Should I take collagen?

Collagen is one of the most important building blocks in our bodies. Made of three amino acids, collagen is the structural protein that accounts for 30% of the total proteins present in our bodies.

It is necessary for maintaining skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and the health and functions of your muscles.

This article focuses on the importance of collagen and how collagen consumption is beneficial in several ways. Firstly, let’s take a deeper look at what collagen is and why it is so important for us.

Collagen- Its functions, Its importance, and its types

As mentioned earlier, collagen is one of the fundamental proteins in the body. Three amino acids called proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline are the three main components that come together to form a protein in the form of a triple helix structure.

Additionally, vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese also play a role in the production of collagen. Two main functions of collagen include:

• Providing structure within the body, and
• Strengthening the body.

This is because collagen is one of the important binding elements of the connective tissues.

Connective tissues are the tissues in the body that are responsible for maintaining the structure, strengthening, and protecting other tissues in the body.

Hence, it is important for maintaining collagen levels in the body for boosting the health and well-being of these connective tissues so that the structural unit in the body consisting of tissues, muscles, ligaments, and much more stays intact.

Thus, collagen plays an important role in maintaining, strengthening, and supporting the structures throughout the body.

So far 28 types of collagen have been identified in the human body. However, the most common types of collagen include Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV collagen.

Among these, Type 1 collagen is the most common type and is found in the majority of the connective tissues present in the body.

Major benefits of collagen that makes it worth a try

Now that we are acquainted with the importance and types of collagen in the body, let us take a look at some of the benefits associated with collagen. Here are the most common health benefits of consuming Collagen daily:

• Improves the health of your skin: Since collagen is one of the major components of your skin. It strengthens the skin and maintains its structure to keep you looking healthy at all times. However, with age, you may start to develop wrinkles and fine lines which is a result of declining levels of collagen in the body. Once the collagen from your skin starts to drop, it starts to lose its structure and firmness which causes all the signs of ageing that you see on your skin. Thus, adding collagen to your diet improves the condition of your skin and slows down ageing, giving you youthful skin even in the later stages of your life.
  
  
• Maintains joint health: Collagen is also important for maintaining the health of your cartilage which keeps the movement of your joints smooth. However, many individuals suffer from joint problems as they age. This is why, adding collagen to the diet helps to enhance the health of your joints effectively. Research suggests that collagen supplementation helps to reduce joint pain and stiffness as well as symptoms of osteoarthritis.
  
  
• Strengthens the bones: Since collagen is one of the structural collagen proteins present in the body, it is necessary for maintaining its levels in the body. Collagen is important for supporting and strengthening the bones as well. The bone mass tends to decline as you age which is why it is important to provide the body with collagen to strengthen the bones and reduce the risk of health conditions like osteoarthritis as well as fractures and other problems that may arise as a result of brittle bones.
  
  
• Enhances the health of your hair and nails: Collagen is great for supporting the health of your hair and nails. This structural protein is great for preventing brittle nails and reducing breakage. It is also known for its ability to boost the growth of your hair and nails.
  
  
• Other benefits: Studies suggest that collagen is important for maintaining a healthy gut, boosting the health and functions of the brain, as well as maintaining healthy body weight by boosting metabolism.

What are some of the sources of collagen?

Collagen levels can be enhanced using supplements and nutritional foods in your diet. Here is a list of some of the common sources that you can obtain collagen from:

• Food: Food is one of the most common sources that can help you boost collagen levels in the body. You can find collagen in the connective tissues of the animals including the skin of chicken, pork, beef, and much more. You can also add fish to your diet to increase collagen levels.  You can also eat foods that are rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to boost the production of collagen naturally.
  
  
• Collagen Supplements: There are several supplements available to the market that make it easier to increase collagen levels in the body. Different types of supplements provide different benefits. You can choose the ones according to your health goals and enhance your health and well-being accordingly.

Finally, returning to the question of whether you should take collagen

The answer is, yes! Collagen is extremely crucial for overall health and well-being. This protein is important for maintaining several aspects of your overall health.

Not to mention that several factors contribute to a decline in the levels of collagen and cause issues like joint pain, ligament issues, weak bones, and much more.

Thus, taking collagen is extremely beneficial for maintaining health and strengthening the skin, bones, joints, and much more.

According to research studies, taking collagen daily slows down ageing, strengthens bones, maintains skin elasticity, and has several other benefits.

In short, it is a great way to fight declining levels of collagen as you age and to reduce the risks associated with low levels of collagen including joint pain, arthritis, and other health conditions.

However, remember to choose the option that is best for you and keep your health in check at all times.

 

Also Read:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/