Alongside kombucha and the keto diet, another popular health trend right now adding collagen to your daily routine and diet. Whether it’s for beauty products, losing weight or helping with joints, collagen is trending everywhere right now. But what are the benefits of collagen?
What is Collagen?
According to MedicalNewsToday, collagen is a fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body. These collagen molecules lock together and create strong, supportive structures which keeps our skin flexible and rm. Unfortunately, the production of collagen decreases as we get older. This means our skin doesn’t have the same elasticity it had when we were younger. But, collagen supplements may be able to help erase the fear that our young skin is going away.
How to Add Collagen to Your Diet
Adding additional collagen to your diet is easier than you may think. Collagen is naturally found in many foods such as fish, kale, sweet potatoes and garlic. This makes it easy to add to your diet and daily routine.
In addition, collagen supplements can be found in the form of drinks, pills, powders and even hiding in your skincare products to give them your skin a little boost.
A 2011 study from the Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology states that there are 28 different types of collagen that have been identified so far. But, Type I, Type II and Type III are the ones you’ll most likely find in your collagen supplements. Type I is most important to the skin, organs and bones. Type II is most important to cartilage. And Type III is most important to reticulate, which makes up the fibers in connective tissue. So, what does that mean for you and your precious skin?
What are the Benefits?
Taking Type I collagen supplements has been called the “fountain of youth,” because it helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote healthy, glowing skin. Because of this benefit of collagen, moisturizers, face masks and serums have taken over the beauty section shelves.
For those who aren’t a fan of putting on moisturizer three times a day, or want to see a change right away, there’s some good news. The most immediate and noticeable changes from adding more collagen into your diet is improved skin and nails, but there could also be some major changes happening below the surface.
One of the most heavily researched benefits of collagen is decreasing joint pain. According to a 2009 study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences, Type II collagen supplements were able to reduce arthritis pain and symptoms after just a few months of usage. Which is pretty impressive if you think about the benefits of adding a little extra garlic in your meals or simply taking a supplement.
Proper skincare is a crucial part to a long lasting and healthy life. After all, our skin is the barrier between our bodies and infection because the amount of moisture in our skin helps to block it off. With the right treatment, your skin may be able to help you fight off infection while looking young and vibrant at the same time!
*Please consult your physician if you think that collagen supplements could be beneficial to you before changing your current regimen.
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