Collagen has been making waves not only in the health and wellness category but all over the internet. You know you’ve heard about it, but what do you actually know about it?
Here are 5 need to know facts about collagen!
What is collagen?
Collagen is a hard, insoluble and fibrous protein. There are actually 28 different proteins that make up the Collagen family and five different types of Collagen. The human body is largely made up of Type I Collagen which accounts for bone, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue and about 80% of skin, with type III Collagen accounting for the remainder of skin collagen.
What does collagen do?
Collagen gives cells strength and elasticity by creating support structures that anchor cells together. In the middle layer of skin, known as the dermis, collagen forms fibroblasts which are a fibrous network of cells that allow new cells to grow. In Layman's terms, collagen helps tissues withstand stretching.
Is there a difference between collagen and gelatin?
Collagen naturally occurs in humans and animals; Gelatin is derived from boiling the bones, skin, and tendons of animals to extract collagen. Collagen Peptides have been hydrolysed to a low molecular weight allowing them to dissolve in hot or cold water and are much easier to digest.
Where does synthetic collagen/collagen for supplements come from?
The four main sources of collagen that are used to make supplements are cow (bovine) chicken, pig (porcine) and fish (marine). Animals that eat a natural diet and are allowed to graze or swim freely are typically healthier than animals that are confined in a factory which produces stronger, cleaner, more effective collagen.
The Benefits of collagen?
Collagen does a little bit of everything; It is naturally produced by the body and has several different functions. Collagen helps to promote healthy, strong, flexible joints and supports strong bones. Collagen promotes skin hydration and skin elasticity; which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles promoting a youthful, healthy appearance from within. Collagen Peptides have even been found to have an impact on weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.