Do you want to strengthen your nails and hair? Are you trying to reduce your joint pain? Do you like to restore your elastic, wrinkle-free skin? Everything depends on the collagen production in your body. From registered dieticians to skincare experts, different professionals recommend protecting and preserving collagen.
Collagen is the naturally occurring protein in our body. Type I collagen maintains the overall structure of your skin. On the contrary, Type III adds flexibility to your skin. Collagen type II is found in bones and cartilage. It helps the body produce pain- and swelling-fighting chemicals.
Why Does The Collagen Level Decline?
Your age causes the natural degradation of collagen. So, you may find sagging skin and wrinkles after 30. Fibroblast generates collagen, but as its activities decline with age, it leads to reduced collagen production.
Excessive exposure to UV rays may also cause a faster breakdown of collagen. Moreover, air pollutants degrade this protein level in your body.
Another reason behind the reduced collagen level is long-term stress, which causes the release of cortisol hormones.
Various Types Of Collagen: Based On Sources
Depending on the source, collagen can be categorised in different ways:
Marine collagen – This is a Type 1 collagen present in skin and fish scales. It promotes the natural healing process in your body. If you want to boost your skin health, you can take marine collagen. Your skin will become firmer and gain more elasticity.
Plant collagen – From a technical perspective, plants have no collagen. However, vegan consumers prefer collagen rich in sulphur, copper, and other nutrients. These nutrients promote collagen production in your body.
Bovine collagen – This combines Type I and Type III collagen derived from the hides of cows and other herbivores. Hydrolysed bovine collagen promotes faster recovery from injury and improves ligament strength. Cattle feeding on grass throughout the year can be the best source of collagen.
Tips For Improving Your Collagen Level
There are some ways to encourage more collagen:
Have A Proper Diet
Choosing foods carefully is important for building more collagen. Fish and animal proteins containing amino acids promote collagen production. So, you must have protein-rich foods as part of your everyday diet.
Vitamin C also allows you to form and stabilise new collagen. For instance, kiwi and guava, rich in vitamin C, boost your collagen level. You can also consume cashew nuts and oysters, as they contain minerals to strengthen your collagen reserves.
Take supplements
Some skincare supplements help with collagen production to increase your skin elasticity and reduce fine lines. They also moisturise skin. Hydrolyzed collagen includes low-molecular-weight peptides. The body absorbs and digests it readily. When you take collagen powder orally, your bloodstream absorbs it. Most collagen supplements are available as powders and pills and contain amino acids.
You can now try to increase your collagen level to benefit your skin, bones, and other parts. Choose the right foods that promote natural collagen production in your body.
