Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in the human body that is responsible for providing structure and elasticity to our skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
Silver Surfers reports that as we age, the production of collagen in our bodies declines, resulting in wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain, and other signs of aging.
What are the best food sources of collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is naturally found in various animal-based foods. Therefore, the best food sources of collagen are:
- Bone Broth: Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue, which are rich in collagen. Drinking bone broth regularly can help boost your collagen intake.
- Chicken: Chicken is a good source of collagen, especially in the form of its skin and cartilage.
- Fish: Fish, especially cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna, are excellent sources of collagen. Fish skin is a particularly good source of collagen.
- Beef: Beef, particularly cuts that are high in connective tissue, such as shanks and short ribs, are good sources of collagen.
- Pork: Pork, including its skin, is a good source of collagen.
- Egg whites: Egg whites contain a protein called proline, which is a key component of collagen.
- Gelatin: Gelatin is derived from collagen and can be found in various forms, including in desserts, gummies, and supplements.
Incorporating these collagen-rich foods into your diet can help boost your body’s collagen production and support overall health and wellness.
Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people seeking to improve the appearance of their skin, reduce joint pain, and support overall health and wellness. But what exactly is collagen, and what is it good for?
In simple terms, collagen is a complex protein made up of amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. It is the most abundant protein in the human body, comprising up to 30% of our total protein mass. Collagen is found in many parts of the body, including the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Collagen supplements are typically derived from animal sources, such as cow or fish. They come in various forms, including powders, capsules, and drinks. Some collagen supplements also contain other ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals, to enhance their effectiveness.
“The key thing is there are different forms of collagen and it can come from different sources,” says Goldster’s resident nutritionist Claudia Le Feuvre. “All the hype about noticeably improved hair, skin and nails – what people are talking about is marine collagen, derived from marine peptides which comes from fish.
Don’t confuse it with bovine collagen she says, which is amazing for gut repair but doesn’t work for visible results in skin texture.”
“There is always an issue around the bio-availability of collagen,” Claudia continues. “The best way to assimilate collagen is to take it on an empty stomach 1 hour before eating.”
Here are some of the potential benefits of taking collagen supplements:
- Improves Skin Health: Collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin health by increasing skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness. Studies have also found that collagen supplements may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Reduces Joint Pain: Collagen supplements may help reduce joint pain by improving joint mobility and reducing inflammation. Several studies have found that collagen supplements may be effective in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis and other joint-related conditions.
- Boosts Muscle Mass: Collagen is a vital component of muscle tissue. Studies have found that collagen supplements may increase muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults who are at risk of losing muscle mass.
- Supports Gut Health: Collagen supplements may help improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and healing the lining of the digestive tract.
- Promotes Heart Health: Collagen is a key component of the arteries, which are responsible for carrying blood to and from the heart. Some studies have found that collagen supplements may help improve artery health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Some people taking the powder see results in as little as a week, for others it can take 3 weeks.
Claudia reports that participants in her online nutrition classes who are taking collagen have seen marked improvement in their hair, skin and nails. “People say ‘my hair has never been better”.
Some members have also noticed improvements in joint pain and arthritis. “Quite a number of people taking collagen have noticed benefits,” observes Claudia.
Overall, collagen is an important protein that plays a vital role in the health and function of our bodies. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of collagen supplements, they may offer a natural way to support skin health, joint health, and overall wellness.
Additionally, collagen supplements may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with allergies to collagen sources or certain medical conditions. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
(Story source: Silver Surfers)
