Is collagen the next best thing to keep skin plump and youthful? Millions of people worldwide believe this to be true! Collagen first gained its reputation in the 1980’s when it was used as expensive injections to plump lips and soften wrinkles. For hundreds of years, Chinese women have believed collagen keeps their skin youthful. Their secret was eating donkey skin! EEK! Thankfully, technology has advanced, and collagen is available in many different forms now. Multi collagen can be purchased as fruit chews, powders, and capsules.
To begin, Collagen is a protein in the body that binds tissues together. “It’s the glue that holds the body together”, says New York dermatologist Whitney Bowe. Collagen is rich in glycine and proline which are amino acids naturally found in the body. It plays an important role in the body to repair and maintain joints, bones, and tendons. As the body ages, collagen is broken down faster than it can be replaced. As a result, people are turning to alternatives of producing collagen. Several studies are leaning towards ingesting collagen for longer lasting results since injections are temporary.
Protect Your Joints:
Collagen helps support cartilage – the rubber tissue that protects your joints. Previously stated, as we age collagen is decreased which can put you at higher risks for degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis since collagen supports the structure of your cartilage. Collagen has positive outcomes in several studies for relieving joint pain as well. It is recommended to start out taking 8-12 grams daily to aid in aches and pains related to your joints.
Get Rid of The Plaque Build-Up:
Surprisingly, collagen may prevent against heart disease and lower cholesterol by removing the buildup of plaque in the arteries. A recent studied had participants take collagen supplements twice a day for 6 months which resulted in lower cholesterol and the removal of plaque in the arteries!
No More Brittle Nails:
Everyone hates brittle or broken nails. They get caught on things and can be painful, not to mention how frustrating it is when you don’t have clippers or a nail file! Another interesting study was completed with amazing results in nail health. During a 24-week period, participants were given one 2.5 gram of collagen peptide. The results were very impressive:
• 42% drop of broken nails
• 12% had increased nail growth
• 64% nail health improvement of brittle nails
The best part is participants were able to see results in less than 4 weeks!
Food, Pills, or Injection:
In the past, collagen was very expensive but today there are many new ways to obtain it. Over time, you can introduce more collagen-rich foods which include: Peanuts, tuna, eggs, salmon, avocados, kale and spinach, garlic, chai seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Another form of a collagen supplement is a powder that can be mixed with milk or added to smoothies. Do you know the easiest and most effective way to level up your collagen intake? Bone broth! That’s right, bone broth is the richest source of collagen and it is easy to make yourself. Just add it to your daily vitamins in the morning.