Collagen is an ingredient that was made very popular by the mainstream media. It is found in edible form and in various skincare products that you are supposed to apply topically. However, there is a catch for the topical application of collagen-based products that you will get to know here. First, let us know what collagen is and how it benefits us.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a component that is abundant in our bodies. It is a type of protein that makes up 30% of the total protein in our body. Our skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, blood vessels, intestinal lining and various connective tissues in our body are primarily made of collagen.
The Main purpose of collagen
Collagen is the protein that provides structure, strength and support to every part of our body. Its main purpose is to:
- Help with the formation of fibroblasts in the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis for the generation of new cells.
- Replace dead skin cells with new cells.
- Provide a lining to protect the organs.
- Provide structure, strength and elasticity to the skin.
- Help with blood clot formation in our body.
The collagen in our body can deplete because of certain diseases such as autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and connective tissue diseases. There are also certain genetic mutations like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta that hamper collagen production in the body.
Apart from this, collagen production in our body keeps reducing with age too.
Collagen is a magic component for us but our bodies cannot absorb collagen if applied topically in the form of creams or serums or any other products. The size of the collagen molecules is too big to penetrate the skin. However, the consumption of collagen-based products orally as supplements can do wonders for our bodies. Below are the benefits of collagen.
The top 10 Health Benefits of collagen For Our Body.
- Healthy skin: Studies have found that taking collagen orally has many benefits and one of them is healthy and younger-looking skin. It has been found that taking collagen supplements can help fight wrinkles, photo ageing (ageing caused by exposure to the sun), and skin dryness, improve skin elasticity & density, and regulate the hydration & moisture levels of the skin.
- Less joint pain: The joints in our body are protected by cartilage. This cartilage is made up of collagen and when we age, the lack of enough collagen in our body affects the strength of the cartilage. This is how with age the joints of our body keep deteriorating while causing pain. Sometimes, this may also lead to osteoarthritis. However, taking collagen supplements can stimulate the tissues of our body to maintain the strength and function of cartilage.
- Builds muscle mass: 1%-10% of the muscle tissues in our body are made of collagen. These tissues help to keep the muscles strong and working at their best. Taking collagen supplements along with a balanced and nutritious diet can add to muscle growth and encourage necessary proteins such as creatine for building stronger muscles in our body.
- Stronger bones: The bones in our body are also made up of collagen. Collagen gives strength and structure to the bones. With age, the reduced amount of collagen in our body tends to be one of the root causes of low bone mineral density and low bone mass in women especially. This may give rise to arthritis and rheumatism. Research says that taking collagen supplements can help with all such issues related to our bones.
- Healthier heart: Collagen supplements are found to aid people with a risk of heart problems. It maintains the structure of our arteries that pumps blood from the heart to the rest of our bodies and reduces the risk of getting various problems related to the heart.
- Better gut health: Studies have found that collagen supplements can promote anti-inflammatory responses in the gut. This results in resistance against harmful bacteria and hence adds to better gut health.
- Better digestion: Collagen contains an amino acid called glycine. This regulates the metabolism of our body that promotes normal and healthy digestion.
- Stronger & healthier hair nails and teeth: One of the amazing effects of collagen which most people don’t know is what it does to our hair, nails and teeth. A study was performed on 54 women in their mid-20s to late 60s. It was found that 80% of these women’s hair, nails and teeth problems such as nail cracking, nail brittleness, hair dullness, hair dryness, nail peeling, weak teeth, and weak gums got improved after consuming collagen supplements for 8 weeks.
- Weight loss: Collagen has been found to speed up the metabolism process of our body and thus it is speculated that collagen supplements can also aid in our weight loss journey. A certain type of collagen derived from a fish called the skatefish is found to help reduce body fat.
- Speed up recovery: collagen is a protein that improves the condition of the connective tissues of our body that supports the muscles. This helps to reduce the time required for recovery during any injury. Many doctors prescribe collagen supplements after an injury or an operation for a faster recovery.
Collagen is the building block of our body. Along with ageing, certain factors such as consuming a lot of sugary food, refined carbs, smoking or excessive exposure to the sun can reduce the level of collagen in our body. We must avoid these as the lack of enough collagen can adversely affect our bodies.
Collagen supplements and a healthy and nutritious diet can be a good way to stay fit and strong. However, if you are uncomfortable with taking any kind of dietary supplements, you can add various collagen-rich food to your regular diet such as bone broth, egg whites, freshly caught fish, citrus fruits, berries, tropical fruits, garlic, leafy greens, cashew nuts, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
