Collagen has many important functions including providing skin with structure and strengthening the bones.
Recently, collagen supplements have become popular. The majority have had the collagen hydrolyzed, making it easier for the body to absorb. Although capsules are also an option, powder is the most common way of delivery for these vitamins. The types of collagen found in supplement may vary, some may contain one or two types, while others contain up to five.
Several foods may naturally increase the collagen intake, including pork skin and bone broth.
Foods that contain collagen
Foods that contain gelatin, such as bone broth, provide collagen. Cooking collagen results in gelatin, a protein compound.
The connective tissues of animals, such as the skins of meats like chicken, hog, beef, and fish, contain collagen.
Vitamin C is prominent for collagen synthesis, so one should also be sure to eat foods rich in this vitamin, such as citrus fruits, broccoli and bell peppers.
Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements
- Improves skin health
Collagen is a major component of your skin. The supplement may work by stimulating the body to produce collagen on its own. Also, collagen supplement may promote the production of other proteins that help structure the skin, including elastin and fibrillin.
- Relieve join pain
Collagen helps in maintaining the integrity of the cartilage, the rubber like tissue that protects the joints. If you suffer from osteoarthritis or joint discomfort in general, taking collagen supplements may assist. Supplement collagen may accumulate in cartilage and stimulate the tissues to make collagen, this may lead to lower inflammation, better joint support and reduced pain.
- May prevent bone loss
Bones are made of collagen that gives them structure and strength. As the collagen in the body deteriorates with age, so does bone mass. This lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, which is characterized by low bone density and a higher risk of bone fractures.
Taking collagen supplement had significantly lower the blood levels of proteins that promote bone breakdown than those who took only the calcium.
- May boost muscle mass
Collagen, the body’s richest protein, plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle. Collagen supplement help boost muscle mass in people with sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass that happens with age.
- Promote heart health
Taking a collagen supplement could lower your chance of developing cardiovascular disease. The arteries, which distribute blood throughout the body from the heart, are structurally supported by collagen. reduced collagen means reduced elasticity and flexibility in the arteries.
- Other health benefits
Collagen supplement have other health benefits as well
- Hair and Nail
Taking collagen may increase the strength of the nails by preventing brittleness. Additionally, it may help hair and nails to grow longer and healthier.
- Gut health
Although no scientific evidence supports the claim, some health practitioners assert that collagen supplements can treat leaky gut syndrome.
- Weight Loss
Some people think that using collagen supplements can help them lose weight and speed up their metabolism. However, no studies support these claims.
