The Power of Collagen
We commonly hear the word “collagen”. For most people, wrinkle cream is the first thing that comes to mind upon hearing this word. Collagen products are hitting the world market. What makes collagen so popular?
Collagen is an Important Type of Protein
Fibrous collagen is one of the most abundant proteins present in the bodies of mammals including humans. Collagen acts just like glue that binds the body altogether including the skin, muscles, internal organs, bones, eyes, and hair.
Without collagen, the body would literally fall apart. In fact, 20% of our body is made up of protein, and one third of it is collagen. Collagen is therefore very important in sustaining life. Lack of collagen due to age or lack of food intake will lead to weakening of our body, which results to weak bones, wrinkles, and poor eyesight.
Collagen is Used in Many Medical and Cosmetic Treatments
Local markets are being flooded with collagen products, including collagen health supplements, collagen drinks, collagen cooking products, collagen beauty products, and collagen jelly products. For sure, new collagen-related products will surface every week that will overflood the world markets.
The use of collagen soap for beauty and skin care is gaining popularity worldwide.
You can also find collagen-filled meat products for your fancy cooking set in the market.
Pig (swine) leg, gelatine, jelly, beef muscle, fried chicken cartilage, chicken skin, fish skin, and shark fin, are among the foods that contain the most collagen.
What will happen if there's lack of collagen in skin?
Collagen is responsible for what your skin looks like. When there's lack of collagen in the skin, the skin will get thinner. Gradually, the tissues and capillaries of the skin thicken, which reduces the skin's ability to retain water and nutrients. Therefore, the skin will have an increased risk of developing wrinkles, stretch marks, and infections. Its color and pigmentation will change and brown spots will eventually appear. Because the skin is less healthy, their ability to serve as a barrier against bacteria and viruses is reduced.
Collagen also serves as a raw material in the development of organs. Lack of collagen is also the cause of thinner hair and brittle or weak bones, leading to osteoporosis. It is because the collagen itself that keeps these structures strong, elastic, and resilient.
What will happen if there's lack of collagen in blood vessels?
Blood vessels must be strong and healthy, otherwise abnormalities in our body will occur. Collagen plays a major role in the growth and repair of blood vessels. Lack of collagen will lead to weak blood vessels due to cholesterol buildup. It is also life-threatening as there's a higher risk of getting cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, and heart attack.
The Bottom Line Here is...
Collagen may not be a material that directly heals or cures some diseases, but it is an important nutrient that keeps the body fit and healthy.
You can find and discover more of some cosmetic or medicinal properties out of collagen as what many pharmaceutical companies are doing.
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