Collagen: The Secret To Looking And Feeling Younger
One of the biggest culprits to looking and feeling older is the depletion of collagen!
Particularly type 1. So, what is it? Found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons, collagen is the single most abundant protein in our bodies. It helps keep our skin elastic and strong by replacing dead skin cells. Collagen also helps keep our joints moving smoothly and our tendons healthy.
Our body’s natural production of collagen slows down as we get older. This is what causes signs of aging such as joint pain, wrinkles or sagging skin. However, getting older is not the only reason for depletion. Diets high in sugar, excess sun exposure and smoking also inhibit our bodies from producing enough of this vital protein. Studies show that most collagen related diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and systematic sclerosis are caused by a combination of genetic defects, nutritional deficiencies and poor intake of collagen-rich foods.
The good news is that we can add plenty of this protein by eating or drinking collagen-rich foods like bone broth and using nutritional supplements or skin care products containing high levels of collagen. So, what can it help with?
Healthier Skin and Hair:
Increasing your collagen intake can help your skin look smoother. It can help to reduce wrinkles and help your skin stay firm and skin cells renewing normally. It can also help with skin moisture issues such as dryness and roughness, helps to reduce cellulite and improve elasticity. That’s why this protein is considered one of the best natural skin care ingredients and is used in many skin care creams and other products. Adding Collagen to your diet also helps to keep your nails strong and has been shown to reverse signs of hair loss.
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Increasing Energy, Metabolism and Muscle Mass:
Consuming Vitamin C helps turn collagen into a usable protein for your body, improving your energy and vitality. A diet high in collagen-rich foods can help convert essential nutrients. This helps to add lean muscle mass, improve bone health, and burn calories.
Digestion:
Amino acids from collagen can help build up the lining of your gut. Many diseases have been traced back to inflammation or irritation. Collagen has been shown to help with inflammatory bowel syndrome, reflux, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and more.
Reducing Joint Pain and Slowing Degeneration:
Studies published by the International Journal of Medical Sciences, found that people with osteoarthritis joint pain treated with type 2 collagen show significant enhancements in daily activities. These include climbing stairs, sleeping, and improvement in their overall quality of life. Collagen has a gel-like structure that coats our bones and helps to hold them together. Therefore, increasing your intake is akin to oiling a squeaky door hinge. Additionally, Researchers at Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston found that supplementing with type 2 helped patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis find relief from painful symptoms by decreasing swelling in tender joints.
Making broths from beef, chicken or fish bones, along with root vegetables is a great way to naturally increase your collagen levels. Try using broths to make sauces, soups and braising liquids for cooking meats is both healthy and delicious. Try replacing your morning coffee with a cup of broth. You will be rewarded with higher levels of energy throughout the day.
