5- Collagen benefits
Collagen
Collagen is one of the most abundant types of protein in the human body. It is a hard, fibrous, insoluble protein that makes up about one third of the amount of protein in the human body. Where it is found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons, the molecules stack together in most types of protein to form long and thin fibrils. These fibrils act as supportive cells that connect the cells to each other; Which gives the skin strength, elasticity, and structure, and it is worth noting that there are approximately 16 different types of collagen
The first, second and third types constitute 80-90% of the species, and the internal collagen is the natural collagen that is produced by the body, while the external collagen is the synthetic type that comes from external sources such as nutritional supplements, and it is worth noting that collagen production decreases With age, it may decrease due to the influence of some other factors such as smoking or UV rays
Collagen benefits
Collagen has many different health benefits to the human body, and we mention the following
Reducing joint pain
With age, the cartilage becomes weaker and tougher, which may cause joint pain. Eating collagen can help relieve joint pain and symptoms of inflammation; One study found that people who took a type 2 collagen supplement for 90 days had a 40% reduction in arthritis symptoms
Aging skin
With age, fine lines and wrinkles may begin to appear, and the skin may become saggy and dry as well
Helping build muscle and burn fat
Collagen is one of the main components of muscle tissue, and therefore it greatly affects the building of muscle mass, and in addition, it contains a concentrated amount of the amino acid glycine, which is used in the manufacture of creatine protein, Which may contribute to providing the muscles with the energy needed during exercise
Reducing cellulite
a condition that appears when part of the fatty layer pushes up towards the connective tissue, which leads to the appearance of a dent and a small lump in the skin, and it is worth noting that collagen helps to improve the appearance of cellulite, but more studies are still needed to confirm this
Improving digestive health
Collagen forms the connective tissue in the intestines, so it helps support and strengthen the lining of the digestive system
Wound healing
By building new skin cells at the site of the wound, which promotes healing, and collagen dressings can be used, which help treat chronic wounds that do not respond to other treatments, and wounds that secrete fluids such as urine or sweat , necrotic or septic wounds, and second-degree burns, but it should be noted that the use of collagen dressings is not recommended in cases of third-degree burns, or in patients who are allergic to bovine products
Tissue regeneration
Collagen-based membranes can be used in gum treatment to promote the growth of certain types of cells. In oral surgery, collagen barriers can prevent rapidly growing cells around the gums from moving into the wound in the tooth, thus maintaining enough space to give dental cells a chance to regenerate
Regeneration of peripheral nerves in prosthetics
Collagen tissue grafts taken from donors can be implanted to help regenerate peripheral nerves in vascular prosthetics, but sometimes it may lead to blood clots even if there is a compatibility between collagen prosthetics and the human body
Types of collagen
As mentioned previously, there are approximately 16 different types of collagen, and the most important of these types are the following
Type I: This type constitutes 90% of the collagen in the body, and it consists of dense fibers; It provides the structure for skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth
The second type: This type consists of more flexible fibers, and they are found in the elastic cartilage that connects the joints. The third type
This type is responsible for the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries. The fourth type: which contributes to the filtration process; It is present in the layers of the skin
Foods that boost collagen
There are many foods that help increase collagen production in the body, including the following
: (English: Aloe vera); As it was used to help heal and soothe wounds, it was found that this plant increases collagen production when used topically or orally, which increases cell growth, and it can be used in its pure form or through many products containing it
Food rich in vitamin C: as vitamin C
is important for the production of hyaluronic acid, an acid that helps speed up recovery time and relieve joint pain, as it may help to boost collagen production in the human body, and an example of these foods is oranges Red pepper, kale, broccoli, and strawberry
Ginseng
Eating ginseng helps boost collagen production. Studies have shown its ability to protect the skin from UV damage, contribute to the glow of the skin, and the skin can absorb it without causing any negative reactions, such as those caused by many pharmaceutical and chemical preparations
Coriander
: Coriander contains vitamin C and linoleic acid, which is a powerful anti-aging factor. Linolenic acid contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in the blood
Algae
which protects against harmful oxidation of cells, which maintains the elasticity of the skin, and algae can also be obtained in the form of food supplements taken orally
Causes of collagen deficiency
Some factors can lead to a depletion of collagen levels in the body, including the following
High sugar consumption
High-sugar diets increase the binding of sugar to protein (glycation), which produces sugary substances called (Advanced glycation end products), which may lead to the breakdown of proteins, and make collagen dry, weak, and brittle
Smoking
Tobacco contains several chemicals that destroy collagen and elastin in the skin. It also contains nicotine, which constricts blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin, limiting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin
Sunlight
: UV rays cause collagen to break down faster, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles. Genetic changes: Genetic changes can affect collagen production, and may reduce its production
Aging
: With age, the body’s production of collagen naturally decreases over time
