Impressive Benefits Of Collagen

The word collagen gets thrown around quite a bit, but many people fail to realize the wealth of health benefits that it provides, including healthy hair, strong bones and nails, reduced inflammation, and better dental and gum health just to name a few!

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most common protein found in the human body. In fact, it composes anywhere from 25-35 percent of all protein in the body. It is an essential component of bones, skin, muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments, teeth, hair, nails, cartilage, blood vessels and vertebral discs. In other words, without collagen, we simply wouldn’t be able to survive!

Fortunately, the body produces a decent amount of this protein on its own, but extra boosts from your diet and targeted supplements are increasingly popular. [1] For many years, this protein was only thought of as a part of the cosmetic surgery, such as increasing the voluptuousness of the lips, but it serves so many critical purposes within the body that many people are seeking ways to boost their collagen levels.

There are 28 different types of collagen within the body, but 90 percent of it is Type I (skin, organs, bones, and tendons). This is also the type of collagen that provides the elasticity to our skin. This protein is essentially the glue that holds our bodies together, and when there is a deficiency in collagen production (which happens as we get older), it is very easy to see the negative side effects. [2]

There are quite a few natural sources of this protein, or at least the ingredients required to make it. They are proline and lysine. Vitamin C is the other key aspect, as it turns lysine and proline into hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, the two forms required to make collagen fibers. Natural sources of these base proteins are animal proteins, such as those in chicken, fish, pork, and red meat (beef, rabbit, venison, etc.), wheat germ and eggs. Supplements of this key protein are also widely available, particularly in recent years, after the huge significance of this protein has become more recognized.

Health Benefits of Collagen

Some amazing health benefits of collagen include its ability to prevent osteoporosis, improve the quality of hair, and expedite healing

Prevents Osteoporosis

Collagen plays a critical role in the production of bone throughout the body by stimulating the production of osteoblasts (cells that produce bone). As we get older, the lower levels of this critical protein mean that less bone matter is created, resulting in osteoporosis, an increased risk of broken bones, and lowered mobility. [3] Adequate collagen–by food or supplementation–throughout your life can help keep you strong and active as you age.

Hair Care

There are three critical components to the growth of hair – essential minerals, keratin, and collagen. Without that third component, the hair will be brittle and prone to breaking and falling out. [4] If you want to keep your hair looking young, healthy and strong, ensuring that you have proper collagen levels is very important.

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Helps Heal Wounds

Since collagen plays such a key role in the production of skin, when you hurt yourself, excess collagen is needed to replace those damaged or lost skin cells. Collagen supplementation can help speed the healing process of small cuts, bruises, and abrasions, and can also help if you are recovering from surgery or an extended illness. [5]