The active use of collagen in anti-aging cosmetic therapy has led to the fact that its mere mention is automatically associated with various injection drugs, serums and other means, due to which the skin becomes more elastic.
This is the most famous, but not the only action of a substance. The effect of collagen is not just to reduce and smooth wrinkles, but to generally slow down the aging process. He takes a certain part in losing weight, increasing the stamina of the body, plays an important role regarding the sleep process, that is, a person gets enough sleep or not.
Content
- 1 Importance of collagen for the human body
- 2 We damage collagen
- 2.1 Collagen damage due to bad habits
- 2.2 Decreased collagen levels as a result of autoimmune disorders
- 3 Useful properties of collagen
- 3.1 Healthy skin
- 3.2 weight loss
- 3.3 Digestive processes
- 3.4 Healthy bones and joints
- 3.5 Improving sports performance
- 3.6 Hormone balance
- 3.7 Sleep quality
- 3.8 Where Collagen Is Contained "> The Importance of Collagen for the Human Body
Collagen is one of the most common and unique in its properties proteins. It is a kind of “adhesive composition” that holds the whole body together, holding together muscle groups and tissues, organs. Being an integral part of tendons, ligaments, joints and bones, it provides mobility, but does not allow these moving parts to “fall apart”.
Together with elastin, which is also found in connective tissue, collagen makes tissues elastic. This determines the most important function of the substance, due to which this protein is part of numerous procedures to maintain youth, firmness, elasticity, and beauty of the skin.
Collagen production decreases with age. The older a person becomes, the lesser amount of this protein is synthesized in the body. Other factors contribute to this, including the three reasons listed below.
We damage collagen
Age-related changes, of course, lead to a natural decrease in the synthesis of this androgenic protein, but the way a person leads a life contributes to this process.
Irrational nutrition, the presence of bad habits, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (solar) radiation lead to the fact that collagen production begins to decline at a high speed. This also applies to elastin. Collagen levels are depleted by eating foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
If you eat right, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, try not to be exposed to sunlight during peak hours, this will help to significantly reduce the rate of decline in the synthesis of both collagen and elastin, which will lead to the preservation of youthful skin and a thin waist.
Collagen damage due to bad habits
Along with poor nutrition, poor environmental conditions, and ultraviolet radiation, collagen levels also drop due to smoking, as well as under the influence of chemical toxic substances.
The combination of bad habits and malnutrition with the negative effects of the environment and the natural aging process leads to internal and external self-destruction. This can only be avoided if these factors are limited, that is, normalization of one's own diet, and rejection of bad habits.
Decreased collagen levels due to autoimmune disorders
There are a number of diseases, among which autoimmune. They lead to the production of antibodies that damage collagen. The solution to this problem is the use of collagen supplements. It is not recommended to take such drugs on your own. First you need to consult with a specialist who will determine the feasibility of taking such a remedy, and only then start the therapy.
Most of the factors leading to collagen destruction can be controlled by humans. Of course, this will not allow to completely stop the process of its natural loss with age, but will not allow it to drop below the level that is considered natural at a particular age.
The beneficial properties of collagen
The importance of a protein such as collagen for the human body is difficult to overestimate. Its valuable properties and usefulness are noted by everyone who begins to avoid factors that affect collagen reduction, as well as monitor their own nutrition or use supplements containing this substance.
Healthy skin
A study was conducted, the focus group of which was women of the age group from 35 to 55 years. During the experiment, dummies (placebo) and additives were randomly distributed between them, some of which contained 2.5, and others - 5 g of collagen. The next two months of the study, tests were carried out on the saturation of the skin with moisture, the degree of roughness and elasticity of the dermis.
The results of the experiment showed the following:
- in women who received collagen rather than placebo, the skin became more elastic;
- indicators of improvement in the condition of the skin were manifested to a greater extent in representatives of the age group;
- general healing of the skin due to hydration - restoration of water balance.
