What Is Collagen And What Is It Used For?

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body and is essential for the formation, repair, and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and muscles.

Collagen occupies between 25 and 30% of the total protein in the body, of which 75% is stored in the skin, giving it structure and firmness.

The presence of this protein is related to bone health and strengthening of nails and hair, but it is also very important because it helps reduce expression lines and care for the skin, explained Laura Chacón, a nutrition specialist.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the main component of connective tissues that make up various parts of the body, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. It also plays several important roles, such as providing structure to the skin and strengthening bones.

It is a substance that provides great benefits to the body and maintains a large number of components of the human body in balance and is the main substance that gives elasticity to the skin, preventing the appearance of wrinkles.

It accounts for approximately a quarter of all proteins and is present in the skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, to which it provides elasticity and resistance. It is an essential protein for muscles and organs.

Collagen is found naturally in the human body, but over the years it wears out.

When collagen is lacking in the body, a series of changes occur, such as the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, loss of bone mass, joint discomfort, and even the onset of degenerative diseases.

What is collagen used for?

Collagen acts as a supporting element that helps hold the entire body together.

Its function is to form the fibers from which the structures of the body are created. Therefore, collagen is responsible for the degree of firmness and elasticity of these structures, which are essential for their hydration.

As the years go by and the body ages, collagen production gradually decreases. It is estimated that from the age of 30 onwards, the body begins to produce less collagen.

Protecting the skin from free radical damage and maintaining firmness and elasticity are some of the benefits of maintaining collagen levels.

Factors that cause collagen loss

Poor nutrition
Sun exposure without protection
Other unavoidable factors include the progressive loss of moisture in the skin, which makes it increasingly dry.
The dermis becomes thinner every day and the connective tissue loses its firmness and elasticity, which produces wrinkles and sagging.

Care is key

Consuming collagen is one of the best ways to increase protein levels in the body. To increase it, eat foods rich in vitamin C every day, such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, or strawberries.

Also, include foods rich in lysine such as lean meats, fish, legumes, egg whites, and wheat germ. These will provide essential amino acids important for rebuilding collagen.

Consume 10 grams of collagen diluted in a glass of water, preferably half an hour before lunch or dinner.

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements are some of those that specialists recommend and are found in capsules, tablets, or powder. However, they advise that you should always consult a trusted doctor so that he or she can suggest the appropriate ones.