Who would have thought that collagen could become the need-to-have supplement? According to research, collagen accounts for 30% of the human body’s protein and is a key component in muscles, skin, bones, and other body parts. People often consume this supplement to maintain their skin health, among other things. Unfortunately, most collagen supplements lack adequate scientific support, but a healthy diet gives your body the essential ingredients it needs to produce collagen on its own. It will, therefore, serve you well to include collagen-rich foods in your diet.
What Is Collagen
Collagen is a protein that ensures healthy joints and is in charge of skin stretchiness or elasticity. It is found in your muscles, bones, and blood, comprising 30 percent of the protein in your body and 75 percent of your skin. However, as you age, your present collagen degrades, and your body gets a tougher time producing more. As a result, many people opt for collagen powder or other collagen supplements like gummies, capsules, and liquids. Your body can also produce collagen naturally by combining amino acids, the constituents of proteins present in food. To do this, it requires:
- Copper: found in sesame seeds, cashews, cocoa powder, organ meats, and lentils
- Zinc: found in cheese, milk, beans, lentils, chickpeas, shellfish, pork, lamb, beef, and a variety of nuts and seeds
- Vitamin C: found in bell peppers and citrus fruits
- Glycine: found in gelatin, chicken skin, pork skin, and other foods rich in protein
- Proline: found in mushrooms, cabbage, dairy, asparagus, and egg whites
How Collagen Can Increase Nutrition Within Your Diet
Incorporating collagen into your diet can have several benefits for overall health and well-being. Here is how collagen can increase nutrition within your diet:
Bone and Joint Health
Collagen makes up a significant chunk of bone and cartilage matrix. Consuming collagen may help reduce joint pain and promote joint health by providing the building blocks required for cartilage repair and maintenance. It can also benefit bone health by encouraging the growth of bone tissue.
Amino Acid Profile
Collagen contains a ton of amino acids, particularly hydroxyproline, proline, and glycine, which are essential for various bodily roles, such as maintaining skin health, synthesis of proteins, and supporting healthy joints and connective tissues.
Gut Health
Glycine found in collagen ensures a healthy gut lining and aids in digestion by supporting the gut’s mucous membrane and promoting the production of stomach acid.
Muscle Growth and Repair
Collagen is rich in amino acids required for muscle growth and repair. Although it might not be a complete protein source like beans or meat, it can supplement your entire protein consumption and promote muscle health.
Other Health Benefits Of Collagen
A collagen diet may also have the following health benefits:
Promotes Heart Health
Without sufficient collagen, your arteries may weaken, constrict, and move blood less efficiently. This may also result in atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow.
Promotes Nail and Hair Growth
Collagen aids in maintaining healthy nails and hair, encouraging strength and shine.
Reduces Osteoarthritis Pain
Collagen supplements may act as a mild pain reliever and enhance joint function for people with knee osteoarthritis. But, before you see these results, it may take you about three to five months of a daily treatment regimen.
Collagen plays a major role in providing structure, support, and strength throughout the body. While more research is needed to ascertain the entire true benefits of this supplement, one can always help their body produce collagen naturally by consuming a well-balanced diet full of healthy foods.
