Before you go running out and jumping on the collagen bandwagon, it’s first important to learn about collagen so you understand what it is, how it can benefit you, and how to get the right one for your health needs. Did you know there are more than 16 types of collagen? Getting the right one can ensure that whether you need some joint support or you’re hoping to gain back some youthful vigor in your face, you will get the right product.
Collagen is the Most Abundant Protein in the Body
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It’s found in the skin, bones, joints, and tendons and is a major component of cartilage. It plays an important role in wound healing because it promotes the synthesis of new tissue and is essential for bone growth.
The Best Collagen Source
The best place to get collagen is from meat that still has connective tissue and skin. So, think bone-in chicken, a rack of lamb, beef ribs, or a humanely hunted piece of meat from one of your hunting buddies. Saving the bone and connective tissue is important and you can find a local butcher to sell you these parts right here in Charlotte. If you can’t eat meat, fish is another great source of collagen. And then, of course, there are plenty of quality collagen supplements and even a collagen serum that you can use specifically for your face to trap moisture and keep your skin looking and feeling great.
Your Body Has 3 Main Types of Collagen
There are more than 16 types of collagens in total. However, the three main types of collagen in the body are type 1 which is found in tendons and cartilage, type 2 which is found in ligaments and the cornea, and type 3 which is found in the skin. Each one is necessary and important in the body.
Our Bodies Naturally Produce Collagen
Our bodies naturally produce collagen. The body takes different amino acids and pieces them together to make new collagen. As you age, this process gets less efficient, and collagen production slows. Eating collagen-rich foods and supplements ensures that your body gets all the amino acids and nutrients necessary for your body to make and move collagen into all the right spaces.
Young Skin Has More Collagen Than Old Skin
In your skin, collagen is responsible for giving the skin its elasticity and strength. When you are young, your bodies produce plenty of collagen, but as you get older this begins to slow down. This results in a loss of elasticity and wrinkles on the face.
Sun Damage and Free Radicals Damage Collagen Fibers
Additionally, the sun damages the body in many ways, including decreasing collagen production. Free radicals can also cause damage to your body’s cells which results in decreased collagen production as well as contributes to aging by causing inflammation throughout your body. This leads to softer cartilage in joints including the back and knees. All of this inflammation and decrease in collagen can cause significant health problems like arthritis and degenerative disc diseases. The best way to protect your body from this kind of damage is by wearing sunscreen every day you are outside, including in the winter.
Collagen is an Important Protein That Keeps Your Skin Youthful
Collagen is what keeps your skin supple and youthful looking. It gives you a youthful glow when you’re young because it keeps the dermis layer thick. As you age, your skin starts to thin and appears less supple as well as causing wrinkles to form much more quickly than they did when you were younger. This is why many people look for skincare products and serums with collagen to help their skin look ageless.
Joints Depend on Collagen
One of the most important roles of collagen is in maintaining healthy joints. Collagen gives your joints the strength and flexibility you need for movement, allowing you to bend and stretch without damaging your bones or muscles. If you want to be able to join the runner’s clubs here in Charlotte for instance, or head over to the walking bridge in nearby Tennessee, you need to have healthy joints.
Collagen is also essential for maintaining healthy bones. It keeps them strong enough to withstand repeated stresses from everyday use without breaking down. Some studies have shown that collagen may even help prevent osteoporosis.