Collagen is a protein that gives structure, firmness and elasticity to the skin, which is produced naturally by the body, but which can also be found in foods such as meat and gelatin, in moisturizing creams or food supplements in capsules or powder.
This protein is very important to keep the cells firm and united, being not only important for the skin but also for other tissues but also for the integrity of the muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints, improving your health.
When should I use Collagen
Collagen supplements should be used when the concentration of this protein decreases in the body, causing symptoms such as:
- Decreased thickness of hair strands; Increased sagging and loss of skin elasticity; Emergence of wrinkles and expression lines; Stretch marks; Thin and dehydrated skin; Decreased bone density as in cases of osteopenia and osteoporosis for example; Weakening of joints and ligaments.
When these symptoms are present, supplementation with collagen supplements such as BioSlim or Collagen may be necessary, which will help to balance the levels of collagen in the body.
In addition, these collagen-rich products can be especially important after 50 years of age, when there is a drastic reduction in collagen production, which over time leads to an increasingly aging appearance. However, these products should only be used with the supervision of your doctor or nutritionist, as many hydrolyzed collagen supplements have a combination of different amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Main Benefits of Collagen
Some of the main benefits of collagen for the body are:
- Prevents the appearance of cellulite; Strengthens nails; Strengthens hair and improves its appearance; Decreases the appearance of stretch marks; Increases skin elasticity; Prevents and slows the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines.
In addition, since collagen gives skin firmness, in addition to preventing the appearance of cellulite, it also acts in its treatment, because with firmer skin the nodules of cellulite tend not to appear as much.
How to replace collagen
To restore collagen in the body, you can eat a diet rich in these nutrients, so it is important to consume foods rich in collagen such as:
- Red meats; White meats; Gelatin; Mocotó jelly.
The best way to combat aging and keep your skin firm, is to consume these foods or dietary supplements of hydrolyzed collagen daily in capsules, powder or tablets, which will help to restore collagen levels in the body. Learn more about collagen-rich foods and supplements at Collagen-rich foods.
However, it is necessary to always take collagen together with foods rich in vitamin C such as orange, kiwi, pineapple or papaya, as this vitamin is responsible for allowing the absorption of collagen by the body. Therefore, it is recommended to take the collagen capsules or the powder together with an orange or kiwi juice for example, to ensure that the collagen is properly absorbed by the body.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements can be taken in the form of capsules, tablets or powder, and some examples are:
- BioSlim Collagen, from Herbarium: Collagen powder that must be diluted in liquids before taking and costs about 20 reais; Collagen, from Performance Nutrition: Collagen in the form of capsules and costs an average of 35 reais; Hydrolyzed collagen, from Sanavita: powdered collagen supplement with zinc, vitamin A, C and E and its price varies between 30 and 50 reais.
These supplements can be purchased at pharmacies, health food stores, compounding pharmacies or online stores for example. In addition, treatment with these supplements should last for a minimum of 9 months, with a maximum daily dose of 9 g of collagen being recommended. See how hydrolyzed collagen treatment should be done in How to take Hydrolyzed Collagen.
