Guess what's the world's next super food? It's Collagen. Collagen is naturally present in our body. It is the reason that our skin has elasticity and suppleness. The bone joints work smoothly because of collagen's presence in the cartilages. As we age, collagen synthesis in our body slows down and causes signs of aging like wrinkles in our skin, painful joints etc. Collagen is an important source of many essential amino acids. Like how protein acts as building blocks of our body collagen acts as the connecting glue between those blocks. Collagen gives structure to the body and internal organs.
There are 3 types of collagen playing vital roles in our bodies.
Type 1 Collagen
The type 1 collagen is abundantly present in the skin which gives its elasticity. The reduction in this collagen causes the skin to lose elasticity. Not only that as the collagen level decreases the connection between the tissues lose resilience and cause wrinkles. In such cases collagen supplements help regain elasticity and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Type 2 Collagen
Bone cartilages are mainly made of type2 collagen. It is very flexible and present in the connective tissues between the bones. Collagen works with glucosamine to keep your bone health in check.
Type 3 Collagen
Type 3 collagen presents in most of the body organs including heart. The tissues of all the organs and blood vessels are made with collagen.
How can we get collagen from our diet?
Collagen is made up of amino acids. We get these essential amino acids from various food sources to improve collagen levels in our body.
Egg white
Fish
Bone broth
Spirulina
Gelatin
Other foods which promotes collogen production