We have all heard the buzz word ‘collagen’ and many of our friends are taking it as an anti-ageing supplement, anti-inflammatory or for skin, hair and nails etc. But what exactly is collagen, how do we take it and what are the benefits?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, especially type 1 collagen. It is the ‘glue’ in our bodies that holds together muscles, tendons, ligaments and helps give our skin elasticity and strength. Collagen comprises of 19 different amino acids, like arginine, glutamine, glycine and proline.
Our bodies collagen production naturally starts to slow down as we age. We will notice general degeneration, seeing our skin sagging and ageing, joint pain etc. Other lifestyle factors like eating a diet in high sugar, smoking and high amounts of sun exposure all contribute to depleting collagen levels.
Collagen is considered to be the number one benefit for our skin. Collagen improves firmness and elasticity, skin moisture, increases smoothness and helps the skins cells to keep renewing and repairing normally.
As we age we also experience joint pain, and a general stiffness, especially when we wake up. This is largely caused by a loss of collagen, affecting our joints, tendons and ligaments. By ingesting collagen this will help the joints to move more freely, reduce pain and joint deterioration.
Collagen also helps to ‘heal and seal’ the protective lining of the gut, healing damaged cell walls and infusing it with amino acids.
Collagen is graded into different types of collagen. The best form of collagen is type 1. This is the most abundant and strongest type of collagen found in the human body, forming bones, tendons ligaments and organs. The best source of type 1 collagen is bovine (from the skin, bones and muscles of cows).
Type 2 collagen primarily helps to build cartilage, which is found in connective tissue. Chicken is a good source of type 2 collagen, hugely beneficial for joint health. Other sources of collagen include fish and egg whites.
Type 3 collagen is made up of reticular fibres forming our organs and skin. Bovine collagen also contains level 3 collagen to help with the skins elasticity and firmness.
We can incorporate the above types of collagen by drinking real bone broth, using protein powder from the bone broth, or taking a collagen supplement. It is important to choose hydrolysed collagen products like collagen peptides to optimise the absorption and digestion of the supplement. Lastly, we need to eat a balanced, well-rounded diet to help increase absorption of the collagen we consume.
Thrive stock a full range of collagen products, please chat to one of the staff to find the best collagen solution for you.
BY: Hayley Guthrie, Somatologist – InSkin
For advise on skin care products book a free consultation with Hayley on 082 326 9884
or visit her at Thrive on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
