Collagen is the name of the protein that is the building block of movement in the body. It acts as a filler between bones, cartilage, fibers and joints. The main purpose of collagen in the body is to strengthen the tissues by supporting them and to increase the flexibility on the skin.
It has been scientifically known that our body's natural collagen production decreases by an average of 1-1.5 percent each year after the 20s. In order for the skin not to lose its elasticity after the age of 20, it is necessary to take collagen supplements.
Foods Rich in Collagen
You may provide sufficient amount of collagen for the body by consuming:
- Meat and meat products,
- The fish,
- Foods high in lycopene such as apples, strawberries, cherries, beets, and red peppers,
- Foods containing vitamin C such as oranges, lemons, kiwi, grapefruit, mango and pineapple,
- Soy milk, cheese, tea, hazelnuts and peanuts with high lysine content,
- Sulfur-rich foods such as celery, green and black olives, garlic, cucumber and bananas.
What are the Functions of Collagen in Our Body?
The most common aspect of collagen is that it is a fibrous protein that supports soft tissues in the body. It is important to consume collagen-containing foods in order to facilitate human life and to prevent loss of flexibility and dynamism in the body, and to take collagen supplements when the collagen obtained from these foods is not sufficient.
Collagen is also the protein needed by the body to maintain bone health. Sufficient amount of collagen should be stored in the body to prevent possible bone thinning in later age periods.
Muscles provide the movement dynamism of the body. Having sufficient amount of collagen in the body affects muscle health and muscle development positively.
The body needs collagen to keep the skin elastic and to prevent wrinkles. Especially, in order to prevent possible wrinkles in the face and neck area, increasing collagen consumption can protect your skin health.
Cartilages can get lost in the body since they hide under the fat layers. In order for the cartilages to remain strong, the body must be kept rich in collagen.
Which Collagen Type Should You Take?
You should choose Type 1 and Type3 collagen supplements to protect skin health, and you should also use Type 1 and Type3 collagen to protect your hair and nail health. In order to protect the health of muscles, joints and cartilage, taking Type 2 collagen supplements will affect your body positively. With the right type of collagen, you can get the effect you want in a shorter time.
Things You Should Pay Attention to After Taking Collagen Supplements
Collagen has many benefits for the body, but there are certain things to consider when taking collagen. Collagen is good for the body, but it is essential that pregnant women use it under doctor's control, because the balance of flexibility of the body and firmness of the skin change during pregnancy. It is correct to take it to complement the body's collagen deficiency and you should not you take collagen supplements to keep your diet in order. If the body shows an allergic reaction and the use of collagen supplements harms you, it is important to support your body's collagen need with foods containing collagen.