Collagen is the natural protein that constitutes most of the body’s structural support, being the skin, tendons, bone and cartilage and is also the primary substance of connective tissue. It is this fibrous tissue that holds the body together.
The body’s production of collagen naturally slows with aging. Over time this decrease in collagen results in the gradual breakdown of the connective tissues and muscle tissues. Oral supplementation with collagen stimulates the body’s own production of collagen thus increasing collagen levels and significantly reducing the many signs and effects of ageing.
Collagen helps alleviate arthritis
In South Africa, it is estimated that there could be six million people suffering with arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is a condition of wear and tear which usually tends to occur as individuals age and also in those whose joints that have become worn down by excessive exercise over the years. As collagen levels naturally decrease in body, this results in insufficient material available to repair the daily damage which, over time, results in osteoarthritis. Collagen plays a vital role in the repair process, allowing daily repair of joints and cartilage thereby delaying or improving the condition.
Skin benefits
Collagen constitutes 75% of human skin and is one of the major factors contributing to the plump, smooth appearance found in young healthy skin. The decreased production of collagen results in the skin retaining less water, getting thinner and beginning to wrinkle.
With regular collagen supplementation, independent research showed significant improvements in wrinkle reduction, skin moisture levels and plumpness as well as skin health and PH balance. Improvements in T zone sebum levels and a reduction in pore size were also evident.
Natural vs. Nonsense
The best way to naturally increase the amount of collagen in ones skin is by simply eating certain types of food. Dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, foods containing vitamin C for instance strawberries or oranges, as well as foods rich in omega acids like salmon and tuna are all great natural sources of collagen production. The most widely-sold farce to avoid is the one punted by various anti-aging skin creams and treatments, which claim to contain collagen that will boost the skin’s elasticity. However the truth is that the molecules in these creams are too dense to seep through the epidermis of the skin; it would be as if one were to try and squash an apricot through a sieve.
For more information on natural sources of collagen, visit: http://www.healthcentral.com/skin-care/c/742375/55533/increase-eating/
