Health Benefits of Collagen

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity, or stretchiness. It’s in your bones, muscles, and blood, comprising three-quarters of your skin and a third of the protein in your body.

As you age, your existing collagen breaks down, and it gets harder for your body to produce more. As a result, many people turn to collagen powder or other types of collagen supplements, such as capsules, gummies, and liquids.

Collagen is also produced naturally in the body by combining amino acids, the building blocks of proteins found in food. To produce collagen, your body needs:

• Proline: found in egg whites, dairy, cabbage, mushrooms, and asparagus
• Glycine: found in pork skin, chicken skin, and gelatin, and a variety of other protein-rich foods
• Vitamin C: found in citrus fruits and bell peppers
• Zinc: found in beef, lamb, pork, shellfish, chickpeas, lentils, beans, milk, cheese, and various nuts and seeds
• Copper: found in organ meats, cocoa powder, cashews, sesame seeds, and lentils 

Types of Collagen

Your body contains many types of collagen. Scientists have identified a total of 29 varieties, including these 5 main types

• Type I, which gives strength to your skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons
• Type II, which makes up the flexible cartilage that helps support your joints
• Type III, found in your internal organs, blood vessels, and muscles
• Type IV, in some layers of your skin
• Type V, which is present in your corneas as well as some layers of skin and hair

Most collagen supplements contain types I, II, and III, which account for most of the collagen found in your body. They contain a digestible form of collagen called collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen.

These supplements are made from the tissues of cows, pigs, chickens, or fish. You can also buy vegan collagen powders made of bacteria and yeast. But scientists don’t know whether they have the same possible benefits as collagen from animal sources. 

Collagen capsules, liquids, and gummies contain the same active ingredients as collagen powder. But the dosages will vary depending on what form you use. Some people find it easier to add collagen powder to beverages or foods than to swallow several capsules. And you may not want the added sugar found in collagen gummies. This video is from the WebMD Archive.

Can Collagen-Boosting Foods Erase Wrinkles?

Can foods rich in collagen-boosting proteins reverse signs of aging? Find out what you should include in your diet to promote healthy collagen production for a radiant complexion.