What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein. In fact, it’s the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for 25-35% of all proteins. It is a building block of bones, muscles, skin, ligaments, and tendons. It is also found in blood vessels, corneas, and teeth.
As the body ages, it produces less and poorer quality collagen. That is why it is important to include collagen in your diet. This can include collagen supplements. Hydrolyzed collagen is especially effective in helping your skin, bones, and muscles stay healthy and young.
What is Hydrolyzed Collagen? And Why Should You Use It?
While you can find natural collagen in foods (such as bone broth), it often harder for your body to digest. Hydrolyzed collagen helps with that process. “Hydrolyzed” simply means that the collagen has been broken down. Enzymes are used to break down hydrogen bonds, converting the collagen to smaller molecules. With a lighter molecular weight, the collagen is easily absorbed. [1] [2] [3]
There are several benefits to this easily-absorbed collagen, including young skin and strong bones. They are safe to use by anyone, but are especially beneficial as you age. Not surprisingly, athletes also find them good to use as they strengthen muscles and joints.
Skin
Collagen forms 75-80% of the skin – a striking majority. So any production of collagen in your body is going to greatly affect how your skin looks and feels. As people age, their bodies produce less (and lower quality) collagen. For the skin, that means a loss of hydration and elasticity. Wrinkles appear because of aging and environmental factors. Studies have shown the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen include increases in elasticity and hydration. Those who use hydrolyzed collagen watch wrinkles get smoothed out in a matter of weeks. No wonder it comes so highly recommended for healthy skin. [4] [5] [6]
Bones
Approximately 60% of the bone is made up of collagen. [7] It provides structure, strength, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity. Because hydrolyzed collagen is much more easily absorbed, it is recommended for bone health—especially as the body ages. It even can help slow down osteoporosis. One study showed patients with osteoporosis who took hydrolyzed collagen showed significant improvement in bone strength. [1] Why not fortify your bones starting today?
Muscles and Joints
Like bones, muscles and joints also rely on collagen. Supplementing the diet with collagen is known to reduce joint pain in those with osteoarthritis. Using hydrolyzed collagen inhibits bone-collagen breakdown. [8]
Effects are not limited to patients of bone diseases. Athletes are also finding that fortifying bones, muscles, and joints with collagen helps avoid injury and reduce pain. It also reduces the risk of joint deterioration. [9] Most sports lead to impact and impact wears down on bones, muscles, and joints. With hydrolyzed collagen, you can keep your game on.
Your Take-Away
Everyone needs collagen. It is a building-block and repairman to our bones, muscles, joints, and skin. It is important to keep collagen in your diet. Hydrolyzed collagen is easily absorbed by the body, giving you better and faster results. So, whether you want to keep your skin looking young or prepare for your game, hydrolyzed collagen can help fortify you.
References
- [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25976422
- [2] https://benthamopen.com/ABSTRACT/TONUTRAJ-8-29
- [3] https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=jas.2014.1319.1323
- [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23949208
- [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923951/
- [6] https://benthamopen.com/ABSTRACT/TONUTRAJ-8-29
- [7] https://depts.washington.edu/bonebio/ASBMRed/matrix.html
- [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11071580
- [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18416885
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