What is Collagen?
Collagen is one of the most important proteins in our body. It is responsible for keeping joints healthy and improving skin elasticity. Collagen is already present in your bones, muscles, and blood – comprising of a third of your entire body. The problem with your body and vitality relying so heavily on one protein is that as we age, collagen levels begin to break down and your body’s production capabilities begin to reduce.
It is at this time that the first signs of aging begin to show.
Whether it be fine lines in your skin or chronic joint pain, once these inevitable symptoms of age begin, people start looking to supplement their collagen levels.
There has been a lot of hype in recent years around the benefits of adding collagen supplements to your diet.
This article will discuss the benefits of regular collagen intake in relation to improving not only your skin structure and joints but your overarching health as well. You will also discover the different types of collagen and how to help boost your collagen levels.
Before acting on any advice offered you should always consult a medical professional.
Types of Collage Supplements
There are 28 types of collagen, but the 4 most common are as follows:
- Type I: Found in all connective tissue
- Type II: Found in your joints and intervertebral discs in your spine
- Type III: The main component of reticular fibers, which is found in your skin and blood.
- Type IV: Resides in your kidneys, inner ear, and eye.
Health Benefits of Collagen
Regular collagen intake is said to have many health benefits, some of which may include:
- Thicker hair: as we age our hair is known to thin, a boost in collagen can help offset this.
- Healthier nails: People with low collagen levels are known to have brittle nails that don’t grow as fast.
- Stronger skin structure and elasticity: Collagen is found in three-quarters of your skin, by keeping your collagen levels high you are improving your overall skin health and appearance.
- Reduced Osteoarthritis pain: Collagen supplements can act as a mild pain killer while also improving joint function.
- Boost Muscle Mass: Collagen is an important component in your skeletal muscle, some studies show that collagen supplements help boost muscle mass and help minimise the risk of muscle mass reduction due to old age.
Producing Collagen in Your Body
Here are two key ways to help boost collagen levels in your body
- Supplements : Oral collagen supplements are readily available from pharmacies, Health Food Stores, and even some Supermarkets.
- Diet : To help boost collagen levels without taking a supplement, you should be eating more glycine and proline-rich foods such as chicken, beef, fish, dairy, eggs, and beans. This should be done in conjunction with consuming more Vitamin C, Zinc & Copper filled foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens, shellfish, nuts, and whole grains.
To Sum Up...
Increasing your daily collagen intake with a balanced diet or supplements can help your overall health in a myriad of ways.
If you are suffering from joint or muscle pain, try boosting your collagen levels with either of the two options above and utilise Perskindol to help reduce pain and inflammation while you heal.
Head to our page on Joint Pain vs. Muscle Pain to learn more and for tips on managing your pain at home.