There is another study, the age bracket of which was slightly reduced (33-45 years). During the experiment, women used serum containing antioxidants and collagen peptides that increase the level of protein in the body. A few hours after the use of the drug, statistical changes were noted in the direction of improvement in getting rid of wrinkles. The result was progressive. Improvements lasted from one to three months.
Most women note the fact that after applying cosmetics and products with collagen content, stretch marks, wrinkles, and cellulite begin to change - to smooth out. This is only the first stage of exposure. If you continue to use the funds, the improvements will be more pronounced.
Slimming
Collagen cannot be taken as a miraculous means in getting rid of fats. Protein helps to lose a few kilograms, which is due to an increase in metabolic rate as a result of its intake. The collagen hydrolyzate, taken daily in one tablespoon, allows you to get rid of an average of three months to 4.5 kilograms. Glycine, which is part of the protein, promotes the movement of sugar not in the fat depot, but in the tissue, providing an energy charge.
Digestive processes
The effect of collagen on digestion has not been fully studied, but fans of this protein believe that it alleviates many disorders. Especially positive effects are noted by people with increased intestinal permeability.
This syndrome is characterized by the fact that toxins penetrate the blood through small openings formed in the walls of the intestine. Collagen, filling these holes, prevents this process, and in addition it:
- relieves irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa;
- breaks down proteins to easier to digest and use;
- “Creates” new and restores old (damaged) cells of the intestinal wall;
- Helps maintain digestive tract motility.
This is reflected in the improvement of digestion processes, stabilizes the intestines.
Healthy bones and joints
Own (anthropogenic) collagen contains both bones and joints. It is necessary for the human skeleton. And, as shown by a study conducted on athletes, during which one was given a placebo and the other a collagen hydrolyzate, this protein causes an improvement in the state of bones and joints both at rest and while sitting, as well as when walking, as well as carrying and lifting various objects.
The studies were conducted not only with athletes, but also with people suffering from arthralgia and problems with the knee joints. The results showed a pronounced effect of collagen in comparison with placebo. It was found that collagen not only maintains health, but also reduces the risk of worsening the condition of even diseased joints.
Improving sports performance
Some sports supplements contain collagen, which is due to the ability of this protein to increase the results achieved by athletes and build muscle. One study showed a reduced risk of injury to ligaments and tendons in those athletes who take collagen peptides in a dosage of 30 to 70 grams daily.
Collagen intake not only keeps joints and tendons in good condition, but also reduces the risk of injuries of varying severity. The latter is especially important for athletes.
Hormonal balance
Collagen, being a protein, plays an important role in restoring hormonal levels. Of course, this aspect of the substance has not yet been fully studied, requires more thorough research, but it represents a rather promising direction of the relationship between collagen and stabilization of hormones in the body.
Sleep quality
Energizing glycine helps improve sleep. This was proved in a randomized trial in which some people received collagen and others received placebo half an hour before bedtime. Further, the usual duration of time spent in a dream was reduced from seven 7.3 to 5.5 hours in the next three nights.
And although the results of the experiment cannot be called one hundred percent convincing, it was found that in many cases people feel less tired and overwhelmed after shortening sleep time when taking collagen than placebo. The introduction of collagen in the usual diet improves sleep, eliminates daytime sleepiness, helps some and improve the quality of memory.
Neither glycine nor collagen are sleeping pills, but the sleep process itself is positively affected.
Where does collagen ">
This protein is present in ordinary foods that you can enter into your diet without any problems. A plate or glass of bone broth can cause a real splash of collagen. The substance is present in both pork and chicken skin. Not all people consume broth daily, and some do not eat chicken, and even more so pork skin, so dietary supplements should be preferred.
Collagen powder peptides sold in stores and on the Internet can be added to hot and cold drinks. Accessible and easily digestible are gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen. Daily use of any of these selected forms of fibrillar protein (collagen) will not do any harm, since it does not have side effects, but, on the contrary, will significantly improve both the external condition of the skin and the entire body.
Based on materials: nutritionsecrets.com
