Collagen-rich foods to take care of your skin

Collagen is an essential protein that makes up about 30% of the total protein in the human body. Find out which foods provide it. This structural protein is found in connective tissues including skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in collagen due to its purported benefits for the skin, especially in reducing wrinkles and improving elasticity. How much of this is true?

What is the function of collagen?

Collagen is the main structural component of the dermis, providing support and firmness to the skin. Ingested collagen is broken down into amino acids and peptides in the digestive tract, which are absorbed and distributed through the bloodstream. These components can act as building blocks for collagen in the skin and can also stimulate collagen production in fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis. With age, collagen production decreases, contributing to loss of elasticity and the onset of wrinkles.

Types of collagen
● Type I collagen: found mainly in the dermis, bone, tendon and cornea. Its main function is to provide resistance when stretched.
● Type II collagen: Found primarily in cartilage, its main function is to provide resistance to intermittent pressure. This type is the most commonly used in supplements and studies reviewed for healing or maintaining joint health.
● Type III collagen: abundant in connective tissue, in the walls of blood vessels, in the dermis and stroma of glands. It has the function of supporting expandable organs.
● Type IV collagen: forms part of the layer that separates the epithelium (tissue made up of cells that covers the external surface of the body and some internal organs). Its main function is support and filtration.

There are more than 19 types of collagen and, as you can see, depending on the type, its location in the body and its function will be different. More than 90% of the collagen in the human body is type I and III.

What benefits does collagen have for the skin?

● Elasticity and firmness: there are studies that show an improvement in skin elasticity with hydrolyzed collagen supplementation.
● Wrinkle reduction: Studies indicate that collagen can reduce the depth of wrinkles.
● Healing and regeneration: Collagen also plays a crucial role in wound healing. It has been shown to promote tissue regeneration by speeding up the healing process and improving the appearance of scars.
● Improved hydration: Taking hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to increase skin hydration.

Common myths about collagen
● Consumed collagen is absorbed directly into the skin: collagen is broken down into amino acids during digestion, which are then used to build proteins in the body, including collagen.
● “Plant collagen” is the same as animal collagen: there is no plant collagen, collagen is 100% of animal origin. When we talk about “plant collagen”, we are referring to plant substances that will help the production of collagen in the body.
● Collagen only benefits the skin: Although it is known for its skin benefits, collagen is also crucial for the health of joints, bones, and other connective tissues. Many of the studies conducted have been done with people with joint ailments.

What you need to know…
● Although collagen is a protein found in animals, it is not absorbed directly, that is, the formation of collagen does not depend on its intake, but is synthesized in our body to a greater or lesser extent based on needs and age from amino acids.
● There is no such thing as “plant collagen”; collagen is 100% of animal origin, and when we talk about “plant collagen” we are referring to plant substances that will help in the production of collagen in the body.
● It is important to consume foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, red berries, parsley, etc.), as it participates in the production of collagen.

And while collagen-rich foods are important, BonaGlow will offer you a more complete and concentrated solution. Our unique formula combines different types of hydrolyzed collagen, probiotics and digestive enzymes to improve the health of your skin, hair and joints from within. And don't forget, it can be consumed by both men and women.