Collagen:
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein. Fibrous in nature, that connects and supports other bodily tissues, such as skin, bone, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. It also supports the internal organs and is even present in teeth. There are more than 25 types of collagens that naturally occur in the body.
Collagen is one of the most plentiful proteins present in the bodies of mammals, including humans. In fact, it makes up about 25 percent of the total amount of proteins in the body. Some people refer to collagen as the glue that holds the body together. Without it, the body would, quite literally, fall apart.
Possessing great tensile strength, collagen functions in a manner that is very different from many other types of proteins. For example, it can be found both inside and outside of cells. Collagen fibers are important in contributing to the external structure of cells. However, they are present on the inside of some cells as well.
How Do We Rebuild Collagen
Young people have pituitary glands that produce and abundance of GH (Growth Hormone). With aging, this hormone steadily decreases and the emphasis shifts to collagen. Collagen's function in the body is to convert its natural protein molecules into the essential amino acids that are required by the body. Thus, collagen performs the important maintenance function of the body.
Whether the body can efficiency rebuild and repair itself is dependent upon its ability to convert one body resource into another. This process of protein synthesis is a metabolic process requiring collagen as a catalyst. As collagen diminishes in the body, both the resource and the catalyst are reduced.
Research has shown that much of the body's vital metabolic repair work takes place when we sleep. It has long been known that the body switches gears shortly after we fall asleep. It moves from its normal, active-involvement state to a rebuilding-and-maintenance state. It is during this sleep that the body searches about for available collagen and other important nutrients to convert them into the important materials needed by the body.
Collagen synthesis is something that those of us who wish to look and feel younger must be interested in. Therefore, any food supplement that can enhance the rebuilding or the healing process is something that we should strongly consider.
Foods That Help Collagen Deficiency
According to the Linus Institute at Oregon State University, vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen production. Vitamin C connects amino acids to form full collagen molecules in your body. Other sources of vitamin C include:
- Oranges are rich in vitamin C, contain an estimated 70 mg of the powerful nutrient.
- Mangoes are rich in vitamin C
- Broccoli is rich in vitamin C
- Bananas are rich in vitamin C
- Spinich is rich in vitamin C
- Brussel Sprouts are rich in vitamin C
- Protein Powder contains beneficial amounts of the amino acid proline, which your body needs to build collagen in the joints and other areas.
- Blueberries contain a significant amount of vitamin C. They also contain anthocyanidins, a special compound that can strengthen and stimulate collagen production in your joints and skin.
- Cod is high in Lysine and it is suggested you consume at least 12 mg of lysine per pound of body weight. A 100 g serving of cod is estimated to contain 500 mg of lysine.
- Dark Green Vegetables are also excellent examples of foods containing collagen producing agents.
- Red Fruits And Vegetables are excellent sources to up the collagen content of foods in the diet.
- Nuts contain large amounts as well.
One of the key points to keep in mind is that it is possible to provide everything your body needs to produce collagen by eating a balanced diet. By including some of the foods mentioned here, you will soon begin to see a difference in the quality of your skin tone, as well as have an improved sense of overall health.
Collagen Information: Dr. Mercola 4/16/2000 - Why Smokers And Heavy Exercisers Have Wrinkles
