You’ve probably heard a lot of stories about collagen. It’s a protein that your body naturally produces. Collagen is essential for the health of the skin, bones, heart, liver, wound healing, skin care, and the immune system. As you age, it is important to ensure that you are receiving adequate amounts of collagen, either through diet or supplementation.
This article review the top collagen benefits, types of collagen, collagen uses, and side effects of taking collagen.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is essential for the health and wellbeing of the human body. It is responsible for maintaining the strength of the skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissues, as well as skin firmness and improved joint function. As you age, collagen production naturally decreases, resulting in wrinkles and stiffness. Eating antioxidant-rich foods can help to prevent the breakdown of collagen, which can help to slow the onset of aging. To support collagen production, a supplement may be beneficial.
What are types of collagen?
The human body contains about 16 different kinds of collagen, and they can be further divided into 4 types, as listed below:
- Type I: Nearly 90% of the body’s collagen falls within the type I category. These are densely packed fibers, and provide a structure to your skin, bones, cartilage, teeth, and connective tissues.
- Type II: Type II category of collagen is made up of loosely packed fibers and it is mainly found in your soft or elastic cartilages that help cushion the joints.
- Type III: This type of collagen supports the structure of your muscles, arteries, and other organs. It is also found in the connective tissues of the lungs, liver, kidneys, skin and vascular system.
- Type IV: Type IV category collagen forms the outer layers of your skin.
Why is collagen important?
As you get older, your bodies naturally stop producing collagen, which is a protein that helps keep your skin looking young and giving you the ability to move around without pain. Collagen is found in all areas of the body, from your skin to your muscles and tendons, and even your blood and blood vessels. As you age, your body starts to produce fewer and fewer collagen fibers, which can cause your skin to thin and become more sagging and wrinkly. This is a sign of a decrease in collagen fiber production.
What are collagen benefits to the health?
Some of the most notable benefits of collagen are listed below:
1. Better Digestive Health –
Collagen is a special type of amino acid found in the connective tissue of the gut that can help strengthen the digestive tract. People with lower collagen levels have been found to be more likely to get disease and inflammation in the gut. Eating more collagen could help strengthen the gut as a by-product and stop inflammation. Collagen helps with digestion because it has a special amino acid and structure. It can reduce inflammation, heal ulcers, regulate stomach acid, and make digestion better. Studies have shown that collagen plays a big part in fixing the gut lining, so it’s no surprise that it’s linked to gut health.
2. Helps Build Muscle –
Collagen produces the amino acid Glycine which helps in body composition and is involved in the formation of Creatine. Creatine helps in gaining strength during workouts and helps in muscle recovery. Glycine is used by the body to convert glucose into energy which can be used to power muscle cells. Basically, glycine triggers a chain reaction in the body that increases energy, strength and metabolism. This is why you should eat foods rich in collagen. Collagen also stimulates the production of muscle-building proteins.
3. Improved health of joints –
As you get older, your joints start to break down, especially your cartilage. Without enough collagen, your cartilage starts to weaken. Type II collagen is a big part of your cartilage, so taking collagen supplements can help you restore it. Studies have shown that collagen helps your joints move better and reduce pain caused by joint deterioration. Plus, eating collagen peptides may help your bones heal better. Collagen is a protein that makes up cartilage, which is the natural cushioning between your joints. Taking collagen supplements can help reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis in your bodies.
4. Healthier Skin –
If you keep your collagen levels up, you’ll get glowing, youthful-looking skin. Collagen is really important for skin’s elasticity, so it can help make your skin look younger and more energized. Basically, collagen can be a great way to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle-free. As you get older, collagen breaks down and production slows down, so your skin starts to get more and more defined. Studies show taking collagen can help keep your skin hydrated, elastic, and free of wrinkles and roughness.
5. Strengthens Hair and Nails –
Collagen is an essential component of hair and nail growth. As the body progresses, the breakdown of collagen can lead to alterations in the body, such as dryness and discoloration of the skin, hair loss, and nail discoloration. Collagen is essential for the prevention of nail cracking, as well as for the improvement of dryness and/or dullness in the skin.
6. Reduction of Cellulite –
As you age, the fat beneath the skin, known as cellulite, accumulates and presses against the skin, resulting in a lumpy appearance. Most women experience cellulite as a result of aging, which can have a negative impact on their physical appearance. Collagen therapy can be an effective and long-term solution to improve cellulite and overall skin health.
7. Prevents bone loss –
Collagen plays a vital role in the formation of major bone structures and helps maintain bone strength. When the production of collagen decreases and bones become weak due to a loss of collagen, you need a collagen supplement to repair the damage.
Other collagen uses:
Collagen can also be used in a number of other ways as listed below:
- Arterial reconstruction: Collagen tissue has been used from donors in peripheral nerve regeneration and arterial reconstruction.
- Skin fillers: Collagen can be used cosmetically to help remove lines and wrinkles from the face.
- Wound dressing: Collagen can be used to heal wounds by attracting new skin cells by skin grafting.
- Periodontics: collagen can help tooth cells regenerate by preventing damaged cells from migrating to wounds.
What are source of foods that boost your collagen production?
- Garlic is packed with sulfur, which helps boost collagen production and gives your hair, nails, and skin strength.
