The simple answer is that its a protein. The most prevalent one in our bodies. It accounts for at least a third of the bodys protein composition. It forms the building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Its also found in other body parts, including teeth and blood vessels. This even includes the cornea of the eye. So, its the glue that holds our bodies together.
Although the word collagen is often used as a catch-all phrase, there are as many as 16 different types. According toHealthline, type 1, 2, 3, and 4 are the key types to focus on.
Type 1 accounts for a massive90% of our collagen composition. Its composed of densely packed fibers that provide structure to key components of the body. These include teeth, skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, and connective tissue.
This is a more loosely packed structure of the protein and is found in parts of the body. Body parts that need to stretch, bend and move freely. This type is most prevalent in elastic cartilage, which cushions your joints.
Prevalent in and used as a support structure for muscles, organs, and arteries.
Aids in the filtration process and is found mostly in the layers of the skin.
Its important to remember that as you age, your body will produce less and less collagen. And what it does produce is of lower quality. Given that its so vital for key bodily structures,its a good idea to try to increase it through diet. If your diet is already rich in the right nutrients, supplements are another great option.
Collagen production can be easily increased. It starts as pro-collagen which is made through a process in which the body combines two amino acids glycine and proline. A process that makes heavy use of vitamin C.
To aid the body in making this process as easy as possible, we should make sure to get plenty of these nutrients:
Foods such as chicken and pork skin contain a lot of collagen. However, it is unclear whether consuming more of these types of foods benefits the body. When you eat collagen-rich foods, they are simply broken down into amino acids. This means that the pure collagen in the food doesnt necessarilytranslate as more collagen in the body.
Sugar or Refined Carbs:Avoid too much sugar or refined carbs. Sugar interferes with it and prevents it from being able to repair itself.
Sun:Overexposure to UV rays can reduce the production of collagen in the body.
Smoking:Reduces collagen production and can cause wrinkles or stop wounds from healing.
Were all looking for ways to improve our health and keep our youth for as long as possible. And collagen plays an integral part when it comes to maintaining skin, muscles, teeth, and even cartilage. As you get older, it becomes more important to make sure that our bodies have the proper nutrients they require. To keep your skin elastic and healthy and make sure that it stays looking young, keeping up collagen production is vital.
Levels of collagen can be boosted in a couple of ways. For example, through supplements or by making sure your body has the right nutrients to support pro-collagen production. Healthy collagen levels can improve skin quality and muscle function as well as reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen#nutrients-that-increase-collagen
https://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-009101000000000000000-w.html
https://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000095000000000000000.html
https://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000094000000000000000.html
https://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000125000000000000000-1.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6110524/
See more here:
Collagen: What is it and could it be helpful? - Longevity LIVE
Recommendation and review posted by G. Smith
