Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. And what does collagen do: it plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and firmness of your skin, hair, and nails. Unfortunately, the natural production of collagen decreases as we age, usually starting from the age of 25. By the time we are 50, collagen is no longer produced at all.
Proteins
Let's first look at proteins in general. Proteins are present in many animal products, such as meat, fish, and eggs, but also in smaller amounts in plant-based sources such as legumes. These proteins are composed of various amino acids, the building blocks that together form a protein. In total, our body uses 22 different amino acids for various processes. Collagen, an important protein, contains 18 of these amino acids.
Fish collagen shows the greatest similarity to human collagen, which makes it easier for our body to absorb. If you choose vegan collagen, for example, your body will convert it into the correct composition after ingestion.
Where is collagen found?
As previously mentioned, collagen is a protein. You can find this in various types of food. For example, animal sources such as: Bone broth, primarily derived from connective tissue and bone marrow. You can also find collagen in fish, beef, and eggs. Regarding plant-based sources, you can eat soybeans, for example; these contain building blocks that can support your body in the production of collagen. Beans and lentils contain various amino acids that are necessary for the production of collagen.
What has a negative influence on collagen?
There are elements that affect or damage collagen (production). One of these is high UV exposure; UV radiation can damage cells and DNA, which can have an effect on the skin and its elasticity. In addition, you increase the toxic load because free radicals are released that can also damage the collagen.
The intake of high amounts of sugar also has an impact. When you eat sugar, the collagen proteins attach to each other, which causes your blood sugar level to rise and can reduce the elasticity of the collagen.
Furthermore, smoking also causes free radicals to enter your body, which can affect your collagen.
From the age of 25, your body's collagen production decreases. You can support this by eating sufficient and varied food that contains collagen. Additionally, you can also supplement collagen to replenish it.
