Paul: Thanks to Natures Plus UK for this snappy article on Collagen. When we think of collagen we usually think of it being used as a woman’s beauty aid, something that can produce young-looking and wrinkle free skin. That idea is only half the truth, however. As important to skin as it is, collagen plays other crucial roles in the body—making it essential for both women and men.
In order to know why this is the case, we first need to understand what collagen is. It is a protein that accounts for about 30% of the body’s total protein content. Being flexible and tough, collagen supplies the basic building blocks from which your tissues are made.
Collagen in Hair and Skin
Much of your body’s collagen is found in your skin, mostly in a lower layer called the dermis, where new cells grow. Collagen gives your skin not only elasticity but also definition and shape.
Collagen is also found in your nails (as well as your hair). It provides the amino acids needed to create keratin which is the main protein found in hair, and supports the health of hair follicles, the structures from which our hairs grow.
Collagen in Joints and Connective Tissue
Collagen is essential to help our joints move more comfortably as it is a key component of the joint cartilage which allows for free and easy movement.† Collagen is also the main protein found in the bone matrix, the scaffolding on which your bones are built.
In addition, it is found in ligaments, which connect bones together, and tendons, which connect muscles to bones. In fact, recent research suggests that vitamin C and collagen may work together to support the health efficiency of these vital connective tissues.
Collagen for the Intestines
Good health starts with good digestion, and this requires a gastrointestinal tract lining that is stable and strong. Collagen supplies three amino acids—glycine, proline and glutamine —which are needed to support a healthy digestive tract lining.
Collagen Types for Every Need
The reason why collagen fills these and many other roles is that it comes in a number of different types—28, at the last count.
Of all these types collagen, up to 90% consist of types I, II and III. Of those, I and III are the kinds most commonly found in the hair and nails as well as the skin, while type II is a major component of joint cartilage.
Maintaining collagen in a healthy way requires a healthy lifestyle, which reduces sugar consumption and eliminates smoking while emphasizing a nutritious, wholefood-based diet with plenty of antioxidants, plenty of water, adequate exercise and minimal stress.
In addition, you may want to cover your bases with collagen supplementation.
Be sure to look for hydrolysed Collagen, as the protein molecules are broken down into smaller units called peptides which allow for better absorption, that supplies not only collagen types I, II and III but other types as well, such as IV, V and X for total body health. Quality products come from sustainably managed sources and contain enzymes that break down the proteins and peptides into amino acids for maximize collagen absorption.
