In today’s fitness industry, supplements have proven their worth in enhancing results time and time again. Plan Cult Dedication walked you through two different types of protein powder which contain amino acids that are the building blocks of muscles. Today, we’re taking a look at collagen, a different type of amino acid that you can also find in powder form.
What is collagen?
You may have heard somewhere that collagen is stronger than steel. That’s actually true. Collagen is a type of protein whose main function is to provide strength and structure to the connective tissues in the body. Scientists found that the molecules that makeup collagen are capable of sustaining huge amounts of tensile strain compared to steel before it breaks.
Of course, don’t go and start testing your bone strength just yet because size definitely matters here. Put simply, collagen is the building block of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and it's vital to our health and fitness.
Collagen Peptides
by Sports Research
SR Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides provide clinically researched, low molecular weight peptides which help support the integrity, elasticity, regeneration and strength of bodily connective tissues–including skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
Why is it good for you?
Working out is good, but it also puts your body under incredible stress. Exercise physiologist Joanne Donoghue explained that exercise causes ‘mini-traumas’ to the muscles which prompt the inflammatory response. While this natural mechanism in the body is important for healing, chronic inflammation can lead to prolonged pain.
During this state, the body breaks down collagen faster than it can produce. This is characterized by pain and joint stiffness. What you can do is supplement the loss of collagen in the body in order to promote the healing of these microscopic tears and speed up the inflammation process.
If you’ve ever sprained an ankle, you would have noticed a swelling which is a sign that inflammation has kicked in. But when the swelling does not subside, it means that it’s not healing at a normal pace. A study published on NCBI detailed how taking supplements increases collagen production. It helps athletes recover faster from injuries involving the bones, tendons, and ligaments.
It also helps keeps connective tissues pliable in order to keep up with the muscle growth that comes with strength training. You don’t have to be an athlete to know how important it is to avoid getting injured. It can dampen your workout routine and affect your overall wellness.
Aside from fitness, collagen is also beneficial in looking young and vibrant. Collagen is good for the skin, as Pretty Me mentions that it helps you avoid stretch marks and cellulite.
This protein stimulates the production of skin cells to replace dead ones which is why it also works well as fillers to get rid of wrinkles and skin depressions. Its role in tissue restoration makes it essential for healing wounds such as second-degree burns and has even been used to regenerate nerves.
Where do I find it?
Our bodies have an abundance of collagen but production declines as we age. Those who need to increase their collagen intake can increase their consumption of gelatin, bone broth, egg whites, beef, poultry, dairy, and white fish as they are all rich in collagen.
As for vegetarians, Live Kindly assures that you can also source them from plant-based ingredients that stimulate production such as papaya, kale, spinach, berries, almonds, citrus, avocados, and olive oil.
Last Updated on May 22, 2020 by Nick J-Pepe
