Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and it forms a large part of our skin, hair, and nails. Technically a polypeptide, collagen contains a mixture of amino acids such as proline and glycine, which are found in all connective tissues in the body, including vital organs. Read about Collagen Beauty Benefits for Skin, Hair, And Health
While beauty treatments and shampoos receive the benefits of collagen on their labels, the actual benefits come internally, not from a topical treatment.
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What is Collagen?
Collagen is a long chain amino acid and the most plentiful protein in the body. It has made of the individual amino acids Glycine, Hydroxyproline, Proline, & Arginine and in nature has found particularly in animal tissues, especially bones and connective tissue.
This is what is responsible for giving the elasticity of the skin, the hair its strength, and the connective tissue its ability to hold everything in place. In fact, the collagen protein represents 30% of the total protein in the body and 70% of the protein in the skin
The natural collagen production of the body decreases with age and many modern lifestyle factors (such as stress, poor diet, imbalances in bowel health, etc.) can also decrease the body’s ability to make.
Difference Between Gelatin and Collagen
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is some difference.
A collagen is a primary form of the protein located in the body, & gelatin has created when the collagen is boiled or otherwise heated. Both have very similar compositions and are almost interchangeable, but the difference becomes confused when it comes to supplements. In general:
Collagen Powder
The hydrolyzed form of gelatin contains these proteins decomposed into individual peptide chains. This form is usually easier to digest and is often suggested for people with digestive problems. One advantage of this particular form of collagen is that it easily mixes in most hot and cold beverages and is tasteless, making it easy to add to food and drink for consumption, however, it will not gel and n Is not good in recipes that require gelatin. In the mark that I take, this form has a blue lid
Gelatin Powder
I use this pasteurized gelatin powder on the grass. Gelatin is the pure form that is often recommended on diets like GAPS and SCD (although some people may not be able to digest first and should stick to meat stocks instead), for its Ability to coat the digestive tract. From the culinary point of view, it is the form that “gels” and is ideal for making recipes like chewing vitamins, gums and marshmallows. This is the form naturally found in bone broth, as the heat decomposes the natural collagen found in the bones. (You can buy broth online here) That’s why bone broth tends to thicken and freeze in the refrigerator.
In past generations, people consumed a lot more collagen/gelatin from the food, as our grandparents and great-grandparents prepared many meals at home and did things like broths, chunks of meat that Naturally contain these amino acids.
Collagen Beauty Benefits for Skin
While collagen is beneficial to the whole body, it is more visibly beneficial to the skin. This is because as a person ages, the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) lighten and lose elasticity in a process known as elastosis. As this happens, a person tends to show more signs of aging and acquire more wrinkles.
The good news is that these changes do not appear to be permanent or irreversible. In fact, a double-blind placebo study performed last year found that women who took the hydrolysate of collagen (peptide form) regularly for 8 weeks saw a 20% reduction in wrinkles.
Other Benefits Of Collagen
Although not as immediately noticeable, there are other benefits that could be even more important. For example, collagen has been studied for its role in:
Bone and Joint Health
Collagen can be beneficial to the bones and joints in the same way it benefits from the skin. By helping the body’s natural production of collagen and by providing a bioavailable source of these amino acids, collagen can improve the health of bones and joints over time. In fact, a double-blind, placebo study showed a significant improvement in joint pain.
Hormone Balance
Emerging research shows that specific amino acids in collagen can help improve the balance of amino acids in the body and support the production of natural hormones in the body.
Digestion
As mentioned, gelatin and collagen can help to coat the digestive tract and improve digestion, and consumption of gelatin is often recommended on specific bowel diets like GAPS and SCD.
Where To Find Collagen
There are several good sources of high-quality gelatin and collagen powders. When sourcing it is important to make sure it is obtained from grass and humanly high grazing sources from a reputable company. I buy this grass-fed gelatin and this grass-fed collagen powder because I could verify that their gelatin and collagen are:
- Origin of animals raised in pasture and grassland
- Packaged in BPA-free containers