Collagen

Benefits of collagen

The benefits of collagen are wide and varied and are beneficial to everyone regardless of gender, but are greater with age. Many people, women especially, are familiar with the word since it is often prominently displayed on beauty products.

The benefits of collagen and what it is are less widely known.  The dictionary describes collagen as a protein found mammal connective tissues and that includes humans.  In fact collagen makes up more than 25 % of the proteins in our body.  Quite often collagen is referred to as the glue that holds us together, without it we could not function.

The benefits of collagen shouldn't be regarded as something that can be used only in beauty products.  It is a marvellous natural product that can be quite literally benefit the whole body.

 The body of a new born baby is rich in collagen, but as we age from about 25 onwards our ability to reproduce collagen diminishes and then by about 35 stops altogether, and the aging process is in full swing.

The benefits of collagen mean that we are able to top up our diet with a collagen supplement, enabling us to better retard the aging process and enjoy our lifestyle. 

These are some of the benefits of collagen and the improvements you might expect if you take a collagen supplement.

Hair and Nails

The benefits of collagen can help strengthen hair and stimulate re-growth.  Nails should also become stronger while the white spots will gradually disappear.  Regular use will encourage the nail-bed to retain a healthy colour.

Skin

The benefits of collagen works with elastin to support the body's tissues.  It provides the skin with firmness and strength which we often refer to as elasticity.  As we age, our skin becomes dry and wrinkly, regular use of collagen will help to maintain softness and texture. 

The benefits of collagen help the skin to heal quickly and help in the reduction of scar tissue.  It can also help to diminish age spots and burn damage.

Be aware though that collagen in makeup creams doesn't work as the collagen can't be absorbed through the skin.

Joints

Some people find one of the benefits of collagen is in alleviating soreness and friction in their joints.

This is because collagen gives the body flexibility being a major component of our bones, tendons and even blood vessels. Collagen is very helpful in the rebuilding of cartilage material in joints.

Bones

When it comes to our bones, collagen is just as important as calcium, since it is the collagen that glues the bones together.  The benefits of collagen if used regularly will help to strengthen bones and reduce the chances of them becoming brittle. A good diet and regular supplements of collagen should help to keep bones strong well into old age.  The benefits of collagen also help to ensure suppleness, maintaining health and keeping aches and pains associated with stiffness away.

Brain

Nutrition to our brain is supplied by Glya cells and these are supported by collagen tissue.  The cranial nerves can not receive enough nutrition when collagen tissues become weak.  Experts think this  can be one of the causes of dementia.  The benefits of collagen can help to keep the mind as well as the body in good shape.

Eyes

To work properly the muscles in the eyes need to be supple.  The cornea is abundant in collagen, as we age, the collagen becomes less and the corneas begin to harden, causing problems with eyesight.  Some tests have shown an improvement in eye health after using a collagen supplement.  The benefits of collagen can't be overstated, it is a simple natural way to help us keep ourselves fit and healthy. 

What Happens?

During the first few hours of sleep we go into what is called the Alpha Sleep phase of the brains sleep cycle. During this cycle the brain's pituitary gland (a vital part of the endocrine system) releases hormones into the blood-stream and we go into the rejuvenate, repair & replace mode (the collagen being the essential part of protein synthesis).

Having the correct hormones and Collagen available, the body can synthesize all the protein it needs, not only to do the "essential to staying alive" repair & renewal work, but also less essential repair & renewal like re-building the skin, strengthening ligaments, cartilage and bone, normalizing the immune system.

In other words, the body begins to try and do all of the things that took place when we were a young and growing person.

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Collagen to Fight Ageing

Collagen is a powerful long-term anti-ageing protein. It improves the skin's elasticity and suppleness, reducing lines and wrinkles. Taken in capsule form, collagen produces a firmer, more even toned skin and helps to achieve a glowing radiant & more youthful complexion.

Without enough collagen only life maintaining repairs can take place. Less essential repairs are not done. As we become older even essential repairs have to be neglected. This is the disease we call ageing.

Without enough collagen your skin & body is old, whatever your age! No Anti-Ageing system can be effective without an adequate supply of body collagen.

Your body does not get collagen from food, it has to make it. By ingesting collagen (not digesting as food), your body lifts its own collagen production to that of a younger person.

Weight Loss & Reducing Body Fat

Collagen, taken orally, can help the body metabolise fat, it therefore has a roll to play in both weight management and the production of lean body mass in both sports and body-building.

Collagen is used in protein synthesis with the body's energy source, fat, to produce the necessary proteins that the body needs to repair muscles, ligaments, tendons etc.

Taking collagen orally, you can stimulate your body's own collagen production. Almost all the body's renewal and repair takes place during the first two hours of sleep. The overall effect of the increased fat metabolisation due to the increased renewal & repair activity is a decrease in body fat.

Anti-Inflammatory, Pain Relief, Joint Health

Collagen has been shown to reduce damage to joints and stimulate significant reductions in joint pain, tenderness and swelling.

A Harvard Medical School study on the effects of orally administered collagen for reducing inflammation and relieving pain (Dr C Searling, Fresco CA.) proved conclusively that almost 90% of those taking part had remarkable results - resulting in a changed life-style for many.

Collagen can reduce oxidative damage to joints and stimulate reductions in joint-pain, tenderness and swelling. Collagen naturally stabilizes the body's immune system and helps neutralize the production of abnormal molecular structures known to be a major cause of joint misery and stiffness, especially in rheumatoid arthritis..

Collagen naturally consists of 15% glucosamine and 15% chondroitin sulphate - two substances renowned for their beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. It functions as a chondro-protective agent and protects cartilage and synovial fluid against deterioration.

Collagen can bring real relief from pain by directly combating ageing tissue and arthritis by aiding normal repair of ligaments, tendons joints and bones while improving the connective tissue of the skin.