Collagen is a protein that gives structure, firmness and elasticity to the skin, which is naturally produced by the body, but can also be found in foods such as meat and gelatin, in moisturizing creams or food supplements in capsules or powders.
This protein is very important to keep the cells firm and united, being not only important for the skin but also for other tissues as for the integrity of muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints, improving your health.
When Should I Use Collagen
Collagen supplements should be used when the concentration of this protein decreases in the body, causing symptoms such as:
- Decreased hair strands thickness;
- Increased sagging and loss of skin elasticity;
- Emergence of wrinkles and lines of expression;
- Striae appear;
- Fine and dehydrated skin;
- Decreased bone density as in cases of osteopenia and osteoporosis for example;
- Weakening of joints and ligaments.
When these symptoms are present, supplementation with collagen supplements such as BioSlim or Collagen may be necessary, which will help balance collagen levels in the body.
In addition, these collagen-rich products can be especially important from the age of 50, when there is a drastic reduction in the production of collagen, which over time leads to an aging appearance. However, these products should only be used with your doctor or nutritionist, as many hydrolyzed collagen supplements have a combination of different amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Key Benefits of Collagen
Some of the main benefits of collagen for the body are:
- Prevents the appearance of cellulite;
- Strengthens nails;
- Strengthens hair and improves your appearance;
- Decreases the appearance of stretch marks;
- Increases skin elasticity;
- Prevents and slows the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
In addition, since collagen gives firmness to the skin, in addition to preventing the appearance of cellulite, it also acts in its treatment, because with firmer skin the nodes of cellulite tend not to appear as much.
How to replace collagen
To replenish collagen in the body, you can make a rich diet in this nutrients, so it is important to consume foods rich in collagen such as:
- Red meat;
- White meats;
- Gelatine;
- Mocotó Jelly.
The best way to fight aging and keep your skin firm, is to consume these foods or supplements daily from hydrolyzed collagen in capsules, powders or tablets, which will help replenish collagen levels in the body. Learn about collagen-rich foods and supplements in Collagen-rich foods.
However, you should always take collagen along with vitamin C rich foods like orange, kiwi, pineapple or papaya, as this vitamin is responsible for allowing the body to absorb collagen. So the recommended is to take the collagen capsules or the powder along with an orange juice or kiwi for example to ensure that the collagen is properly absorbed by the body.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements can be taken in the form of capsules, tablets or powder, and some examples are:
- BioSlim Collagen, from Herbarium: Collagen powder that must be diluted in liquid before taking and costs about 20 reais;
- Collagen, from Performance Nutrition: Collagen in the form of capsules and which costs on average 35 reais;
- Hydrolyzed collagen, from Sanavita: collagen powder supplement with zinc, vitamin A, C and E and its price ranges between 30 and 50 reais.
These supplements can be purchased at pharmacies, health food stores, drugstores or online stores for example. In addition, treatment with these supplements should last for a minimum of 9 months, and a maximum daily dose of 9 g of collagen is recommended. See how hydrolysed collagen treatment should be done in How to Take Hydrolyzed Collagen.
