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The question “why does our body need collagen” is quite easy to answer, because it is needed for almost everything.
Collagen is a protein that mainly consists of connective tissue (fascia), which permeates our entire body and makes it a single system. It is synthesized by fibroblasts, connective tissue cells and, like all proteins, consists of amino acids. This protein provides firmness and elasticity to cartilage, joints, bones and mucous membranes.
Very important protein
Collagen is responsible for elasticity, flexibility, tissue regeneration, for metabolic processes that occur in muscles, blood vessels, bones, joints, ligaments, and skin. The lack of collagen leads not only to a deterioration in appearance, especially of the skin (hence the popularity of collagen products in cosmetology). Weakened by the loss of an important protein, bones and joints become vulnerable to arthrosis, osteoporosis and other age-related diseases. There is an increased risk of vascular problems, loss of muscle mass and its replacement with fat, etc.
What is?
The most important question for those who are interested in maintaining and increasing the production of collagen in the body. In addition to the fact that nutrition should be balanced, the emphasis should be on vitamins C, K, B3 (PP), B6. The most important trace elements are iron, copper and zinc. Polyunsaturated fatty acid Omega-3 slows down the processes of collagen breakdown. Collagen is synthesized from amino acids (glycine, lysine, proline and others). Therefore, the diet should be enough foods containing amino acids. This refers to protein foods: meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, legumes.
What to do? What not to do?
In general, the recommendations here, as in everything related to the health of the body: give up smoking and alcohol, do not be zealous with tanning (ultraviolet destroys collagen), deliver enough blood to the skin, muscles and other tissues for protein synthesis (in other words, to engage in sports). Collagen production is also affected by radiation and stress levels. In addition, if a woman has reached menopause, the amount of collagen in her body will inevitably decrease, since the hormonal background greatly affects the production of this protein. You can stop this process with the help of a well-chosen hormone replacement therapy by a specialist.
Women after 30 to stimulate collagen production should make it a habit to take vitamin complexes for the skin at least once or twice a year. It is better to choose a complex that, in addition to antioxidants, vitamins and microelements, also includes components that directly affect the improvement of collagen synthesis, for example, fish cartilage containing glycosaminoglycans.
Glycosaminoglycans are part of the intercellular substance of connective tissue and are found in bones, joint fluid, vitreous body and cornea of the eye. They provide structural support and tone to all connective tissue cells, including skin, and act as a resource for skin cell regeneration and hair growth.
But creams and other external agents with collagen to compensate for the deficiency of internal collagen are useless. They have only one plus - covering the skin with a film that does not clog pores (unlike fatty films), collagen creams carefully protect the skin from dehydration. But cosmetic collagen cells cannot penetrate into our skin.
So replenish collagen correctly and be beautiful!