Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the human body. There are many proteins in our bodies, about one third of which is collagen.
To keep our joints healthy, we need collagen because it makes our skin supple. The more of it we have in our bodies, the later we get wrinkles.
To put it simply, collagen is a glue for tendons, joints, organs, skin, ligaments and bones.
There are several types of collagen in our bodies. Type 1 is actively involved in building skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Type 2, for example, is the basis of the elastic tissue between cartilage and bones, while type 3 is the collagen that ensures the proper functioning of muscles and blood vessels.
Ageing can bring many things with it. One is that the body produces less collagen, which can lead to stiffness and pain in the joints. But collagen supplements can significantly reduce these symptoms.
Collagen levels do not just decline as part of the ageing process, they can also be triggered by other effects such as sunlight, sugar and smoking. UV radiation can also help to break down collagen and cause the skin to wrinkle more quickly. And cigarette smoke contains chemicals that also make skin wrinkly and flabby. Sugar also contributes to faster skin ageing.
Collagen can also be consumed in powder form, but there are also great collagen face creams and serums available today. In addition, regular consumption of certain foods can also help to stimulate collagen production, for example the amino acids glycine and proline. These amino acids are most commonly found in high-protein foods such as chicken, beef, beans, eggs, milk and dairy products. Collagen production is also boosted by vitamin C, zinc and copper.