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7 Benefits of Collagen Protein for Skin and Hair Health Plus the Food Source

Collagen protein is increasingly found in various skin care products. You can find it in conditioners, shampoos, masks, and moisturizers. Even so, do you know about the benefits of collagen protein for skin and health in general?

What is collagen protein?

Collagen protein is a type of fibrous and insoluble protein which is the most abundant in the human body. The main foundation of skin, tendons, connective tissue, and bones is this protein that provides strength and structure.

Collagen protein is also found in other body parts, such as blood vessels, corneas, and teeth. Collagen is described as the glue that holds the whole body together.

In addition to bonding, collagen protein also has benefits in restoring injured body tissues, strengthening bones, and flexing tendon tissue and skin. So, skin that has enough collagen can make the skin tight and supple.

How is collagen protein formed in the body?

A number of special cells in the skin layer can produce mini molecules called pro-collagen. This molecule is made of protein and vitamin C which is absorbed by the body.

Each pro-collagen sticks together and forms fibrils during the production process. Fibril is a thin fiber composed of minerals and vitamins in a thread-like shape.

The fibrils then act like anchors where they grow and develop into fibers that attach to skin cells. These fibrils are finally able to make the skin structure more supple after these fibers are formed and adhered to well.

The body can produce its own collagen protein on a regular basis. However, with age, this ability will continue to decline. Collagen production can also be inhibited by smoking, substances from pollution, and sun exposure.

People whose bodies lack collagen protein can be recognized by the appearance of sagging skin, as well as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A number of health problems can also cause the depletion of the body’s natural collagen.

The benefits of collagen protein for the body are so diverse that a decrease in its production certainly has a major impact. Therefore, it is important for you to have a healthy lifestyle so that it can have an impact on increasing collagen production.

Like all proteins, collagen protein is made of amino acids, some of which must be obtained from food. Regular exercise can also cause blood flow to be smooth so it plays a role in launching collagen production.

What are the benefits of collagen protein for the body?

The function of collagen protein is not only limited to the skin, but also to various other parts of the body. Collagen supplements not many do research, but some suggest that the benefits of collagen protein can be listed below.

1. Reduces wrinkles and fine lines

As we age, collagen protein production decreases, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles in the areas of the skin that move the most. The most affected areas of the skin include the joints, forehead, lips, and around the eyes.

The use of anti-aging creams and sunscreens with collagen protein content can help overcome the signs of premature aging. This treatment, plus the consumption of collagen supplements, is also considered to help the healing and repair of skin tissue.

In addition, collagen protein can also be obtained from injections by a dermatologist. Collagen injections will be used as fillers to improve sagging facial skin, reduce wrinkles due to aging, and remove superficial scars such as acne scars.

2. Reduce Cellulite

Cellulite occurs when fatty tissue pushes up through the fibers to the top layer of the skin. As a result, the skin looks bumpy with an uneven texture.

Another benefit of collagen protein is that it reduces cellulite directly from within the body. This protein works by stimulating the acceleration of the process of repair and regeneration of skin cells in damaged skin tissue.

3. Promotes blood circulation to the skin

Collagen protein supplements can strengthen the structure of blood vessels and increase their flexibility. With strong blood vessels, blood from the heart can flow better throughout the body, including the skin.

The smoother your blood circulation, the more oxygen, and nutrients are delivered to the skin cells. This will make your skin look healthier, younger, and radiant.

4. Heal wounds and injuries

Collagen protein is needed to repair and rebuild connective tissue to support the development of strong muscles, skin, and joints. This protein is also important for strengthening the structure of bones, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments.

Collagen turns out to also have benefits on your muscle tissue. Collagen protein supplements help speed up the recovery of muscle tissue and skin, thus helping you recover quickly from sports injuries.

5. Maintain hair strength

Several types of amino acids that make up collagen protein also form keratin. your hair is also made up of the main protein of keratin. By increasing the production of collagen, you also get amino acids that will help fight hair loss.

6. Protects hair follicles from damage

Follicles are small pockets on the skin where hair grows. Follicles can be damaged by free radicals from pollution, stress, smoking, and drinking.

Fortunately, collagen protein turns out to have benefits as a powerful antioxidant. Apart from keeping hair strong, this protein also protects hair follicles from damage by fighting the effects of free radicals.

7. Slows down the formation of gray hair

Gray hair is influenced by genetic factors, free radicals can also speed up the process.

Foods that increase collagen protein production

Treatment products containing collagen can indeed provide collagen protein directly to the skin tissue. Even so, increasing production from the body is equally important.

You don’t need to immediately choose a collagen protein supplement, because one of the safest and easiest ways to get the benefits of this protein is to eat foods that contain collagen. Here are some of them.

1. Bone broth

Bone broth is made from boiled bones and connective tissue so it is rich in collagen protein and its constituents such as calcium, phosphorus, chondroitin, and amino acids. To keep your bone broth high-quality, it’s a good idea to make it from ingredients you buy yourself.

2. Chicken cartilage

Chicken cartilage is one of the best sources of collagen protein, especially for people with arthritis. In fact, you may not need to take additional collagen supplements because most of the products are made from this ingredient.

3. Egg whites

Egg whites do not contain connective tissue like other sources of collagen. However, egg whites are very high in proline, an amino acid that is the main building block of collagen protein.              

4. Orange

oranges and other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and limes are high sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C are needed to make pro-collagen, so make sure you add these fruits to your daily diet.

5. Green vegetable

You can get the benefits of collagen protein by eating green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. Green vegetables are rich in chlorophyll and this substance is believed to be able to increase the production of collagen raw materials in skin tissue.

6. Nuts

Almost all types of nuts are rich in amino acids. Consuming nuts will provide the raw materials needed by the body to form collagen in skin tissue, hair, and the body as a whole.

7. Garlic

If it is not balanced with sufficient collagen production, the periodic breakdown of collagen accelerates skin aging. The sulfur minerals in garlic can help prevent this by slowing down the breakdown of collagen.

Collagen protein is an important protein that makes up various tissues of your body. A healthy lifestyle, a proper diet, and the use of care products containing collagen can increase collagen production so that skin health is always maintained.

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