The Benefits of Collagen

Collagen is the
'main structural protein' that forms the connective tissue throughout our body, from skin to bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

It’s astonishing to know how abundant collagen is in our ECM (Extracellular Matrix), a network that supports the cells of every single tissue in your body.  The most abundant protein in our body, accounting for 30% of all proteins.  Even more astonishing is just how much collagen is in our connective tissue – joint cartilage 70%, ligaments 70%, tendons 85% and the organic matrix of bones 90%.  Incredible!  It makes sense to look after these areas and support them the best we can.  Collagen is also found abundantly in the gut, muscle tissue, corneas of the eyes, the ears, the nose, blood vessels, lungs, blood brain barrier and the dentin in teeth.

While perhaps our pace of life, and associated stress, increases substantially as we age (work, kids, sports etc), inside our body things are also changing – our metabolism starts slowing down, ultimately, we are programmed for mortality.  The processing of nutrients declines and our connective tissues starts its “wearing out” process. Later on in life, joints degrade, blood vessels calcify and stiffen  and bones become more porous. We stiffen up and basically start wearing out! 

 Here are some of the reasons we believe everybody over 25 can benefit from a daily dose of collagen.  Remember our natural collagen production slows as we age, especially from 25.  We also lose around 1.5% of collagen production each year, the natural ageing process.  This is a great chance to support and promote this process for a better quality of life.

For these reasons people are now searching to find new ways to ward off the aging process and live an active and healthy life through all life’s stages. Many are realising the advantages of taking collagen to build up and sustain their health, wellbeing and mobility throughout life’s duration

Athletes use collagen for supporting and strengthening of connective tissues, ensuring the best chances of injury prevention/management. In a recent literature review by the IOC (International Olympic Committee), it highlighted the health benefits of collagen in sports nutrition.  Based on scientific studies the IOC proposed that Collagen Peptides may increase the production of collagen, decrease joint discomfort and as a result have the potential to assist with training capacity, recovery, muscle soreness and injury management.  It is particularly suitable for the elderly as a healthy energy source, is well tolerated and easily digested, supports heart health as well as supporting bones and joints.  

Put simply, there are massive health benefits to adding collagen supplements to your diet - Various studies have showed or indicated the following results

• Protect and support all connective tissues as collagen peptides stimulate collagen production, promoting all types of collagen synthesis. 
• Maintain the integrity of tendons, ligaments and cartilage, improving flexibility. 
• Strengthen bones, teeth and nails by aiding the body to absorb calcium and other minerals efficiently. 
• Prevent fractures, stimulate bone forming cells, supporting bone density. 
• Support skin health and hair quality, retains moisture and improves elasticity
• Collagen supplementation has been shown to reduce inflammation, ease joint discomfort, improve mobility, protect cartilage and support connective tissue especially if we’re aging or after injury.
• Provide structure to your arteries and blood vessels protecting the heart, supports cardiac muscle cells and aids blood pumping which may reduce risks associated with heart conditions such as arteriosclerosis. 
• Accelerate the recovery process from the damage induced by intense exercise, improving sports performance and recovery times.
• Supports a healthy metabolism of nutrients, has been linked to supporting and healing a leaky gut as well as a strong healthy intestinal barrier, also supports a healthy gut and the detoxification system
• Collagen is rich in the amino acids Proline and Glycine which protects all tissues from wear and tear , will help assist with healing of the skin and are good for cognitive function also helps to improve memory capacity and sleep quality, has a positive effect on the regulation of the sleep/awake cycle.  Glycine also plays a role in the formation of the happiness hormone serotonin.
• Promotes tissue repair, powerful wound healer, creates scar tissue, able to stop bleeding faster, stimulates new blood vessel formation. Is involved in all processes of wound healing. One study showed care residents with pressure ulcers healed twice as fast, if using collagen supplements 3 times daily for 8 weeks
• In addition to all of the above, collagen is non-allergenic and has no side effects! 

 Our Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides are sourced from the cows grazing off the grasslands of North and South America.  100% clean, grass-fed type I and III bovine collagen product.  There are 28 known types of collagen, however around 90% of our body’s collagen is Type I,II and III, types I and III account for around 80% of our body’s collagen.

 Hydrolysed basically means that the collagen has been broken down through an enzymatic hydrolysis process into smaller more easily dissolvable amino acid chains called peptides.  These peptides easily mix into water and are easy to digest making absorption through the intestinal tract very efficient, specifically targeting the process of collagen synthesis. Collagen peptides are produced specifically for optimum effect and synthesis of collagen production in a targeted manner, making them an ideal nutritional supplement as apposed to natural collagen like gelatine and bone broths

 It is recommended to take collagen with citrus or vitamin C as it acts as co-enzyme to allow for better absorption of collagen, thus achieving faster results.  Sufficient vitamin C plays an important regulatory role in switching on key enzymes that allow the key collagen-forming amino acids (proline, glycine and hydroxyproline) to stimulate and aid the body’s own synthesis of collagen.

By consuming vitamin C enriched collagen, it is seen as a key nutritional intervention supporting both injury prevention as well as rehabilitation.

More importantly promoting the body to synthesise its own collagen production successfully ensures all types of collagen synthesis, supporting the entire ECM.

COLLAGEN IS AMAZING ... SO ABUNDANT ...

'Collagen' comes from the Greek word 'kólla'- meaning glue

it really is the glue of our bodies