The Fountain of Youth is a myth, but collagen promotion of collagen products and supplements may be what makes the “dream of eternal youth” what.
There are many forms and types of collagen products out there, whether pills, powders, liquids, or gums, and of course their promotional campaigns include promises of better skin and nails, and that collagen is the key to staying young, not to mention its gut health benefits.
But according to a report published by CNET, it is important to understand what collagen is and its role in the body before you get carried away or respond to these advertisements, especially since experts recommend that it is best for you to get collagen from the foods you eat.
Collagen and its benefits
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and thus is somewhat important in maintaining bodily functions. Dietitian and nutrition expert Tony Castillo explains that the best way to think of collagen is as “glue to hold things together.” It is the main building block for tendons, ligaments, bones, muscles, and skin. It also helps your body rebuild itself after injuries, especially in sites like tendons, ligaments, and muscles, meaning collagen helps keep your body together.
The body produces collagen by combining amino acids. The process also uses vitamin C, zinc and copper, so natural collagen production can be boosted by eating a balanced diet.
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Adequate collagen levels
As we age, our bodies naturally begin to produce less collagen. While wrinkles and aches are part of the aging process, it may be questioned whether low collagen is the cause of aging diseases.
The following signs indicate that a person may have low levels of collagen, Castillo says:
• Lack of flexibility of ligaments and tendons
• Wrinkles on the skin
Muscle weakness
• Cartilage damage or joint pain
Digestive problems caused by the thinning of the lining of the digestive system
Of course, if any physical symptoms significantly affect quality of life, a person will need to see a doctor. But if he just wants smoother skin and a bit of activity in his stride, it can be worth looking at how to increase his collagen levels.
Collagen rich foods
Collagen supplements and skin treatments
Although it can certainly be attempted to produce more collagen naturally, at this point some may be wondering if modern collagen supplements and skin treatments actually work. The answer, perhaps unsatisfactory, is that collagen supplementation somewhat achieves results.
Studies have found that collagen supplements can help with wound healing and skin aging, as well as increasing skin elasticity and hydration, Castillo says. But they are only preliminary results, meaning more research is needed to confirm its efficacy. Castillo cautions that you should be careful when searching online, explaining that many studies are done by companies that make collagen supplements, so not many of them can be accurate.
On the other hand, Castillo sees no compelling reason to invest in skin treatments designed to increase collagen. These treatments often come with a high price tag, and most of the supporting research is inconclusive at best. He explains that there are some treatments worth trying, as some studies have shown that microneedling (which is said to increase collagen) can treat facial scarring and stretch marks, while ultrasound therapy appears to be somewhat effective for tightening and lifting facial muscles. However, the results of the research are not definitive or conclusive so it must be taken into account that similar results can be obtained from natural sources and this research is far from definitive.
Increase collagen naturally
A more natural approach to increasing collagen can certainly be taken. The most effective way is to eat a balanced diet. When the body produces collagen, it uses amino acids, vitamin C, zinc, and copper. To get the necessary amino acids, Castillo says you can eat eggs, bone broth, beans and meat to get proline and glycine, specifically, and citrus fruits, berries and peppers to boost vitamin C. Castillo adds that eating meat, shellfish, nuts, whole grains, and beans gives the body adequate amounts of zinc and copper. .
Castillo advises that if only one food should be chosen to increase collagen levels, it should be bone broth, explaining that when beef, chicken or fish bones are cooked in water, the collagen and other minerals leach into the water, providing a tasty, nutrient-rich liquid.