What is IT?
Collagen is a protein made using amino acids. It is abundant in our bodies and is especially found in connective tissues such as the skin, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen leads to the elasticity and firmness of the skin and supports the joints, all important functions for the body’s overall health. It is a famous ingredient in skin products and supplements.
It is significant in our diet because it provides important building blocks provided by foods containing amino acids that our bodies need to create collagen.
Collagen is one of the key substances in our diet that supplies our body with the essential components of its microfibers, skin, skeleton, and cartilage. Here are a couple of reasons why collagen is important in our diet.
1. Skin Health
Skin is mostly made of collagen, which makes the body resilient and firm. However, our body’s production of collagen declines as we age, causing wrinkling, sagging, and loss of firmness. Eating a diet that is rich in collagen promotes increased elasticity in the skin and healthy hydration.
2. Joint Health
Collagen forms an important structural part of cartilage, the tissue that protects the joints and connects them up for smooth movement. Incorporating collagen in your diet could even aid in easing joint pain and stiffness that come with inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis.
3. Bone Strength
Collagen is important in the structure and strength of bones. This decrement in bone density as we get older naturally creates higher fracture potentials and osteoporosis risks. Apart from providing regular surface repair, collagen consumption may assist in protecting bone density and reduce the probability of bone-related disorders.
4. Muscle Mass
Collagen also forms a substantial part of the muscle tissue in charge of its strength and function. Although collagen itself is not a whole protein like those found in meat and dairy it contains amino acids that are crucial for muscle recovery as well as growth.
5. Gut Health
Collagen is a key structural component of the intestinal lining that may improve the digestive system’s functionality and antibody activity. It is likely beneficial to health conditions such as leaky gut syndrome. Collagen also contributes to better gut health and improved digestion.
Collagen Rich Foods
Collagen is primarily found in animal-derived foods; however, some plant-based food options help our bodies produce collagen. Here is a list of collagen-rich foods:
- Bone broth: One of the best sources of collagen, this is made by boiling animal bones and connective tissue for several hours.
- Gelatin: This component can be found in gummies, Jell-O, and marshmallows.
- Leafy greens: Vegetables like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in Vitamin C, which is important in producing collagen in the body.
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect collagen in the body from damage by free radicals.
Benefits Of Collagen
Collagen offers numerous advantages to our overall health. Some of these are:
- Hair and Nail growth: Collagen helps improve the condition of our hair and nails, reducing breakage and brittleness and promoting growth and strength.
- Heart Health: Collagen can help reduce the risk of heart-related health conditions because it promotes arterial health. Collagen provides the structure of arteries.
- Wound Healing: Collagen promotes the formation of new skin tissue during wound healing, can accelerate the healing process, and improve the appearance of scars.
Collagen in our diets is a plus as it contributes to our overall wellbeing has a positive impact on our health, and supports different body functions and structures.