Why Collagen Builders Are Essential for Your Body
Table of Contents
Collagen is a structural protein, which is the major component of the extracellular matrix in tissues. It acts in providing support, strength and elasticity. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, around 30% of the total body’s protein content. The collagen molecule is made up of three alpha chains twisted into a single triple helix, thus providing the strength. Collagen has been categorised into five types from type I to type V based on their presence and localisation in the human body.
WHAT ARE COLLAGEN BUILDERS ?
Collagen builders are food supplements that supports the body’s natural collagen production. Collagen builders do not directly provide the body with collagen, rather it supplies the body with all the necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins which are required the body to synthesise more and more collagen, naturally in the body. As one ages gradually, the collagen producing ability by the body decreases exponentially, hence the intake of collagen inducing supplements.
COMPONENTS OF COLLAGEN BUILDERS
Some of the main components of collagen builder supplements are amino acids, vitamin C, minerals like zinc, copper, sulphur etc.
- Vitamin C, an effective antioxidant is extremely important to neutralise the harmful free radicals, accumulating in the body, as a result of body’s natural metabolic reactions. Also, it is important for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine amino acids during the collagen synthesis process. Citrusy fruits are the natural sources of vitamin C.
- Amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline are the primary building blocks of collagen. These amino acids can be easily obtained from high-protein foods like lean meat sources eggs and chicken.
- Minerals are zinc is a cofactor involved in the collagen synthesis reaction, whereas copper being a cross-linking agent of the collagen fibres, making them stronger and stable.
Best Natural Collagen Builders for Daily Use
It is a misnomer that collagen can be induced by the artificial supplements and medications, there are many natural collagen building foods as well. One could alternatively opt for the following collagen-inducing foods, mentioned below.
- Egg Whites, contains the protein albumen. This is rich in amino acids glycine and proline. These amino acids are important for the collagen synthesis process.
- Bone broth, especially goat bone broth, is an extremely favourite delicacy in the Northern parts of India. North India witnesses extreme cold and dry winters, leading to many ailments, especially for the elderly. In such instances, goat bone soup is served with chopped up seasonal vegetables and spices. It is one of the highest sources of collagen.
- Leafy green vegetables like cabbage, kale and spinach are great vegetarian options of collagen. These are rich in antioxidants, thus slows down the collagen breakdown prematurely.
- Nuts and seeds are rich in minerals like zinc, sulphur and packed with healthy fats required for maintaining a healthy tissue health.
NATURAL COLLAGEN BUILDING LIFESTYLE
- Ample hydration by adequate water intake keeps skin and tissues supple and hydrated, thus supporting collagen integrity.
- Protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Sun radiates warmth, light as well as the harmful UV A and B rays, which on reaching the skin, depletes the melanocytes and induces cancer and other chronic ailments. These UV radiations damage the collagen in the body, thus causing premature aging and signs of aging like wrinkles and sun spots. Covering the exposed parts of the body and wearing sun protection during the day, might help in reducing the sun damage by a great extent.
- Indulgence in substances like smoking and drinking can also deplete collagen reserves of the body, as well. Therefore, one should lead a clean lifestyle to avoid premature breakdown of collagen.
Benefits of Collagen Builders for Skin and Overall Wellness
- Muscle Recovery
Collagen builders or natural collagen-inducing foods provides the most basic ingredient glycine, proline and hydroxyproline amino acids, which are the essential amino acids needed for collagen synthesis. Post-exercise, these collagen builders are needed for muscle re-building and recovery.
2.Maintaining Bone strength and Health
The collagen builders is known to reduce join pain and supports cartilage health. In patients with gout and osteoporosis, such collagen builders are extremely essential for replenish the degrading collagen in the body. They help maintaining bone density and strength, which is especially needed with gradual aging.
3. Hair and Nail Growth
Collagen is known to support nail and hair growth as well. Nail and hair are dead tissues, but their growth depends on the collagen reserves of the body.
4. Skin Health
Collagen builders benefits skin elasticity which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and also delays the signs of premature of aging. The collagen builders improves skin elasticity and maintains skin firmness. These amino acids present in the collagen builders, prevent premature skin sagging, in turn hydrates the skin makes them plump.
5. -Wound Healing
Collagen is known to accelerate the wound healing process for cuts and bruises by re-making the connective tissue repair. Also the collagen builders are acting in enhancing the fibroblast activity by speeding up the repair process. Also the zinc and copper present in the collagen supplements helps in reducing the inflammation at the wound site.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL-BASED COLLAGEN?
Collagen is very easily available from animal sources from their bones like goat, lamb bones. Those are rich in amino acids. Eventhough, vegan collagen is a newer concept and limited, but still is available. They are either made from sources like zinc, copper like minerals or those can be made from genetically modified yeast and bacteria which are known to contain protein, similar to collagen. These can also account to show collagen builder like benefits.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Collagen builders are associated with many health benefits like those suffering from skin problems, and muscle and bone problems. The collagen builder benefits are known to increase muscle mass also preventing bone mass loss. Eventhough most of collagen builder benefits are known, some of the others like its relation with gut health, weight loss etc. are yet not backed up by research and science.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
- What are collagen builders and are they different from collagen supplements?
Collagen builders are substances containing ingredients which aid in collagen production rather than collagen supplements which directly provide collagen into the body. Collagen builders are a better choice than the supplements, as prolonged research have shown that our skin cannot really absorb collagen considering its huge size. Therefore, topical collagen supplement should be avoided.
- Who all can benefit from collagen building supplements?
Technically everyone can benefit from collagen builders. Especially, people who are experiencing early signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and sagging of skin etc. Old people with joint pain and reduced joint mobility and people with brittle nails and hair.
- How long does it take to see any benefits from the collagen builders?
It would take around 1-2 months to see any visible results like reduction in early signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles etc. However, for joint pain and muscle pain, it would take a minimum of 6 months to see any improvement.
- Are collagen builders safe to use daily?
Yes, collagen builders are generally safe for daily consumption. However, it is always recommended to consult a certified dietician like Dt. Rukhsana Azhar for the safe dosage depending upon one’s medical history and goals.
- Can vegetarians consume collagen builders?
Most collagen builders are derived from plant sources, thus making them vegetarian friendly. However, these collagen are much costlier as compared to animal-derived collagen. Plant based collagen are derived from vitamin C, silica and basic amino acids like zinc, copper and sulphur.
Hello My Name is Dt. Ruksana Azhar and I am a certified dietician and providing online & offline services for Weight Management, PCOS/PCOD Management, Diabetes Management , etc. I have 12+ years of experience in the Apollo Hospital Delhi , Max Super Specialty Hospital Delhi, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and VLCC healthcare Mumbai. I loves to write healthcare and lifestyle related blog. My favorite part of being a doctor is the opportunity to directly improve the health and wellbeing of my patients and to develop professional and personal relationships with them.
