Collagen is naturally produced by our body and our most abundant protein. Helping to make connective tissues strong and resilient, it is a major component of bone, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. Also supporting and sustaining the middle layer of skin, when collagen is deficient, it is most noticeable in skin. As we age, our body becomes less efficient at making collagen. Collagen production also drops due to sun exposure, smoking, excess alcohol, and lack of sleep and exercise. Several foods that contain collagen and collagen supplements will have health benefits.
Improve Skin Health
A lack of collagen will lead to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen may help slow this process and reduce the signs of aging. In one study, women who took a supplement containing 2.5–5 grams of collagen for 8 weeks experienced less skin dryness and a significant increase in skin elasticity compared with those who did not take the supplement.1
Relieve Joint Pain
As collagen decreases, there is a risk of developing degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis. As published in the Journal of Arthritis, researchers evaluated clinical evidence and studies indicated collagen is helpful in treating osteoarthritis joint pain. Other studies considered the effectiveness of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) in treating joint pain in both athletes and non-athletes. After taking BCP daily for knee pain, athletes reported a 37.5 percent decrease in pain, and non-athletes experienced similar results of a 38 percent improvement.
Prevent Bone Loss
With bones made mostly of collagen, as you get older, bones deteriorate with the loss of collagen. Â Research suggests that collagen may not only increase bone density but, prevent bone loss in the first place. Research shows that collagen supplements may help to inhibit bone breakdown, which can lead to osteoporosis. With one in two women and one in four men over age 50 getting an osteoporosis-related fracture, collagen supplements are beneficial.
Collagen Supplementation
Despite its abundance in our bodies, collagen has become a top-selling supplement purported to improve hair, skin, and nails—key components of the fountain of youth. Oral collagen supplements in the form of pills, powders, and certain foods are believed to be more effectively absorbed by the body. Collagen peptides are derived from collagen. They are generally more bioavailable and better absorbed into the bloodstream more because they are a more broken down form of collagen. Life Bontanica’s Best Collagen Peptides hydrolyzed multi-collagen is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine. It contains two different types of hydrolyzed collagen for maximum benefit, type I and type III.
