Collagen and its Benefits
February 25, 2022
Collagen is a protein in nature that is a connective tissue found in healthy joints (bones), muscle, blood, and skin. It is essential for the maintenance of these important body tissues and facilitates elasticity or stretchiness. Collagen is produced naturally in the body by amino acids however with age the existing collagen starts to break down and it gets harder for the body to produce more. This is where collagen supplements come to the rescue.
Collagen is an important component of many critical parts of the body, therefore it is not only beneficial but essential in order to maintain good health. However, the benefits of collagen supplements are still debated.
There is reasonable evidence that supports the fact that collagen helps maintain hydrated skin along with slowing down the aging of the skin.
Collagen also helps to prevent hair fall and promotes healthier and thicker hair growth.
It helps strengthen the bones, increases muscle mass and growth in people with age-related muscle loss, and reduces osteoarthritis joint pain. Collagen could also help prevent bone loss.
Collagen also reduces the risk factors that are associated with heart conditions such as atherosclerosis.
Some believe that collagen also helps promote weight loss and faster metabolism.
Although these beneficial effects appear promising, more research is needed in order to validate the findings.
There are dietary sources that help promote collagen build-up as well. Your body needs proteins (eggs, dairy); vitamin C (citrus fruits and vegetables); zinc (beans, lentils, milk, and nuts), and Copper (organ meats, sesame seeds, and lentils) in order to produce collagen.
You can also take supplements for the same. But to consult a nutritionist before starting!
