Collagen is a protein that you may have heard of in relation to anti-ageing creams or hair care products. It is a naturally occurring protein that is the most abundant structural protein in our body. Collagen does more than just make your hair shiny. By taking collagen supplements, you can increase your natural supply and enjoy its full range of benefits. Your body will thank you for it in the long run.
What exactly is collagen and its purpose?
Collagen, a protein molecule, is composed of three primary amino acids: proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids intertwine to form strands that create the triple-helix structure of collagen. To develop this structure, the body requires an ample supply of vitamin C, zinc, manganese, and copper. Collagen constitutes 70-80% of the skin and accounts for 30% of the body's total dry weight. It possesses rigidity and resilience, providing support to connective tissues such as skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage, enabling them to endure stretching. Additionally, collagen is present in blood vessels, organs, teeth, and the intestinal lining. As we age, the body's natural collagen production diminishes. This decline commences around the age of 18, and by the time we reach 40 years old, approximately 1% of collagen is lost annually. By the age of 80, collagen production can be reduced by up to 75%. Consequently, opting for collagen supplements can assist in replenishing the body's natural supply. There are two primary types of collagen supplements: undenatured collagen and hydrolyzed collagen. Undenatured collagen remains intact and unaltered, while hydrolyzed collagen undergoes a process that breaks the protein into smaller fragments, facilitating absorption by the body. Therefore, selecting hydrolyzed collagen is often the preferred choice when considering collagen supplements.
What is the significance of collagen?
Collagen, being a major component of our body, plays a crucial role in various beneficial functions such as tissue repair, wound healing, cellular communication, migration, and growth. It also aids in improving immune response, hydrating the skin, replacing dead skin cells, helping blood to clot, and supporting the function of the cornea. However, as we age, collagen levels naturally deplete, and certain factors like consumption of refined sugars, prolonged UV ray exposure, lack of sleep and exercise, and smoking can further contribute to this depletion. If collagen levels become deficient, undesirable symptoms may occur, including wrinkles, fine lines, muscle shrinkage and weakness, stiff joints, joint pain, intestinal issues, impaired gut health, and impaired wound healing. To address these concerns, considering collagen supplements can be beneficial. By increasing your intake of collagen, you can ensure the continued cellular benefits of this protein and prevent the natural consequences of reduced collagen production in the future.
Advantages of collagen supplements.
Collagen supplements offer a wide range of benefits when incorporated into your daily routine. Numerous studies have shown that collagen may have the following effects: 1. Alleviate joint pain: Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy cartilage, which protects your joints. As collagen levels decline with age, the risk of joint issues such as osteoarthritis increases. Taking collagen supplements has been proven to enhance joint stiffness and alleviate symptoms of joint disorders, potentially due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 2. Enhance bone health: Collagen provides strength and structure to your bones. Consequently, a decrease in collagen production raises the risk of low bone density, bone disorders, and fractures. Long-term use of collagen supplements has been found to increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and alleviate symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. 3. Boost muscle mass: Research indicates that collagen supplements can help increase muscle mass in individuals with sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass. These supplements may promote the synthesis of muscle proteins and stimulate muscle growth after exercise. To fully benefit from collagen supplements, it is important to maintain a regular exercise routine. 4. Support heart health: Collagen is a vital protein that provides structure to your arteries and blood vessels, ensuring their elasticity and flexibility. Insufficient collagen levels can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. A study involving 31 healthy adults revealed that daily collagen supplementation led to a reduction in artery stiffness and an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. 5. Improve skin health, hair, and nails: Collagen supplements are commonly used for their dermatological benefits, particularly in reducing signs of aging. By improving skin elasticity and hydration, these supplements have been shown to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and promote healthier hair and nails.
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