Supplements

Your Guide to Collagen

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01

Mar

Your Guide to Collagen

Reading time - 8 mins

The secret substance for healthy skin, joints and overall wellness, collagen is the holy grail of supplements and is surely trending right now. Collagen supplementation has been in the market for a few years. However, lately, this “miracle” supp is making a comeback to popularity due to its health benefits. From collagen water, powder and tablets to vegan collagen supplements, we have a complete guide to help you choose the best collagen supplement for your needs.

What’s Collagen?

Collagen is a vital protein crucial in maintaining healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues. It’s the most abundant, making up about one-third of the protein in our body. It’s present in the skin, muscles, blood, bones, cartilage and ligaments. And it provides essential functions to each body part, including structure and strengthening.

The science behind collagen is that collagen is composed of three amino acids: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. They are responsible for its unique triple-helix structure, which provides strength and stability to our tissues. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution can accelerate collagen breakdown and age. There are three types of collagen, which have different structures and functions in the body.

Types 1 and 3 Collagen:

  • Minimise wrinkles and fine lines
  • Enhance skin elasticity
  • Support bone structure
  • Improve nails and nail beds
  • Improve with hair loss and thickening of fine hair
  • Enhance circulation

Type 2 Collagen:

  • Aid joints and cartilage

There are several collagen sources to help replenish and boost collagen levels in the body. Understanding the various collagen sources will empower you to make an informed decision about maintaining your health and beauty. Whether incorporating collagen-rich foods or taking supplements, each approach offers unique benefits to healthy skin, joints and overall wellness.

Type of Collagen Sources Supplementation:

  • Bovine Collagen: made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues, bovine collagen is a potent source of type II collagen and other essential nutrients that support joint health and gut function.
  • Marine Collagen: cold-water fish, like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are abundant sources of marine collagen. They contain high levels of Type I collagen, essential for skin elasticity and bone health.
  • Vegan Collagen: made from genetically modified yeast and bacteria, vegan collagen benefits the skin, joint and digestive health.
  • Hydrolysed Collagen: derived from collagen-rich sources like bovine or marine, hydrolysed collagen is broken down into peptides for better absorption. It's easy to incorporate into your daily routine by mixing it with beverages or food.

Collagen and Skin Health

We all know that we will eventually get old and wrinkly. And as we age, collagen production takes a deep dive. It usually starts in our mid-20s. This is when we slowly begin to see the first signs of skin ageing, including wrinkles, saggy and dehydrated skin.

The building block of healthy skin, collagen, is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and it makes up a significant portion of our skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles. It's natural to decrease the production of collagen as we age, which can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, sore joints and signs of aging.

How To Get Collagen?

Our body naturally produces collagen, but as mentioned before, with age, the production of this protein decreases, and that’s where supplementation comes in handy. Collagen supplements will aid the creation of this essential protein in your body.

There are a few ways to increase collagen in your body. You can find collagen in foods such as chicken skin, pork skin, beef, fish, and food containing gelatine, including bone broth. Alternatively, you can find collagen supplements in powdered or pill form.

It’s believed that collage supplements work more efficiently than foods as it has already been broken down or hydrolysed, which is easily and quickly absorbed by the body.

Does Collagen Work?

When taking collagen supplements, the active ingredient, collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen peptides, is easily absorbed by the body. This gives you the necessary nutrients to improve collagen production in your body.

Taking collagen supplements helps to increase this critical protein in the body. When we start to age, our body naturally slows down the production of it. Whether eating collagen foods or supplementing with tablets or powders, collagen is an essential nutrient in our body.

Conclusion:

No matter what form of collagen you take, whether it’s food, pill or powder, as our body decreases collagen production, supplementing this essential protein will only benefit you. Remember, consistency is vital when it comes to collagen support. Choose the options that align with your lifestyle and preferences, and embark on a journey towards healthier skin, joint, and overall wellbeing.

FAQs:

Can collagen supplements improve joint health?

Yes, collagen supplements can support joint health by providing essential amino acids and promoting cartilage formation.

How long does it take to see results from collagen supplementation?

Results may vary, but some individuals report skin elasticity and joint comfort improvements within a few weeks of consistent collagen supplementation.

Can collagen-rich foods replace the need for supplements?

Collagen-rich foods can be beneficial, but supplements may be necessary for some individuals to achieve optimal collagen levels.

Is plant-based collagen as effective as animal-based collagen?

Plant-based collagen alternatives can support collagen production, but animal-based sources often provide a more complete amino acid profile.

Top Products:


The Collagen Co Premium Collagen Sachets

Premium Collagen Peptides by The Collagen Co

More Info

Genetix Nutrition Marine Collagen

Marine Collagen+ by Genetix Nutrition

More Info

Switch Nutrition Collagen

Collagen Switch by Switch Nutrition

More Info


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