Contributed by Dori Cranmore RN
Collagen is a protein that is part of cartilage, face, skin, nails, teeth, bones and other tissues in animals and humans. It provides the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues, which is necessary for mobility and it is the most abundant protein in the body. Peptides are short chain amino acids naturally derived from collagen protein. These natural peptides are highly bio-available, digestible and soluble in cold water.
Collagen is like the glue that holds our skin tightly together, keeping us young looking. Taking collagen ensures the cohesion, elasticity and regeneration of skin, hair, tendon, cartilage, bones and joints.
Studies show by using chicken collagen, it works by allowing the body to naturally reduce inflammation. It also contains chondroitin and glucosamine which can assist in rebuilding cartilage. It’s successfully been used for many years for joint pain, arthritis, back and neck pain and pain following an injury.
How do you tell if your body needs more collagen?
Normally, our bodies produce less and less of collagen as we age. Environmental pollutants, smoking, overexposure to the sun and an abundance of free radicals in your body can negatively affect the collagen in your skin. If you have a vitamin C deficiency, collagen absorption and synthesis will struggle to occur. If you see wrinkles on your face, if your joints and bones get achy, if you experience digestive issues or if your cuts and wounds heal slower than they used to… You may have a collagen deficiency.
There are so many benefits of using supplemental collagen:
• Radiant, Youthful Skin: Helping erase wrinkles! Many describe collagen as Mother Nature’s Botox”.
• Healthy Hair & Nails: Collagen peptides contain proline and cysteine which creates keratin.
• Help Fights Inflammation: Inflammation seems to be linked to every disease known. Helps reduce symptoms of autoimmune disorders, like arthritis, celiac disease and psoriasis.
• Weight Loss: It’s difficult to lose weight if the body is inflamed. Joint, hip and knee pain improved.
• Gut Issues: The gut mucosa can be stabilized by decreasing damage from excess acid. Wounds and fractures may heal at a faster rate.
What type collagen is best? While 28 different types of collagen do exist, they’re all still the same protein. They are sourced from beef, chicken and fish. As far as what to look for, find out where the collagen is being sourced. There are many organic forms and some from marine cod. Structurally, collagen is the same whether it’s coming from a cow, chicken or fish.
Hydrolyzed collagen is just a more processed form of collagen where cold enzymes were added to break it down. The more broken down the protein is, the easier it is for your body to digest and use.
Currently, there is no vegan collagen source and scientists are currently researching to find a plant that’s structurally similar. The best source for vegans is matcha green tea. It’s indisputable that collagen is good for you. It’s definitely a good idea to use supplemental form of collagen before problems arise.
