What is Collagen and Why is it so Important?

   What is Collagen and Why is it so Important?Picture Credit: 7945425

The 3 worst types of Procollagen is a protein that makes up 30% of all proteins in the human body. It is present in all tissues and organs, mainly in bones, skin, cartilage, ligaments, tendons or cornea of the eye. Its basic function in the body is to maintain the elasticity of the connective tissue, bind the cells and increase the strength of the connective tissue to stretch.

Collagen is formed in the body from endogenous amino acids obtained from food. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) takes part in the synthesis process. We managed to isolate 29 types of collagen, which are characterized by a different function, presence and structure. The most common form of collagen in the human body is collagen I (85-90%) found in the skin and connective tissue of the bones. After the age of 25, the processes of collagen synthesis disappear, which may worsen the condition of the skin and general health. Why is collagen such an important component of our body and what functions does it have?

The importance of collagen in the body

Collagen forms a connective tissue of bones, joints and cartilage, ligaments and tendons. He is responsible for the proper functioning of the motor organs. Collagen deficiency can cause difficult movement and weakness of joints and muscles, as well as back pain.

Collagen is responsible for the smoothness, elasticity and firmness of the skin and for the proper condition and appearance of hair and nails. Deficiency of this component leads to the formation of wrinkles, cellulite, skin damage on the heels and skin changes such as acne, eczema and discoloration. Insufficient level of collagen leads to excessive hair loss, dandruff and nail fragility.

Collagen also has the effect of reducing the development of microorganisms and toxins in the body. The correct level of it allows you to maintain immunity and reduce susceptibility to infection.

What foods can collagen be found in?

The largest amounts of collagen in food are found in products such as:

• Gelatin

Jams, Jellies & Marmalades

Picture Credit: la-fontaine

Gelatin almost 90% consists of collagen. It is a natural mixture of peptides and proteins that is obtained from the skin, cartilage and animal bones. It is used in the production of jellies, fruit and meat jellies.

• Meat

Meat

Picture Credit: RitaE

Collagen contains mainly meat types such as beef, chicken, goat meat and pork. Particularly noteworthy are pork legs, from which pork jelly is prepared “cold legs” rich in collagen. Large amounts of collagen also contain meat decoctions, mainly from bones.

• Fish

Fish

Picture Credit: YenniVance

Fish collagen is particularly valuable due to its similar chemical structure to human collagen. It therefore shows high absorbability and biological activity.

In addition to products rich in collagen, it is also important to eat with the diet products containing a high amount of vitamin C, which supports the processes of collagen synthesis in the body. Rich in vitamin C are products such as:

– citruses: oranges, lemons, grapefruit,
– kiwi, rose hips, choke berry, blackcurrants, strawberries,
– peppers, parsley, broccoli, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, cabbage

Increasing collagen deficiency can lead to many abnormalities of the body’s activity. In addition to the bad appearance of the skin, hair and nail brittleness, collagen deficiency can lead to health problems such as joint and spine pains. The correct amount of collagen in the body accelerates the healing of fractures, improves eyesight, strengthens teeth and helps maintain healthy bones and joints. Supplements market offers a wide range of products containing collagen, often with the addition of vitamin C. Among people with joint problems, the effects of taking collagen supplements can be noticed after a week of use.

Collagen is a substance that has several functions in the body. He is in charge of the proper functioning and endurance of bones, joints, tendons and ligaments and improves the appearance of the skin, hair and nails. It supports the body’s immune processes. It is synthesized in the body or can be supplied with food. With age, collagen synthesis processes are disappearing, which is why it is advisable to use a diet rich in products containing collagen or supplementation, mainly among people who have problems with the proper functioning of the joints.

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