Most of us are aware of some of the basic nutrients in our bodies – calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C…But, we are not always as aware of some of the more complex elements, like collagen. Collagen, however, is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is essential for a number of different functions. If you want to improve the overall function in your body and enhance your health, then you should consider increasing your intake of collagen each day.
The Important Protein That Your Body Is Probably Missing
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein that comprises one-third of the protein in your body. It is a long-chain amino acid that is composed of the individual amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. There are at least 16 different types of collagen in the body, and all of them are strong and flexible. This component of the human body is most commonly found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of the body. It is part of what helps make up the structural support and strength of the body’s muscles and bones. It also creates the elasticity in your skin and contributes to the development of new cell growth to replace old, dead cells. Some forms of collagen also serve to protect the organs throughout the body.
What Are the Major Benefits of Collagen?
Obviously collagen is an important component throughout the entire body; however, it also has significant contributions in four major areas. Collagen has primary benefits to the skin, joints, stomach, and appetite.
1. Skin
While collagen is beneficial throughout the body, its benefits are most noticeable to the skin. As we age, our skin tends to thin and lose its elasticity via a process known as elastosis. As this thinning and loosening occurs, we show more signs of aging, including wrinkled and sagging skin. Collagen can help reverse these signs of aging and increase the skin’s elasticity and moisture.
2. Joints
Although not as outwardly noticeable, joint health is also impacted by daily consumption of collagen. In the same way that this nutrient compound improves the skin, it also supports joint health. Consuming a collagen supplement daily supports the body’s natural production of collagen, which is crucial for the joints for lubricating and cushioning them. Likewise, it improves joint mobility and may even reduce inflammation that is contributing to joint pain and discomfort. Its role in new cell growth also supports the development of important cells in the joint tissue that support movement and comfort.
3. Stomach
In the same way that collagen helps line the joints, it also helps lubricate the stomach and digestive system. This is important because it serves to make digestion easier and more complete. It also helps protect the gut and digestive tract from damaging conditions, such as ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and more.
4. Appetite
Collagen is also an important component used to control the appetite. Regular consumption of collagen has benefits of reducing cravings for sugar and carbohydrates, decreasing hormonal belly fat, and even suppressing the urge to eat. The nutrient is an important component of a healthy diet that can also be used as a beneficial addition to a weight management program.
In addition to these benefits, collagen also functions to promote more restful sleep, improve vision, increase immune response, strengthen the immune system, help regulate stress, and more.
While the body naturally produces collagen, this nutrient also gradually declines in our bodies with age. In addition to age, several lifestyle factors, including stress, poor diet, gut imbalances, and more, contribute to the decline in our bodies’ ability to produce collagen. Consuming the nutrient daily supports your body’s overall health and compensates for that natural decline in production.