The body makes its own collagen, through a process referred to as collagen synthesis. For this to occur, the body needs a variety of amino acids, such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. There are many types of collagen. Type I is found in skin, bones and teeth. Type II is found in cartilage and Type III is found in the skin, muscle and blood vessels.
Collagen helps support the maintenance of skin, hair, muscles, tendons, nails, bones and ligaments.
Eating a balanced diet and having enough protein is essential for the body to break down the protein into amino acids to create collagen, but as we age, our body produces less collagen, which means it’s a good idea to take additional sources of collagen
There are a number of different sources of collagen. I have been taking Great Lakes Collagen regularly in my smoothie in the morning over the last 3/4 weeks. It is tasteless and can easily be taken in any drink, even your tea or coffee and you wouldn’t notice. Even in such a short time I have noticed my nails are so much stronger, hair is thicker and my skin feels good. I am going to make sure I carry on taking collagen regularly now, as I feel it is important for my joints and bone health especially part of a healthy ageing habit.
Marine collagen is a type of collagen protein that is sourced from fish and other sea life such as jellyfish. Marine collagen is known to have a high collagen content. It is also absorbed well by the body and is considered eco-friendlier and more sustainable than other collagen sources. Bovine collagen comes from cows. It can help with joints and support the growth of hair and nails.
While gelatin is not technically classed as collagen, it is a collagen derivative, extracted from animal bones.
Whilst collagen is typically sourced from animals, it can also be sourced from plants. Vegan collagen is plant-based and can be formed into a powder. Vitamin C regulates the collagen synthesis process in the body. This can help to support the appearance of youthful looking skin.
Vegans can also get their collagen intake from supplements and protein powders. Collagen supplements contain collagen protein which has been broken down into shorter chains of amino acids, known as collagen peptides.
These peptides are thought to stimulate the natural collagen production in the body, leading to visible and tangible results over time. Some of the best supplements are those with a high concentration of collagen peptides.
Some collagen-rich vegan sources include nuts, seeds, soya foods such as tofu and beans.
What are the benefits of collagen?
Collagen has attracted plenty of attention in recent years because of its perceived anti-ageing benefits. Collagen fibres attached to cells gives skin the firmness seen in youthful skin. The older you get, the less collagen is produced in the body, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Other environmental factors such as pollution as well as smoking and drinking can also lead to skin ageing.
There are plenty of other benefits to collagen as well. For instance, hydrolysed collagen, which is collagen that has been broken down into more easily dissolvable amino acids, can help to reduce joint discomfort.
The amino acids in collagen can help to build keratin in your hair. As hair is made up of keratin, it is important for your body to have enough protein to maintain normal hair growth. Collagen can also aid nail growth and help to reduce brittleness.
*Great Lakes Collagen was a Press Sample given to me for a review. I have not been paid to write this post, my opinions are my own.