Have you ever wondered what collagen is and where it comes from? Surprisingly, your body already has a built-in process for creating it!
Collagen has gained immense popularity and widespread interest in recent years due to its positive impact on skin and overall body health for both men and women. Furthermore, collagen is a crucial component often found in beauty routines and products.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein naturally abundant in our bodies. It plays a vital role in building the structure of skin, bones, tendons, and other tissues. It is also instrumental in transporting nutrients, oxygen, and various substances to different tissues throughout the body.
Where Does Collagen Come From?
Supplemental collagen ingested into the body can be sourced from various origins. Plant-based collagen can be extracted from various fruits and wood. Animal-sourced collagen can be extracted from meat, hides, and bones, among other sources.
Your Body’s Natural Collagen Production
Our bodies naturally produce collagen. However, this production begins to decrease as early as the age of thirteen. External factors also influence collagen production, such as sun exposure, which causes collagen degradation, smoking, certain substances in food, and stress. All of these factors can lead to a decline in collagen synthesis.
Boosting Collagen in the Body
You can support your body’s collagen levels by consuming an appropriate diet, especially foods high in protein, such as meat, fish, and soy, and foods rich in Vitamin C, like fresh fruits. Additionally, collagen supplements, available in pill or powder form, can be consumed to further enhance collagen production.
Nevertheless, collagen synthesis naturally diminishes with age and physical condition. The body constantly undergoes processes of creating and breaking down collagen, protein, and other substances within its cellular and tissue systems. Supplementing and nourishing your body’s collagen can help maintain its completeness and strength, thereby promoting good health and beauty.
Common Animal Sources of Collagen
Collagen is primarily derived from several animals:
- Cattle (Bovine): Collagen produced from cowhide is the most popular in the beauty and health industry.
- Pigs (Porcine): Pig skin and bones contain significant amounts of collagen. Pig skin is also used to produce gelatin, which has collagen as its main component.
- Fish (Marine): Fish are an important source of collagen, especially those with scales or bones, such as salmon, tuna, and shellfish.
- Chickens (Poultry): Chicken skin is used to produce collagen, particularly in products related to skin rejuvenation.
- Shrimp Shells: Shrimp shells contain collagen that can be used to manufacture food supplements and cosmetics.
Plant Sources that Support Collagen
Collagen is a protein derived more from animals than from fruits. However, certain fruits contain nutrients that can boost the body’s collagen production process. Here are some fruits that may play a role in collagen synthesis:
- Pomelo: Pomelo is high in Vitamin C, an essential component for collagen production in the body.
- Kiwi: Kiwi contains Vitamin C and other nutrients that can support the collagen synthesis process.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, a crucial element for collagen production.
- Apples: Apples contain an important substance called “quercetin,” which has properties that aid in collagen formation.
- Grapes: Grapes contain an important compound called “Resveratrol,” which possesses properties for collagen synthesis in the body.
However, foods high in protein, such as meat, eggs, fish, and soy, are more significant sources of collagen than fruits. Nevertheless, consuming fresh fruits rich in Vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients can help build skin immunity and promote collagen production.
Benefits of Collagen
In summary, collagen is a vital substance with significant roles in skin and body health:
- Skin Health: Collagen promotes skin elasticity and smoothness, making the skin firm and resilient. It supports the healing process of skin wounds and helps reduce wrinkles and skin brittleness.
- Hair and Nail Health: Collagen is an essential part of the structure of hair and nails. It helps strengthen hair, reduces hair thinning and breakage issues, and contributes to strong, beautiful hair and nails.
- Joint and Knee Health: Collagen is a key component of the tendon and ligament tissues found in joints and knees. It helps strengthen joints, reduces bone erosion, and supports comfortable movement.
- Bone and Tendon Health: Collagen is a crucial part of the bone structure, aiding in bone strength and flexibility, and working with tendons to create the structure that connects various tissues in the body.
- Blood Vessel Health: Collagen helps maintain the strength and elasticity of blood vessels, reducing the risk of vascular and heart diseases.
Collagen also plays a role in transporting nutrients and oxygen to various tissues. Adequate collagen nourishment can help the body maintain strong health, youthful-looking skin, and overall body balance in the long term.
*If you choose to take collagen supplements, you should consider the suitability and quality of the product by checking the collagen quantity and the formula developed to achieve the best results for your skin and overall health. (You might also want to look into: What are the side effects of taking collagen supplements? or What are the many benefits of collagen for health and beauty?)