If a human body is made up of 60-70% water, the proteinethey are the second most important elements of the organism, making up 20% of them. Of these, 35% is made up of collagen .

Collagen what it is and where it is found

fibre di collagene

Collagen under the microscope.

 

The collagen is the most important constituent element of the connective tissue , a structural protein that acts as a sort of "glue" between the various connective tissues, scaffold that supports:

  • the stability of the bones,
  • mobility of cartilages,
  • healthy muscles,
  • stronger tendons and ligaments,
  • the brightness and firmness of the skin,
  • brighter nails and hair.

Collagen is also present in blood vessels, intravertebral discs, cornea, teeth and intestinal wall. This protein is often referred to as a complex protein since it contains as many as 18 amino acids that include a mix of essential and non-essential (called "conditionally essential") such as arginine, glutamine, glycine and proline.

Collagen and hyaluronic acid

comparison between mature skin and young skin

 

Collagen supports the body's ability to produce chemicals that naturally support joints . It also provides chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate which support the body's ability to build and repair cartilage .

 

L ' hyaluronic acid contains water and form a gelatinous substance that surrounds the tissues around nerves and is located in the synovial fluid between the joints. This hyaluronic acid lubricates and cushions the joints, acting as a "shock absorber".

 

Specifically, the connective tissues are formed by two fibrous Protein, collagen and elastin, compounds that form and give the cartilages the necessary strength and elasticity in order to support, cushion and resist the compressive and traction stresses to which they are subjected. joints in the biomechanics of movements.

Types of collagen and functions

There are at least sixteen different types of collagen in the human body, and all sixteen contain a repeating sequence of glycine-proline-hydroxyproline and fold into a characteristic triple helix structure. The most common types are type I, II, III, IV, V and X and have different functions.

  • Type I collagen. Made up of eosinophilic Fibre, it represents the preponderant part of the collagen present in the human body and helps to form tendons, ligaments, organs and skin, and is the main component of the organic part of the bone. Type I is also found in the gastrointestinal tract and is important for wound healing, and for giving skin elasticity.
  • Type II collagen . It is fibrous in type and is found in cartilage.
  • Type III collagen . Composed of reticular Fibre, it is usually found together with type I in the body. Type III characterizes the skin of its elasticity and firmness and forms the connective tissues that also characterize the internal organs.
  • Type IV collagen. It forms extracellular structures called basal lamina which supports epithelial and endothelial cells, surrounding muscle and fat tissues.
  • V-type collagen . It is found in cell surfaces, hair and placenta.
  • Type X collagen . It helps bone formation and the growth, development and remodeling of joint cartilage.

Collagen and cellular aging

effects of collagen on the skin

 

Being synthesized by the body, with advancing age and aging, due to external agents that are able to alter its synthesis, its production decreases slowly and in an increasingly important way, resulting in a progressive loss of elasticity of the tissues that become more rigid and susceptible to inflammatory problems.

 

With aging and the decrease in the presence of collagen, that typical thinning of the skin occurs with an increase in wrinkles and skin relaxation . Many other lifestyle elements can help decrease collagen levels, for example:

  • diet rich in refined sugars,
  • smoke,
  • excessive exposure to the sun,
  • environmental toxins,
  • hormonal changes,
  • drugs,
  • intense training,
  • nutritional deficiencies,
  • infections.

How to activate collagen

broth rich in collagen

Chicken broth rich in collagen.

 

We can counteract and make up for the gradual lack of production of this particular structural protein with food, where nature comes to meet us with foods rich in collagen and others that stimulate its production, such as:

  • foods high in vitamin C (citrus, kiwi, pineapple, melon, green leafy vegetables),
  • meat,
  • fish,
  • egg,
  • natural broths of meat or fish (as long as there are connective tissues, bones, bones or skin).

The bovine collagen , for example, it is a good demonstration, being composed mainly of collagen type I and III, which is the most abundant collagen types created and found in the human body, which has a rich supply of glycine and proline. The most abundant type of collagen in chicken tissues is type II, which is best for building cartilage.

 

The fish collagen however is very well absorbed and provides mainly collagen type I, with a good amount of amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Since type I can be found throughout the body, consuming more fish collagen has been associated with benefits for both the joints and the skin in particular.

Collagen supplements

To obtain a good concentrate of this natural "amino acid anti-aging elixir" it is often more convenient to take it in the form of collagen food supplements. In fact, the new generation supplements allow a high absorption rate of hydrolyzed collagen (i.e. made into small chains of amino acids or peptides), which is greater than 90% compared to only 27% or less from what we get from food.

Bovine hydrolyzed collagen

 

Also in the case of supplements, we find it extracted from bovine and chicken tissues, but also from fish and pork. The bovine collagen , for example, provides collagen type I and III, the main components of skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, gums, teeth, eyes and its bioavailability is truly remarkable. Taking it orally with dosages from 2.5 g to 5 g has demonstrated the role of integrating collagen in peptide form on:

  • strengthening of the skin structure,
  • improvement of elasticity and hydration of the epidermis,
  • reduction of the depth and the evidence of expression lines.

Increased collagen concentration can:

  • help skin look firmer,
  • increase its smoothness,
  • help skin cells continue to renew and repair themselves normally.

It has also been shown by several studies that its integration can assist in the maintenance of cartilage and osteoarthritis symptoms, with a reduction in pain and inflammation.

BODYBALANCE® collagen

 

The patented formula BODYBALANCE® , a highly specific peptide hydrolyzate on the contrast of sarcopenia that has the potential to stimulate the efficiency and strengthening of muscle tissue, expanding the functional concept of collagen also to the muscles.

 

Some research has shown that collagen peptides lead to a stimulation of mTOR, favoring the activation of the synthesis of new Protein . Furthermore, it seems that this type of collagen has an interesting influence at the metabolic level, supporting the reduction of adipose tissue. When taken in conjunction with a regular exercise program, it could improve body composition , favoring the increase in muscle tissue over fat mass.

Not just skin: the other benefits of collagen

A huge benefit to today's society is collagen's ability to support gut functions .

Intestinal permeability

 

The leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which the tight junctions in the intestinal mucosa become too large and abnormally permeable. Undigested food particles and toxins can pass through these holes directly into the bloodstream. This causes an overreaction of the immune system and, in the long run, a state of chronic inflammation . Per those suffering from leaky gut syndrome, collagen is among the elements to choose to help break down Protein, and help soothe the damaged intestinal lining.

Irritable bowel syndrome

 

Collagen helps form connective tissue and thus also "seals" the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract. It can also be useful for gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) thanks to its soothing activity on the intestine and its ability to intervene on the absorption of water.

Cellulite

 

By strengthening the dermis layer of our skin, collagen plays an important role in countering the evidence of cellulite and stretch marks because it improves skin firmness.

Conclusions

The hydrolyzed collagen supplements may be an alternative to foods containing collagen. Ideal for dissolving in hot or cold water, these supplements make collagen absorb more easily than normal "whole" Protein found in food.

 

Make sure you choose a certified quality supplement and add it to smoothies, soups or even baked goods to get all the health benefits of collagen without altering the flavor of your favorite dishes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

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