All there is to know about collagen
What is collagen and why is it important?
Collagen, the most abundant protein in our body and the basic building block of connective tissues, which, as the name suggests, are meant to "bind". They are an essential component of bone, skin, muscle, tendon and cartilage. Collagen makes tissues strong, flexible and able to resist stretching.
- How is collagen formed?
- What effect does it have on aging?
- How to boost collagen production?
- Collagen as a dietary supplement
- Disadvantages of collagen
- How long to take collagen
How is collagen formed?
The young body creates high-quality collagen on its own without any problem, but as we age, its production begins to decline naturally. Excessive sun exposure, smoking, higher levels of alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep and exercise are all factors that contribute to a more rapid loss of collagen, and the collagen that is produced is of lower quality.
What is the effect of aging?
As we age, collagen in the deep layers of the skin changes from a dense and ordered network of fibers to a chaotic tangle. External influences can also weaken the collagen fibres, leading to wrinkles on the skin's surface. The loss and change in collagen structure can also be seen in sagging skin, dry and brittle nails, split ends of hair, aching joints, loss of body elasticity and general deterioration in physical condition.
How can I boost collagen production?
Collagen occurs naturally, especially in meat. Other foods of animal and plant origin contain ingredients that support the body's own collagen production.
Foods rich in collagen
As our grandmothers knew well, fragrant and strong broth has its place in the diet. Together with gelatine, it is the best-known natural source of collagen.
Foods that promote collagen production
You can also supplement collagen naturally by encouraging your body to produce it on its own. Fish, poultry, red meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes and soy contain glycine, proline and hydroxyproline - the amino acids that make up collagen.
Foods that promote collagen absorption
In a varied diet, we should not forget about foods that will help with better collagen absorption. These include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and Biotin (vitamin B7 preferably in a highly absorbable liposomal form).
Why consider introducing collagen as a dietary supplement?
When collagen diminishes, your skin and body lose elasticity and you can soon see and feel it. That's when you might reach for a dietary supplement. A number of studies have shown that taking collagen drinks and other supplements can improve skin hydration and elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This supplement has also been shown to have an effect on bones, specifically helping postmenopausal women who had reduced bone density.
Collagen dietary supplementation also comes into consideration in cases of food restriction, whether voluntary or due to allergies.
Also, active athletes and those whose muscles and joints generally take a beating are faithful users of collagen.
What are the possible disadvantages of collagen as a dietary supplement?
Collagen supplements are generally well tolerated, very rarely digestive related side effects may occur: feelings of fullness, bloating, heartburn.
Always read the package insert, however. Collagen itself will not harm you, but in addition to possible allergens (e.g. fish, shellfish and eggs), there may be high doses of vitamins or other ingredients in the supplements that could cause health complications, for example if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When is it best to take collagen?
Whether you incorporate collagen into your routine in the morning upon waking, at night before bed, or at any time during the day, collagen supplements are reported to work equally well.
How long can I take collagen?
If you are looking forward to noticeable results, be patient. It will take at least 8 weeks for them to appear. And then? If the dietary supplement suits you, there's no reason to drop it, it can be a companion for life.
What will getting enough collagen bring to my daily life?
Flexible skin, strong bones, healthy joints, hair and overall vitality can all be affected by having enough collagen in the body. Although age-related collagen loss is unavoidable, a healthy lifestyle and varied diet can help slow the decline of collagen, thereby delaying the signs of aging and promoting overall health. There is no need to reach for a dietary supplement right away, however, if you do opt for one, it won't hurt you and some of its positive effects on skin and bones are proven.
Simple and easy:
- Hemnia does not want to nor can it replace the expert care of your doctor.
- Hemnia products are not drugs (aka medicines), so please do not treat them as such.
- Hemnia offers cannabis products, but do not look for any narcotic or psychotropic substances. We do not offer or recommend them.
Read the full text of the Disclaimer here.