What is collagen for?

Collagen, beyond preserving the health of the skin and fulfilling an aesthetic function, is responsible for giving elasticity and firmness to our bones and joints, allowing them to have movement. In the event of an injury, the collagen will act on the cartilage, repairing it. Additionally, it is responsible for fixing calcium in the bones.

The natural production of this protein decreases after 30 years and at 60 it falls by 35%, so problems such as osteoporosis, arthritis, osteoarthritis and other muscle pain can appear. For this reason, it is not only important to consume foods rich in collagen, but to take a supplement that favors its absorption.

There are several options for taking collagen , one of them is through food, another is through supplements that come in pill, capsule or powder format. Collagen is also present in some anti-aging creams, but its absorption is not the most optimal. Finally we have collagen injections , for this treatment it is advisable to consult a dermatologist, since this technique can influence the natural production of collagen in our body.

In case of choosing the option of collagen supplements , the ideal time to consume them is at breakfast, since the body assimilates proteins better in the morning and on an empty stomach. Although taking collagen in this form is effective, the changes are not immediate, its effect will be visible a few months later. The recommended dose is 1 g per day.

Next you will know the foods that you should include in your diet and that will help your body to generate the necessary collagen .

• Foods rich in vitamin A and C : oranges, grapefruits, kiwi, strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, broccoli, soybeans, parsley, celery, spinach, beetroot, eggplant and carrot peppers.
• Foods with anthocyanidins : which help protect our skin from free radicals and are present in raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cherries.
• Lean meats : turkey, chicken, rabbit and in the case of pork and lamb, only cuts such as vacuum, sirloin, tenderloin and shoulder.
• Fish : in addition to providing omega 3 , it will help us in the production of collagen. Tuna, salmon and herring are the most recommended.
• Soy : products such as tofu, soy milk and their derivatives will not only increase collagen levels, but also decrease the action of enzymes that destroy skin elasticity.
• Foods rich in copper : organ meats, livers, shellfish, green leafy vegetables and legumes.
• Cereals : brown rice, pasta and oats.
• Nuts : pipes, pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts.

The foods described above will help our body to form collagen, but it does not mean that they contain it. Meat and fish broths with bones and long cooking, as well as pig’s feet and gelatinous-looking foods are those that provide collagen.

Apart from being an essential protein for our skin, other benefits and properties of collagen are:

• It is responsible for fixing calcium in the bones.
• Keeps the muscles glued to the skin.
• It benefits the healing processes of the skin.
• Helps prevent diseases caused by joint wear.
• Repairs cartilage damage in case of injury.
• It allows better water absorption, which is vital to prevent aging.
• Combat sagging.

Because it is a protein that our body generates, collagen supplements do not have major side effects in healthy people who eat a balanced diet, however it is important to consult with your doctor before consuming any supplement. Collagen may be contraindicated in the following cases:

• If you suffer from kidney or liver failure.
• If you have a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine.
• If you have high uric acid.
• If you have one or more chronic diseases and take more than six medications a day.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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