What is Collagen?
Collagen products have been an emerging trend within the natural health world over the recent years. There is a ton of research to support the supplementation of collagen and all of its health benefit. But you may wonder, what exactly is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein that’s found naturally within the body and has various functions. It’s the main component of your connective tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and skin.
Why do we need to supplement Collagen?
Although our body naturally produces collagen, we make less and less collagen as we age and there are various lifestyle factors that will reduce our collagen production. Collagen production declines with excessive sun exposure, smoking, increased alcohol intake as well as lack of sleep and exercise.
We can get collagen through food sources, but it’s often more difficult for our bodies to break it down to digest and absorb it. Supplementing with a hydrolyzed collagen helps to ensure our body is getting collagen in the most easily absorbed and digested way, without causing digestive concerns.
The Benefits of Collagen
Hair, Skin & Nails
Most of us know collagen for it’s benefit with regards to healthy hair, nails, and skin. It plays an important role in the health of hair follicles and its amino acids help build keratin proteins which support hair growth. Collagen can support strong nails and prevent any brittleness.
The elasticity and firmness of our skin is dependent on Collagen production. As collagen production declines with age, the appearance of dry skin and wrinkles becomes more common. Supplementing with a good quality collagen powder can help to offset the impact of wrinkles, by supporting the skins elasticity. Studies suggest it may help in slowing the aging of your skin!
Collagen as a source of Protein
Collagen is a great source of protein, often providing between 10-20g of protein per serving.
Getting enough protein in our diet is extremely important for maintaining strength, muscle mass and supporting our joints. On average our bodies require around 1-1.5g of protein per 1kg of body weight per day. It isn’t always easy to reach our daily protein adequacy from diet alone, so supplementing with collagen is a great way to ensure we’re hitting our protein mark for the day!
Collagen is an easy to digest source of protein. Our collagen specifically is hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen is broken down in a process that makes it easier for your body to absorb and digest.
Joint Support
Joint pain can be a major obstacle getting in the way of your exercise routines, daily life and quality of life. Taking a collagen supplement can help you get back on track as it can benefit your joint health. Collagen is present in your cartilage which helps keep your joint sliding, bending and moving smoothly. Our cartilage depletes with age and can lead to joints rubbing together, breaking down and causing aches/pains. With that said collagen helps your joints stay flexible, absorb shock and stay well supported.
Research shows that increasing collagen consumption can help improve osteoarthritis symptoms and reduce overall joint pain!