You've probably known that collagen is the most abundant protein present in the human body. Collagen protein is the main element of connective tissues in several body parts like tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles.
It is a substance that holds your body together and has many vital functions like providing structure to your skin, strengthening your bones, etc.
Collagens are of 28 types and are used for medical and cosmetic purposes. This article will help you understand all that you need to know about collagen proteins and their uses in your body.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein substance that makes up one-third of the protein in the human body. Inside most collagens, the molecules are tightly packed together to form thin fibrils.
These collagen proteins are essential for your skin and give it the required strength and elasticity. Among the 28 types of collagens, here are the 4 most common collagens found in the human body:
- Type 1: found in all connective tissues and is the most common
- Type 2: found in joints and intervertebral discs
- Type 3: found in reticular fibres present in your skin and blood vessels
- Type 4: found in kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens
What are Collagen Peptides?
In cases where your body loses collagen and needs to replace or rebuild the lost proteins, collagen peptides do the needful. These are supplements that help your body replace its lost collagen.
Collagen peptides are a small and easily digestible form of collagen. These help your body cover up for the loss of collagen proteins that start in your 20s, and by the age of 40, you're most likely to lose 1% of your bodily collagen per year.
This can lead to early skin ageing like wrinkles and affect your joints, making them stiff. In women, menopause is more likely to speed up the loss of collagen.
How are Collagen Peptides Useful?
Every external supplement has loads of benefits to add to your body. Collagen peptides are one such supplement that you can consume by adding a scoop of it to your smoothie every morning.
There are many potential benefits of collagen peptides. Here are how they help your body recover from the lost collagen protein.
Ensures Skin Elasticity
As you grow older, it's natural for your skin to go through some wear and tear. Amidst this ageing process, your skin's elasticity reduces to some extent, and you don't look young anymore.
With the help of these peptides, the ageing process slows down and look a bit younger than before.
Eases Joint Stiffness and Pain
With ageing comes the arrival of joint pains and stiffness, and the loss of these essential proteins only worsens matters. This could also lead to certain common diseases like arthritis.
To maintain the collagen production in your body and protect your ligaments and tendons from the wear tear of the ageing process, you can take collagen supplements to ensure enough protein production in your body.
Stronger Bones and Muscles
Weakness in bones is a common condition of Osteoporosis that can come with ageing. Collagen is a primary contributor to the functioning of your bones, and with a decrease in this protein, your bones may weaken with time.
Taking collagen peptides is proven to help treat Osteoporosis.
Bottom Line
Supplements are excellent substances to help your body overcome any essential proteins or vitamins lacking in your body. Collagen is vital to healthy functioning, and the lack of it can lead to specific disorders and diseases.
Before consuming collagen peptides, make sure to consult your doctor, who may help you understand the side effects of this supplement.