- Beans are a great source of collagen, as they contain a protein that helps digest amino acids, which are the building blocks of collagen.
- Bell peppers and tomatoes are also reliable sources of Vitamin C, with one medium tomato having around 26% of the recommended daily intake. Plus, capsaicin in Bell peppers helps fight inflammation, so your skin and muscles don’t age as quickly. And lycopene, a natural red pigment found in watermelon, works to refresh your skin and protect you from the early signs of aging.
- Berries Eating certain fruits and vegetables can help to increase collagen levels in the body. Berries, for example, are rich in Vitamin C and contain antioxidants which can help to combat free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and lead to damage to the body. Other fruits such as blueberries and raspberries are also beneficial for collagen production.
- Chicken is an excellent source of collagen due to its high protein content, niacin content, vitamin B6 content, and high collagen content.
- Fish is a nutrient goldmine, as its head, bones, and eyeballs are the most abundant in collagen peptides, which are short strings of amino acids.
- Egg whites are great for your body because they contain a lot of proline, an amino acid that helps make collagen. Taking an egg white supplement can help you get stronger muscles.
- Grapefruit is also great for your skin because it has lots of Vitamin C, which helps your collagen start to form. Vitamin C can also help heal wounds and protect your skin from the sun.
- Avocados are a great source of vitamin E, which helps fight free radicals, and omega-3 fatty acid, which helps your body make more collagen.
- Orange vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots are also great sources of collagen.
- Citrus fruits Eating oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes can help your skin produce more collagen. Plus, they’re packed with Vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant to help fight off free radicals from the sun and other sources.
- Nuts are also great for vegetarians, as they contain protein, lysine, and egg whites, which contain both collagen and proline.
How Vitamins & Minerals that keep Healthy Collagen Production?
- Vitamin C – It is essential to be aware that if one is deficient in Vitamin C (known as scurvy), they will not be able to synthesize collagen in their body, resulting in a lack of collagen production. Additionally, they may experience weakness in the ligaments of the cartilage, which can lead to an overabundance of Vitamin C deficiency.
- Zinc – Zinc helps as a cofactor for collagen synthesis, and useful essential mineral for bone formation. Zinc may also reduce the breakdown of collagen in your bodies.
- Vitamin E – Vitamin E helpful to neutralizes free radicals that are damaging to collagen cells in the body.
- Copper – Studies have found that if copper levels increase inside the skin cells, collagen production increases, due to collagen activates an enzyme called lysyl oxidase, which plays a vital role in collagen maturation.
What are side effects of taking collagen to the body?
When used as directed, collagen supplements are safe for the vast majority of people. However, there are some mild side effects that some people may experience with collagen supplements, such as:
- Fever,
- Stomach problems such as diarrhea
- Bloating
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Allergic reactions although rare, allergic reactions can occur with collagen supplements.
Symptoms may include itching, swelling or hives, depending on the source of the supplement. For example, if you have a fish allergy, you may not be able to take collagen from marine sources. If you have a beef allergy, you may need to take collagen from a bovine source. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to avoid interactions.
Overall, the side effects with collagen supplements are usually mild. However, it is best to exercise caution when taking collagen supplements and to seek medical advice before using them.
Conclusion:
It’s important to understand how important collagen is to your body and how important it is to keep it in good shape. You need to make sure you’re getting enough of it to keep your skin and bones healthy, as well as your heart and liver. It’s also important for healing wounds, taking care of your skin, and keeping your immune system strong. As you get older, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough collagen, either through food or supplements. If you want to stay looking young, it’s really important to keep collagen in your body. You hope this post has given you enough info about collagen to help you stay healthy in your everyday life.
FAQ
How can I increase collagen production naturally?
You can naturally increase collagen production by eating lean protein, fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in vitamins C and amino acids that are needed for collagen synthesis. You can also prevent collagen breakdown by protecting your skin from too much sun exposure and by avoiding smoking. You can also increase collagen production by exercising regularly and keeping your skin hydrated.
What are the benefits of taking collagen supplements?
The use of collagen supplements is a popular option for those looking for a holistic approach to wellness. Research on the efficacy of collagen supplements has been mixed, however, some individuals have reported improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles, as well as stronger nails. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that collagen supplements may be beneficial in reducing joint pain and improving bone health. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a healthcare professional prior to adding collagen supplements to one’s routine.
What is the difference between collagen type 1 and type 2?
It is essential to be aware of the distinctions between collagen types in order to effectively address health and wellness issues associated with skin, bone and joint health. Types 1 and 2 of collagen are the most abundant in the body and are responsible for the structure of skin, bones and tendons, as well as connective tissue. Type 2, on the other hand, is primarily composed of cartilage, which provides support and flexibility to the joints.
Can collagen help reduce wrinkles and improve skin health?
Collagen supplements are frequently advertised as a potential source of anti-wrinkle benefits and skin health benefits. Collagen is an essential protein that contributes to the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Although some individuals have reported positive results, there is limited scientific evidence to support a direct correlation between collagen supplementation and substantial reduction in wrinkle. Results may vary from person to person. Additionally, a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and sun protection are all essential components for maintaining healthy skin.
Reference Used:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits
