Collagen is the fountain of youth, and here are some of its benefits

For centuries, collagen has been considered the fountain of youth for several reasons. Read on to know more
collagen benefits
Collagen supplements claim to reduce signs of aging. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shahnaz Husain Published: 9 Dec 2020, 13:26 pm IST
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Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. It has many important functions, including providing your skin with structure and strengthening your bones. It is basically a protein that binds tissues in fish and animals – as a fountain of youth.

Beauty Benefits of Collagen: 

Collagen is a major component of your skin. It plays a role in strengthening skin, plus benefits elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. However, several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen may help slow the ageing of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness. The wrinkle-reducing effects of collagen supplements have been attributed to their ability to stimulate your body to produce collagen on its own.

Collagen supplements can help prevent acne and other skin conditions, and taking collagen supplements may promote the production of other proteins that help structure your skin, including elastin and fibrillin. 

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Collagen and Hair Care

Hair gets its natural colour from melanin, a pigment, that is secreted by melanin-producing cells. As we grow older, the melanin producing cells begin to die, thus turning the hair grey. Although greying of hair is largely controlled by genes, stress, poor diet, and chemical buildups from hair dyes can further cause hair greying. Collagen is known to have antioxidant properties that negates the hair greying from these free radicals.

Collagen has other health benefits too. 

Some of them are as follows : 

  • Nails: Taking collagen may increase the strength of your nails by preventing brittleness.
  • Brain: No studies have examined the role of collagen supplements in brain health. However, some people claim they improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
  • Weight loss:  Some believe that taking collagen supplements may promote weight loss and a faster metabolism. 
  • Reducing inflammation and osteoarthritis : Taking collagen supplements has been shown to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis in the body. This may help in promoting pain relief among people with joint disorders like osteoarthritis.

There are some ways you can naturally support your body’s collagen production.

Aloe vera 

Aloe vera gel has long been used for healing and soothing wounds. The reason it works to treat cuts and burns is because the aloe vera plant increases collagen production when applied topically or even taken orally. This cell-growth stimulating property can help boost collagen production in your skin.

aloe vera face masks
One single solution to all your skin problems! Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Foods rich in vitamin C

Eating foods rich in vitamin C can increase the levels of collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.

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Ginseng

The anti-ageing effects of the ginseng plant are well-documented.  Ginseng is absorbed into the skin without causing the adverse reactions that many chemical pharmaceuticals cause, and helps skin keep its original shape. It also promotes the growth of collagen

Also, chicken skin and fish are rich sources of collagen. Foods that contain gelatin, such as bone broth, also provide collagen.

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About the Author

Shahnaz Husain is the founder, chairperson, and managing director of The Shahnaz Husain Group and is considered a pioneer in the realm of herbal beauty in India. ...Read More

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