What is Collagen?
Collagen is one of the most abundant protein in the human body, its present in connective tissues, muscles, skin, nails, bones, etc. Almost 35% of the total body protein is collagen protein.
Collagen is a protein that assists in defining the structure of the body. Collagen is produced naturally within the body but our body starts to lose the collagen as we grow older. The primary reason for the loss of collagen is age, stress, alcohol, wrong food, and sedentary lifestyle.
Supplementing with collagen peptides is a great way to maintain healthy levels of collagen.
Don’t confuse yourself with the Collagen Peptide or Marine Collagen, Collagen peptide is sourced from animals (mainly cow or chicken) and Marine collagen is sourced from fishes.
Understanding Types of Collagen
Although there are more than ten types of collagen protein present in the body, describing them all might get too complicated for your understanding. Let’s talk about 5 most common Collagen types required for a healthy body. all the types are distinguished on the basis of its amino profile.
Collagen Type-1
If maintaining healthy skin and nails are on your top priority then you should definitely look out for Type-1 in your collagen supplement.
Type-1 collagen is the most abundantly present protein in the body. As it contributes up to 90 percent of your hair, skin, and nails (organs, bones, and ligaments, too).
It has been proven to improve the hydration, elasticity and overall thickness.
Collagen Type-2
Type 2 collagen mainly contributes to the joint health and immune system. Its a protein found in cartilages. Type 2 collagen is commonly derived from the chicken bones. Type 2 collagen is the reason doctors recommend bone broth soup for stronger joints.
Collagen Type-3
Its found alongside the Type 1 collagen, it helps in the formation and maintenance of arterial walls. Most of the supplements contain a combination of Collagen Type 1 and 3.
Collagen Type-5 And 10
Although these are less common but plays a crucial roll in proper functioning as well. Type 5 helps in the formation of the cell membrane and Type 10 plays important for bone formation.
Health Benefits of Collagen Type 1 and 3:
Basically, collagen is present in almost every part of the body. It has more diversified benefits than any other supplement present in the market. Let’s get to know what is collagen good for?
Skin and Hair Health
As we mentioned above in the article, collagen is the most important component of hair and skin tissues.
As you grow older your skin starts to lose collagen which results in dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, etc. Collagen Type I and III can reverse skin aging.
A 2014 study found practical skin and hair benefits of collagen supplements. Women who were given collagen hydrolysate supplement were found to have an improvement in skin elasticity and hydration.
Muscle Development
Just like any other amino acid, collagen plays an important role in muscle development as well.
Additionally, Collagen is high in Arginine and glycine. Arginine helps in vasodilation and improved blood flow throughout the body, Glycine is an amino acid that is involved in the synthesis on creatine.
Collagen is particularly important for people on the keto diet, because of low-carbohydrate.
Weight Loss
Yes, you heard it right, Hydrolyzed collagen may help in losing that belly fat. Collagen promotes satiety, and make you feel fuller for a longer period of time.
Additionally, Collagen is also found to be very effective in maintaining good gut health and prevents leaky gut syndrome as well.
Do I need to tell that Good Digestion = Better Metabolism = Better Calorie Burning?
Heart Health
It’s a protein that provides structure to arteries, and also supports the repair and maintenance of arteries.
As you age, your arteries start to lose collagen and become weak and fragile. With the combination of wrong food intake, you are making yourself more vulnerable for heart diseases.
A study conducted on the effect of collagen tripeptide on atherosclerosis in healthy humans found significant improvement on the health of arteries.
Note: Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls (plaque), which can be fatal for heart health.
Prevents Bone Loss
Bones are made mostly of collagen which makes is needless to prove it’s importance for healthy bone mass.
Anyone above age or 30 should include collagen in their daily diet, you can fulfill the requirement by consuming bone broth on a regular basis or you can opt for daily scoops of collagen.
Joint Health
Although Type II collagen is responsible for the joints health but Collagen type 1 and 3 are proven to be effective in reducing joint pain and inflammation.
A Clinical trial conducted for the safety and efficacy of undenatured collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee obtained some impressive results. This 90-days study found that osteoarthritis symptoms decreased by 40 percent.
Ending Note:
Collagen is definitely the most important protein for the body’s overall growth. No matter whether you are a fitness enthusiast or housewife, health benefits of collagen type 1 and 3 will surely make a difference in your life.
