Collagen can be drunk, smeared on the skin and injected, or used as the best collagen supplements. We explain in which cases this should be done.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a crucial protein: it is the most abundant protein in the human body. This is the basis of the connective tissue that binds the body into a single whole. The name of collagen comes from the Greek word Kolla – means glue. Tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, young bone tissue, muscles, skin – this protein is mainly responsible for their structure. For example, in the skin, the content of collagen reaches 70% — it provides it with smoothness, firmness, and elasticity.
If collagen is already in the body, why should I think about it?
The collagen molecules stick together in most cases, forming so-called fibrils-long and thin protein fibers. It is they, like springs, that hold the body’s tissues together, at the same time providing them with a strong connection and not allowing them to get too close to each other.
But collagen fibers are unstable. They can be destroyed under the influence of various factors:
- ultraviolet temperature
- difference;
- stress levels;
- hormonal fluctuations;
- a diet high in sugar and fast carbs;
- smoking.
In youth, this is not terrible. First, there are fewer harmful factors: for example, children and young people tend to experience lower stress levels. Secondly, the body produces enough collagen to fill the damaged areas of the fibrils in time.
With age, protein production gradually decreases. As a result, the fibrils are destroyed, and the body does not have time to fill the damaged areas with new collagen molecules. Over time, this leads to unpleasant consequences for all organs and tissues — problems with the bone system, muscles, and blood vessels increase.
The skin is the first to suffer since it is the skin that takes on the maximum of external factors. The destroyed collagen fibers can no longer keep the epidermis smooth and elastic—tiny sagging areas — wrinkles appear on the skin.
Collagen benefits
For the reasons described above, there are a lot of collagen benefits. Perhaps the most famous of them is its ability to slow down the appearance of wrinkles, make the skin smooth and increase its protective properties. In addition, this protein is believed to reduce anxiety, improve mood, help control weight and normalize bowel function. Therefore, the best collagen hydrolysate powder is a great way to support the body in general and the skin, mainly if you are not sure about your nutrition. Collagen supplements can be used if the amount of protein in the diet is low, and the amount of nutrients leaves much to be desired. If you want to have elastic muscles and skin, support your body with food supplements with collagen. Their use is especially relevant if you are traveling, have stress, bowel problems, or are on a restrictive diet.
Here is a list of scientifically proven benefits of collagen for the body:
- Improves skin health.
- Relieves joint pain.
- Strengthens the bones.
- Accelerates muscle growth.
- Protects the heart.
- Increases the strength of the nails.