Collagen is a supplement that can help with joint health and
skin elasticity. Discover the health benefits of eating this protein.
What Exactly Is Collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein produced by the human body
that contains the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Collagen
levels promote the health of connective tissue, skin, tendons, bones, and
cartilage. Natural collagen-rich foods, such as beef bone broth, shellfish, and
egg whites, can be consumed to boost collagen levels. Collagen supplements are
also used to treat dermatological conditions and to help prevent
osteoarthritis.
What Are Collagen Supplements?
When people are deficient in collagen, doctors typically
recommend about five grams of collagen supplements per day. Collagen
supplements are high-protein capsules, gummies, or powders that aid in overall
body wellness. These supplements are typically collagen peptides, which are animal
collagen extractions.
Collagen powder can be mixed into beverages, smoothies,
yogurt, and other foods. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis; as
vitamin C intake decreases, collagen production decreases. Citrus fruits are an
easy way to get vitamin C, but dietary supplements like powder and gummies are
also available.
4 Potential Collagen Supplements Benefits
Supplemental collagen may have a number of health
advantages. The following benefits may result from raising collagen levels:
1. Prevention of bone loss: Collagen increases bone mass,
acting as your bones' structural constituents and postponing bone
deterioration.
2. Heart health: By lowering your risk of developing certain
cardiovascular diseases, collagen can strengthen your heart. Arteries and blood
vessels may lose some of their elastic or flexible properties without collagen.
3. Joint pain relief: The rubbery tissue that protects your
joints, cartilage, is strengthened by collagen. Collagen can lessen joint pain
and osteoarthritis symptoms.
4. Skin health: Collagen is essential for keeping skin
healthy. Collagen slows skin aging and aids in skin hydration. Use collagen
supplements as part of your skincare regimen to lessen the appearance of
wrinkles and other aging symptoms.
Possible Risks of Collagen Supplements
Supplements containing collagen may have a wide range of
positive health effects and very few negative ones. Supplements occasionally
contain additional ingredients, like herbs and vitamins, which may interact
poorly with some medications. Before taking collagen supplements, especially if
you are pregnant or nursing, speak with a dietitian or other health care
provider about their effects.
Alternatives to Collagen Supplements
Getting enough sleep, using a steam room, and lifting
weights are some natural methods for boosting collagen levels. Additionally,
there are foods high in collagen, such as bone broth, kidney beans, pumpkin and
sunflower seeds, and a variety of nuts. In general, collagen production can be
boosted by foods high in protein and animal products.
4 Main Types of Collagen
The human body contains 28 different types of collagen. Here
are four of the most typical ones:
1. Type I Collagen: Type I produces connective tissue and
makes up 90% of the collagen in the human body.
2. Type II collagen: This protein supports intervertebral
discs, the cushions that serve as the spine's shock absorbers, as well as
joints.
3. Type III collagen: The reticular fibers in the skin and blood vessels contain type III collagen.
4. Type IV collagen: Supporting the kidneys, inner ears, and eye lenses are type IV collagen.
