Muscles, bones, skin and tendons consist mainly of collagen, the human body’s most abundant type of protein. Collagen is, to be precise, 30-35% of the protein in the human body. Collagen protein is also known as connective tissue, which stabilises our skin and protects joint mobility and flexibility. Collagen also provides elasticity to our body. Studies show that the treatment of collagen has many advantages, including reduced facial wrinkles and cellulite reduction.
As we get older, our skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles more. These are several reasons why collagen production is partly responsible, though life stressors and oxidative damage also play an important role. Those with additional melanin in their skin are protected more against UV sunshine and ultraviolet damage, which I call “melanoprotection.” The risk of solar damage and an increase in risk of premature aging is higher for those with less melanin.
The collagen supplements typically consist of amino acids that are classified into three classes by scientists:
Essential amino acids-this type of amino acid has to be ingested in the diet and cannot be produced by the body. Lysine, serin, threonine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, methionine, isoleucine, histidine and hydroxylysine are included.
Conditionally-essential amino acids-This type of amino acid may normally be produced by the body, but the body may not do enough and supplementation is necessary in physical stressful conditions. These include glycine, proline, glutamine, alanine and tyrosine.
Non-Essential amino acids-This amino acid type is very important for the body, but is non-essential as it can be produced by the liver. It is not necessary to eat this amino acid in our diet, but it is NOT harmful. Hydroxyproline, arginine and aspartic acid are included.
For their material, many collagen manufacturers use different sources. While some are using bovine sources, others are using fish. The quality marine collagen of California Gold Nutrition is suitable for animals, that is to say, those who avoid all meat apart from shrimp.
Collagen additives provide a wide range of amino acids required for hair growth, skin, tendons, and bone health. Collagen is a good choice for those who want to ensure that enough amino acids are ingested but want to eat them with gluten-free or dairy-free supplements. Weightlifters often use collagen supplements to maximize muscle growth. We have selected whey protein powder often.
Types of Collagen in the Body
At least 28 forms of collagen have been described by scientists. Yet 90 per cent of the body’s collagen is Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 and Type 5.
- Collagen Type 1 – Composes tendons, liver and bone. Type 1 collagen comprises 80-90% of our collagen.
- Collagen type 2 – Knee, elbows, and other joints cartilage.
- Collagen Type 3 – Primary type of reticular fiber cartilage. Commonly available with Type 1.
- Collagen Type 5 – Use on the surface of the skin to make your body.
How we are losing our collagen
At age thirty-five, collagen levels begin to decline. Although we cannot stop time, there are some lifestyle habits that accelerate collagen loss and aging. Smoking is the number one thing that a person can do to kill and lose collagen, because a smoker is often older than his / her age. Exposure to intense sunlight and repeated sunburns harm our collagen and a poor antioxidant high-sugar diet.
Foods that increase the production of collagen
- While a supplement can help to ensure that a person has sufficient collagen, dietary steps can also be taken to improve development of collagen. Kim D’Eon suggests a list of foods to help your body produce more collagen.
- Vitamin A rich foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots and eggs
- Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli
- Onions are rich in sulfur, which is important for cartilage production
- Garlic is also rich in sulfur, which is important for cartilage production
- Blueberries provide antioxidant protection
- Raspberries provide antioxidant protection
- Oranges are high in vitamin C, which is needed for collagen production
- Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, which is needed for collagen production
- Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which is needed for collagen production
- Nuts, like almonds, walnuts, legumes, and seeds are high in amino acids
- Bone broth is high in amino acids, which are the building blocks of collagen
Safety of Joint and Bone
Scientific studies have shown that additional collagen can help to strengthen joints and contribute to bone strength. The intake and physical activity of a healthy diet are also important for joint health.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the result of cartilage damage in the joints. More than 250 million people are believed to be affected worldwide. Some use natural arthritis additives to reduce inflammatory pain in an attempt to avoid prescription medications which have possible adverse effects. Maybe we can help repair collagen and avoid cartilage loss?
A 2017 animal model study found that supplementation of collagen not only decreased joint inflammation, but also prevented cartilage loss in the joint.
