What is collagen, and what are the benefits?
It appears that collagen is currently a trending product. Therefore, I decided to conduct some research and share with you what collagen is, its benefits, and ways to incorporate it into your routine.
Collagen is a protein that constitutes about 30% of all proteins found in our bodies. It provides strength to bones, ligaments, and tendons. It plays a crucial role in skin elasticity, helping to keep the skin firm and flexible and supporting skin regeneration.
Dr. Breg has created an excellent video explaining the various types of collagen and how to identify the type you might need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcSgIhrvaos.
So, why is collagen particularly significant as we age? As we grow older, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to weaker skin that is more susceptible to damage, stiffer and painful joints, and dull, lifeless hair.
On an interesting note, did you know that by the time we reach 25, we start losing collagen and that men typically have more collagen than women? This might explain why it appears some women age more quickly than men!
Here are several reasons why collagen is essential daily:
1. Skin—As noted, a reduction in collagen can result in various skin issues, such as increased wrinkles, reduced firmness, and even more visible cellulite.
2. Joints—Since collagen cushions and softens joints, a decrease in collagen can lead to stiffer joints, resulting in discomfort.
3. Gut—Leaky gut syndrome can cause toxins to seep into the gut lining, potentially leading to inflammation. Collagen may be beneficial in healing and sealing the gut lining, preventing toxin leakage.
4. Metabolism boost – collagen contributes to lean muscle mass, which is particularly important since we lose muscle mass as we age.
5. Nails, hair, and teeth – brittle nails and lackluster hair can also stem from a reduction in collagen.
There are various ways to obtain collagen, with two common sources being bovine (derived from cows) and marine (derived from fish). You can consume it in multiple forms, such as through fresh produce, cooked bone broth, or collagen powders that can be mixed into smoothies, soups, and beverages.
Lastly, as a fun fact about collagen, you might be intrigued to learn that gelatin is essentially collagen after it has been broken down!
Don't forget to explore our fantastic selection of collagen products!