Collagen has been talked about a lot in recent days. It is the most important protein in our body and the main component of skin, tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, bones and teeth. Its deficiency can cause many problems. In this text, you will learn what collagen is and what role it plays in health and beauty.

What is collagen?

It is well known that collagen is very important for our health and well-being. This protein is responsible for the proper hydration of the skin and the renewal of its cells, as well as securing our internal organs and giving tissues stretch resistance.

Collagen is in fact is not a single protein, there are several types: the most common type I is present in skin, tendons and bones, while type II collagen is found, for example, in cartilage.

What does collagen do?

Collagen helps maintain the health of the skin, joints and connective tissue by improving firmness and reducing wrinkles. Regular consumption can also benefit hair and nail growth and overall appearance. It can further support muscle growth and bone strength.

Often we believe that ageing skin or worse well-being is something that cannot be fought. That is not quite the case. Of course, we cannot stop wrinkles or discomfort, but we can have a significant impact on them – for example, by supplementing collagen. Until around the age of 26, we produce it ourselves (an average 3 kg per year, by way of replacement – the one that breaks down is replaced by a new one). However, troubles start later, when we lose this ability.

Collagen benefits

Collagen is a vital protein in the human body, particularly in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It is essential for maintaining the strength and elasticity of connective tissues. As we age, the body naturally produces less collagen, which can lead to issues such as dry skin and wrinkles. Supplementing with collagen can help slow down the skin’s aging process and promote hydration.

The findings from the analyzed research indicate that collagen supplements have shown promising results in enhancing skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when taken orally. Furthermore, collagen has been found to decrease skin wrinkling and roughness, with no reported side effects from oral supplementation.

What is collagen good for?

Collagen acts on hair and nails, improving their structure and elasticity, making them stronger and more damage-resistant. Regularly consuming collagen can also accelerate the growth of hair and nails and improve their appearance and condition.

Furthermore, this protein plays a crucial role in supporting the integrity of cartilage in the joints. A decrease in collagen levels can increase the risk of degenerative joint disorders. By taking collagen supplements, inflammation can be reduced, and collagen synthesis can be stimulated, leading to potential pain relief for individuals with joint conditions like osteoarthritis.

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Collagen deficiency

Deficiency not only affects our appearance, but also our mood. From the outside, we notice that the skin is no longer as firm and elastic as it used to be. There may be more wrinkles or discoloration on the face, and cellulite around thighs and glutes, which is the bane of even slim women. Some may see that their hair has become dull and brittle and their nails much weaker than they were before.

A lack of collagen causes osteoarticular problems. Can’t keep up with your grandchildren? Do you feel soreness in your shoulder or wrist after a Saturday cleaning? This could be a sign of a collagen deficiency!

Collagen – tablets, powder or liquid?

When discussing collagen supplementation, the question of whether to choose collagen in tablets or liquid often comes up. Some, on the other hand, believe that eating meat jellies, or auszpiks, is superior to taking supplements. Who is right?

To begin with, the absorbability of collagen is related to its hydrolysis, that is, its breaking down into individual amino acids. These are absorbed at about 95 per cent in the intestines and are carried throughout the body. So, if you are looking for a good collagen supplement, you should go for the hydrolysed variant.

And what about pork jelly? We have some good news for their enthusiasts: according to majority of experts, they are a very healthy delicacy and we should not deny them to ourselves. However, it is difficult to make up for collagen deficiency with food alone – we would have to eat auszpik almost every day, which is not really possible. Therefore, it is worth including meat jellies in the diet, without giving up supplements.