Who would have believed that a material that is contained in bones and skin might become a necessity?

 

Even though collagen is typically safe, you should always consult your medical staff before introducing a supplement to your diet. The effects of collagen supplements are still a topic of discussion and investigation.

 

But what exactly is collagen?

 

Collagen is the protein that is most common in the body. Its fiber-like structure is used to produce connective tissue. Bone, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage all contain this type of tissue, which as its name implies joins other tissues.

 

When need one to consider taking collagen supplements?

 

As you age, your body creates less collagen. To restore collagen, some people take collagen supplements.

Collagen supplements may benefit joint health, bone density, and ageing skin, according to certain research.

 

Although the results are encouraging, more studies are required to determine whether collagen supplements are truly effective.

To begin with, collagen levels naturally decrease as you get older. This typically starts to decline in your 20s and keeps going down by around 1% annually. Therefore, it wouldn’t hurt to start planning for supporting your body’s collagen levels early—before they fall too low.

 

5 advantages of supplementing with collagen

 

 

 

 

1. Maintains Gut Health

 

Collagen contains a lot of amino acids, which makes it useful for repairing intestinal lining. The usage of these acids aids in the treatment of digestive distress. The ability of collagen to form a seal also aids in the treatment of leaky gut syndrome, a condition brought on by abnormal intestinal permeability.

Collagen also lessens intestinal inflammation by controlling the body’s immune reaction. Tight junction proteins are enhanced by collagen. It facilitates the movement of nutrients and prevents extraneous substances. Therefore, collagen is ideal for maintaining a healthy gut.

 

 

2. Decreases Aging Symptoms

 

Signs of ageing include pimples, dullness, sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Supplements containing collagen help reduce wrinkles by moisturising the skin. Additionally, collagen promotes skin elasticity, according to a study.

Extra collagen promotes the synthesis of fibrillin and elastin. The skin’s texture is improved by these proteins. Supplements with collagen also boost our bodies’ natural ability to make collagen. For individuals seeking to improve the density and quality of their skin, it thus offers two benefits.

 

 

3. Eases joint discomfort

 

Joint soreness may be reduced by easily absorbed collagen supplements. This is because it keeps the tendons and muscles connected and replaces the cartilage our bodies lose as we become older. In addition, collagen helps joints’ articular cartilage regenerate. As a result, it protects the joints and keeps them healthy and pain-free.

 

 

 

 

4. Minimizes Bone Loss

 

Collagen may help stop bone loss and lower osteoporosis. Additionally, frequent collagen supplementation can raise bone mineral density, strengthen bones, and promotes bone growth. As a result, consuming collagen offers hope for bone health.

 

5. Encourages Heart Wellness

 

Collagen gives arteries their structural integrity and maintains blood flow to and from the heart. Consuming collagen supplements may reduce arterial stiffness and increase the body’s levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, according to research. As a result, it may help to reduce your risk of developing cardiac problems.

 

What foods are rich in collagen?

 

It’s usually safer to stay with a dietary approach to enhancing collagen since over-the-counter supplements are largely unregulated.

Procollagen is created by combining a few essential ingredients to begin the formation of collagen:

• C vitamin
• Proline
• Glycine

Consuming these vital nutrients will boost the amount of collagen your body produces. Consume plenty of high-zinc meals to promote collagen function as well. Zinc acts as a primer for collagen formation, telling bone cells to start producing collagen and activating a protein that helps collagen perform better at repairing wounds.

 

The building blocks (amino acids) required to achieve your skin goals can be produced by eating foods that are high in collagen or foods that promote collagen production.

 

• Protein-rich food: Foods high in protein include poultry, fish, meat, eggs, soy, and legumes.
• Bone broth: Collagen is abundant in bone broth from animals. It can be made by boiling bones in water with a small amount of vinegar for at least four hours.
• Zinc-rich food: Dietary sources of zinc include shellfish, legumes, whole grains, and nuts.
• Vitamin C-rich food: Collagen is also found in tomatoes, berries, bell peppers, citrus fruits, and leafy green vegetables.
• Other foods: Foods that should also be included in the diet are meat, pig, cows, and chicken skin.

 

Takeaway: 

 

It can be challenging to constantly include a variety of foods in your diet. And other people have questioned whether eating foods high in collagen results in tighter skin. Stomach acid will likely dissolve the proteins in collagen, preventing them from making it to the skin.

 

The most prevalent protein, collagen is found in great abundance in connective tissues. Collagen is now recognised for its capacity to ease joint discomfort, improve skin health, and benefit the digestive system. There are several types of collagen supplements, including powder, pills, chewable, and liquid. However, because of its predigested composition, hydrolyzed collagen is far more advantageous.

 

For collagen to produce the desired results, patience is required. The time it may take to see the desired results can range from 8 weeks to 12 months. For the majority of users, collagen seems to be safe and tolerant. To avoid any potential negative effects like allergies and gastrointestinal discomfort, find a healthy recipe that works for you. Collagen generally has several positive health effects and minimal dangers. 

 

However, collagen is not only for skin that is supple and elastic. Digestive issues, muscle pain, and joint pain may all be helped by collagen. Therefore, we advise giving collagen supplements a try if they sound more convenient for your schedule and pocketbook.