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As we age, we lose elasticity in our skin that gives us that youthful, perky look. This elasticity is caused by a protein in our body called collagen. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in our bodies that is the result of combined amino acids which act as the building blocks of proteins in our foods. To make collagen, we need proline, zinc, vitamin-C, glycine, and copper. We get these ingredients from the foods we eat such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, and nuts. But as we age, our body naturally starts to produce less collagen. The result of less collagen production leads to sagging skin, wrinkles, brittle bones, and hair-loss. Collagen is an essential protein at any age, but it especially becomes important as we age. Increasing our collagen levels either through diet or collagen supplements like this one from Hot Bod Nutrition can help slow down the process of aging. Below are 7 beauty and anti-aging benefits of collagen that should make you want to buy collagen supplements on subscription right now.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body that is responsible for holding your skin cells together and maintaining its firmness. Collagen provides the skin elasticity and hydration that helps damaged skin cells repair themselves and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. In one study, participants who took daily collagen supplements reported having less dry skin and a significant increase in their skin elasticity. Collagen supplements help stimulate your body to produce more collagen on its own, thus providing more natural elasticity and hydration. Taking collagen supplements also promotes the production of proteins like elastin and fibrillin, which are important for structuring your skin. Collagen supplements have also been used to treat acne, though there is no scientific evidence yet that proves it is effective.
Muscle is metabolically active tissue that we need to perform nearly all bodily movements. Having more muscles improves body composition and makes skin appear tighter. Collagen is a necessary component of muscle that comprises 1 to 10 percent of all muscle tissue. Muscle, like collagen, decreases as we age but taking collagen supplements may help to preserve our muscle mass. Studies have shown that those who took collagen supplements along with maintaining a strength training program had significantly increased muscle mass compared to those who didn’t use collagen supplements. Women especially may benefit from the muscle preserving effects of collagen as they naturally have less muscle mass than men.
You need collagen to grow strong healthy nails. Your nails are made of keratin, an essential protein that is also responsible for making hair. Collagen is made up of the amino acids that your body needs to produce keratin. Adequate collagen in the body prevents brittle nails that chip and break easily. This is because collagen helps to feed the nail bed the nutrients they need for supporting nail infrastructure. One study showed that women who took collagen supplements for just four weeks reported faster nail growth and less nail breakage. This is good news for those who have naturally brittle nails.
Collagen has antioxidant properties that can help fight free radicals in the body that damage hair follicles. As we age, our bodies' defences against free radicals weaken, leaving us more susceptible to hair damage. Consuming collagen supplements can maintain collagen levels in the body that fight free radicals. Keratin, the protein that makes hair, needs collagen to grow strong healthy hair. More collagen production can prevent hair-loss and breakage that may incur as we get older. It can also promote faster hair growth and decreased thinning.
Our bones get more brittle and less dense during the aging process. This is why older people break their bones more easily and take longer to heal. Collagen is responsible for building strong, healthy bones. In fact, our bones are mostly made up of collagen. Daily collagen supplements may help to delay bone loss by inhibiting the proteins that contribute to bone breakdown. Collagen supplements can benefit anyone worried about weakening bones but can especially benefit the elderly. One may also want to consume collagen supplements proactively to prevent bone deterioration before it begins. Bone deterioration usually begins after age 50 and accelerates even more during menopause. Women in particular should consider collagen supplements for preserving bone mass.
Teeth naturally decay if not regularly taken care of. Our teeth are susceptible to bacteria that can break down tooth enamel and cause rot. Elderly people have a harder time taking care of their teeth; therefore, many elderly people suffer from cavities and even tooth loss. Collagen helps to bind teeth together and keep them planted firmly in the gums. Consuming collagen supplements may help to strengthen our teeth as we age, making them less susceptible to age related tooth decay.
Cellulite is the irritating dimpled effect on the back of our thighs that is so darn hard to get rid of. It’s caused by fatty tissues being pushed towards the upper lay of our skin through fibrous bands that connect skin to muscle. More women are affected by cellulite than men due to the differences in body composition. Women tend to carry more fat in their thighs than men and tend to have thinner skin, which contributes to the appearance of cellulite. Collagen can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite by encouraging the body to repair the fibres that cause cellulite to appear. Though cellulite formation is mostly due to genetics, collagen can improve overall skin health that may make cellulite less apparent.
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Tyler Dewitt
November 15, 2021
This was an excellent write up.