Collagen is a protein of different types, necessary for the human body, and according to its nature it adapts to different areas of the body. As explained by the portal of the organization KidsHealth, this could “strengthen bones, allow skin and tendons to stretch, and aid healing after injury,” among others.
In that sense, collagen mainly helps the bones and skin with their structure, as well as their elasticity and strength. This protein is important because, in addition to being present in the skin, it is also present in the nails, bones, ligaments, and tendons. Each layer of the skin has connective tissue, which is made up of several layers of collagen, to provide support. Also, these layers contain elastin fiber, which provide strength and elasticity.
“It is a protein made by cells called fibroblasts and is present in all animals and also in the human body”, explained Rocío Escalante, pharmacist and expert in Dermopharmacy for the CuidatePlus medium, stating that in addition to humans, collagen would also be important for animals.
Among the foods that most produce or help the production of collagen in the body are those that contain amino acids glycine (gelatin) and proline (eggs and dairy).
Eating foods rich in vitamin C is another way to naturally produce collagen. Some of these fruits are strawberries, kiwi, guava and citrus. The consumption of meat and seafood, which are high-quality proteins, can also be included in the daily diet.
“Eat foods with good proteins in a reasonable way –meat, eggs and fish–some dairy and also vegetables such as legumes, nuts, seitan, and soybeans and their derivatives (tempeh, tofu), which have the most complete protein in the plant world”, explains Ana Molina for the medium The vanguardreferring to the foods that they must consume to have a high percentage of collagen in their body.
In addition, this professional added to the media that it was important not only to consume meat from different animals to obtain the necessary collagen for the body, since this would cause more fat to be consumed than expected for the body, but rather a balance with another type of vegetable protein.
Meanwhile, Green Planet Shop highlights the different types of collagen that exist and the use of each of them type 1 collagen, which means 90% of the skin, hair, nails, organs, bones and ligaments. This is the most recommended for the prevention of wrinkles and signs of aging.
Type 2 collagen is what makes up cartilage. As explained The universe this is what experts recommend to relieve pain or discomfort in cartilage, while type 3 collagen is found in bones, cartilage, tendons and other connective tissues. It is very important to keep the organs in an optimal state, indicates the website.
Thus, to stimulate collagen production, factors that damage the skin must be counteracted. Exposure to ultraviolet rays and pollutants such as cigarette smoke, either directly or indirectly, should be avoided.