There’s a lot of buzz on the internet these days about collagen. You might see it being stirred into coffee or mixed with a protein shake. Some take it in capsule form and it can even be found in some skincare products. 

What’s the buzz about? What is collagen and what does it do exactly? 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. As a matter of fact, it comprises roughly between 25-30% of all the protein! Collagen is the main component of cartilage, tendons, bone, and skin, and is present in healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints. 

The strength of collagen is due to its structure. It’s like a rope made of three strands of protein twisted together. Collagen fibers can be stiff or flexible depending on their exact composition. 

If you use a complete collagen supplement, meaning one that includes all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body to synthesize protein, it aids and supports: 
• Formation of all connective tissue 
• Hair, skin, nails and joints 

Our bodies produce collagen naturally, but this ability declines with age. 

The bad news is that collagen production can begin to slow down as early as our late teens or early 20s. However, the good news is we can get more collagen by adding collagen-rich foods such as bone broth to our diets and by taking a collagen supplement. 

Collagen is especially popular for its beauty and anti-aging benefits. 

Most collagen supplements focus mainly on skin health. Multiple studies worked on the benefits of supplementing hydrolyzed collagen in improving the signs of skin aging. This protein is what helps give structure, fullness, and elasticity to the skin. It is what keeps the skin looking firm and youthful, and slows down the natural process of aging to keep those fine lines and wrinkles at bay. 

What else are collagen products good for? 

If you use a complete collagen supplement, meaning one that includes all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body to synthesize protein, it aids and supports: 
• Formation of all connective tissue 
• Hair, skin, nails and joints 

In 2019 the journal Nutrients published seven studies, which demonstrated many of the positive impacts of collagen on the body such as increases in fat-free mass and strength when taken following resistance training, alleviation of osteoporosis and bone loss, reduction in pain in Achilles tendinopathy patients, etc.

If you want to add supplemental collagen to your diet, choose one that is 100% hydrolyzed collagen for quicker absorption and digestion. If possible, get the one that includes all 9 essential amino acids and contains vitamin C and biotin. 

To see what collagen products I recommend, visit my Wellness Center, or contact me at Jerry@Fit4LifeLLC.com.

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