Osteoporosis
Bones get thinner as you get older. A physician suspects osteoporosis when the thickness of the bone becomes thinner than normal at the age of a man. A doctor will prescribe a bone density test to check for the effects of the disease. Those with osteoporosis are at increased risk of bone fractures and, during an accidental fall, the most common hip fracture is seen.
Osteoporosis risk factors include smoking, vitamin D deficiency and woman age 65 or older.
Collagen can help to increase bone strength according to research using animal models. In a 2005 study, improved bone strength was demonstrated by taking a collagen supplement.
Tendon power
Tendons are dense, collagen-based fibrous cords. Tendons are responsible for movement and attach muscles to bones. To prevent injury, it is important to ensure strong tendons. Tendon injuries are common among athletes and warriors over the weekend. According to a 2005 report, collagen supplementation increases tendon strength whereas collagen supplements may increase the thickness of the tendon of Achilles in animal models were shown in a 2016 test.
Skin health
Women worldwide are expected to invest $382 billion on make-up and beauty products. Although some protect against sun damage, most items do little to reverse the signs of aging. Many choose to use natural beauty products and soaps because of sensitivity to additives and contaminants. The problem, however, is how can we enhance our skin from within?
Research have shown that collagen supplementation has many skin advantages. Research have shown that the treatment of oral collagen may be beneficial for cellulite and wrinkles. It can also enhance hair and nail development. It is estimated that in our mid-30s we begin to lose about one percent of our body’s collagen every year, replaced by collagen.
Cellulite less?
Cellulite is a disease people’s decades have tried to reverse. A 2015 double-blind placebo-controlled study concluded: “The long-term treatment of oral BCP (Bioactive Collagen Pectides) contributes to cellulite recovery and has a positive impact for the health of the body.” Women took collagen for at least 6 months in this sample. The increase has been seen as early as three months.
Less Facial Wrinkles
Collagen replacement helps to reduce skin wrinkles, according to a 2014 study in Clinical Intervention in Aging. Moreover, a 2014 double-blind placebo-controlled study showed improvement in skin elasticity in test subjects who took 2 500 mg of collagen daily for eight weeks compared to placebo-controlled people. In another experiment for 2012, wrinkles and dryness improved when 1,000 mg collagen was taken for 12 weeks.
The use of oral collagen “has led to greater improvement in facial skin conditions including face moisture, elasticity, wrinkles and grossness,” according to a study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Journal in 2016.
Anti-aging
A 2008 study concluded that “these results show that collagen peptide is a nutritional supplement that helps prevent damage to the skin caused by UV-B and photo-aging.” A 2015 study reported similar results with oral collagen supplementation in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. The researchers concluded “The application of collagen peptides to the oral system is successful in improving the characteristics of skin aging.”
Nail and skin development
Hair growth Good nails and healthy hair are a safety predictor. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2017 found that addition to 2,500 mg of collagen led to an increase in nail growth rate of 12 percent and a reduction of broken nail growth rate of 42 percent. Four out of five have decided to enhance their overall nail look.
Other benefits
Studies show that collagen can also benefit those who strive to improve their intestinal safety. Collagen can also be effective in heart safety optimization.
Leaky Gut
Collagen contributes to the health of the intestines. A primary reason for this is the high levels of oral collagen supplements in amino acid glutamine and glutamic acid. Glutamine provides our intestinal healthy bacteria with “nutrition.” Read more about leaky products and other ways to improve intestinal security.
Cardiovascular Health
A large component of the blood vessels consists primarily of collagen type IV. For proper collagen production, vitamin C, lysine and proline are key components. In 1989, Linus Pauling proposed “The Unified Theory of Human Cardiovascular Disease,” a two-time winner of the Nobel Prize. He indicated that sufficient vitamin C, proline and lysine can help the arteries remain strong and atherosclerosis prevent. Those essential nutrients are provided by collagen supplementation.
Supplementation
Specific oral collagen supplement formulations are available online. Many come from bovine (cow) sources while others come from marine (fish). I recommend that you take at least 3,000 to 5,000 mg daily. Additional vitamin C 1000 to 2000 mg should also be taken to help optimize the strength of the collagen and its development.
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