Collagen is a protein, but it’s an incomplete protein because tryptophan, one of the nine essential amino acids, is missing.
Collagen, on the other hand, works in our bodies in a variety of ways. Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body. It serves as a component in the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, hair, and nails. Collagen gets its name from the Greek word “glue,” which describes what it performs. Collagen is a protein that creates connective tissue and acts as a glue to hold things together.
Remember how your mother used to create Jell-O moulds for the holidays? (Or, at least, that’s how I remember my childhood’s jiggly gelatin creations.) That was collagen at action, assisting in the transformation of the fruit-flavored liquid into a spoonable dessert. You might not have understood that the gelatin in the package was created from boiled bones at the time.
The advertising of gelatin capsules for strong nails was the first intimation of what has become the present collagen obsession. You can still get those, but now it’s all about collagen peptides and hydrolysates, which are mostly sold as powdered collagen peptides and collagen hydrolysates, and the promises go far beyond nails.
On Amazon, a search for collagen yields almost 7,000 results. Collagen supplements may now be found on the shelves of beauty supply stores like Ulta and Sephora, as well as online and in grocery aisles. They’re marketed as beauty supplements, and they claim to increase skin elasticity and firmness while also nourishing hair, skin, and nails.
Gwyneth Paltrow is offering collagen superpowders to stir into drinks for glowing skin, while Bobbi Brown has expanded her famous makeup line to include beauty supplements with collagen.
Why Is Collagen Beneficial to Your Health?
Collagen has numerous health benefits in addition to improving one’s appearance. Collagen performs the following functions:
Hair, skin, teeth, and nails are improved and strengthened.
Lower collagen can cause wrinkles, looser skin, stretch marks, and cellulite. It will make your skin firmer and smoother if you eat more of it.
Aids in the repair of a leaky gut.
A leaky gut, in which toxins travel past your digestive tract and into the rest of your body, can cause havoc with your entire system. Collagen can aid in the sealing of your intestines and the healing of leaky gut. Collagen may aid digestion if you have any type of inflammatory bowel illness.
It serves as an anti-inflammatory and reduces or avoids joint pain.
Collagen is similar to the oil in a car engine in that it aids in the smooth movement of ligaments, tendons, and joints. Collagen deficiency can result in swollen, stiff, and painful joints. According to the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, collagen has been demonstrated to help reduce osteoarthritis pain.
Increases muscular mass and metabolism.
Collagen contains the amino acid glycine, which aids in the conversion of glucose into energy and the growth of lean muscle. Because muscle burns more calories than fat, having more lean muscle indicates a faster metabolism. This process is aided by combining vitamin C and collagen.
Supports your liver and detoxification processes.
Glycine protects your liver from toxins and can aid in the repair of any damage.
Protects your heart and circulatory system.
Another component of collagen, proline, may aid in the healing of arteries and the removal of fat deposits. It has also been demonstrated to lower blood pressure.
What are the adverse effects of collagen supplementation?
Collagen has a few negative side effects. Collagen, for starters, can cause stomach problems in certain people.
Second, if you have a high quantity of calcium oxalate crystals in your urine or are prone to kidney stones, you should avoid taking collagen.
Finally, if you have histamine intolerance, you should avoid collagen or gelatin consumption. When consuming collagen, some people get histamine responses.
When is the ideal time to take collagen supplements?
The optimum time to take collagen is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or with your meals if you have digestive or intestinal troubles.
The best time to take collagen for joint, tendon, or ligament pain is about an hour before you exercise for best results (be sure to include 50 mg of vitamin c). Because your workout activity serves to shuttle collagen peptides into your tendons and joints, the timing is critical.
The optimum time to take collagen is right before bedtime for a pleasant night’s sleep.
Collagen is best taken before meals to assist manage blood sugar levels. For optimal health advantages, take 15 g of collagen. This will provide you the 3-5 g of glycine you need to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Is collagen causing you to gain weight?
Collagen is unlikely to cause you to gain weight. It has been demonstrated to improve satiety by being high in protein and low in calories. It makes you feel satisfied.
Should I take collagen on a daily basis?
No. Start by increasing the amount of collagen-rich items in your diet, such as bone broth. Food is a form of medicine. After that, you might try taking collagen supplements.
How long does it take to see benefits after taking collagen?
Collagen normally takes 8 weeks to enhance symptoms for ascetic benefits like skin health, according to studies.
Collagen has been shown in trials to promote healthy outcomes in 3 months for joint and ligament pain or osteoarthritis.
Is it better to take collagen at night or throughout the day?
Try taking collagen before bed if you’re having difficulties sleeping. Glycine, an amino acid that makes up roughly a third of collagen, aids relaxation, reduces body temperature, and aids sleep preparation.
Glycine is a neurotransmitter that inhibits other neurotransmitters (similar to GABA). This is why collagen is said to have sleep-inducing properties.