The Power of Collagen in Your Body
Collagen is a protein that has been celebrated for its health benefits for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the West, it gained recognition much later, primarily in the 19th century. Even today, most people associate collagen with the cosmetic and plastic surgery industries.
A Vital Protein for Our Body
Collagen serves many essential functions. It makes up 75% of our skin, 80% of our connective tissues (organs, muscles, tendons, blood vessels), and 60% of our cartilage. It provides strength, elasticity, and regeneration for the tissues that support our body. You could think of it as a type of "cellular glue."
As we age, our body's natural collagen production starts to slow down, particularly after the age of 30. This decline becomes even more drastic after 50, contributing to aging, muscle atrophy, and issues with bones and joints such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Boosting Collagen Naturally
To enhance your body's collagen production naturally, consider incorporating certain "collagen-boosting" micronutrients into your diet:
- Sulfur: Found in abundance in meat, organ meats, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), garlic, nuts, and seeds.
- Vitamins A, C, E: These antioxidants are prevalent in red and orange fruits, leafy green vegetables, avocados, nuts, and dairy products.
- Zinc: Found in seafood, eggs, meats, and seeds.
Recognizing the Signs of Collagen Deficiency
As we age, we all experience a decrease in collagen production. Here's how you can spot the signs of a deficiency:
- Looser, wrinkling skin
- Dry mucous membranes, leading to dry eyes or vaginal dryness
- Thinner, drier hair
- Joint pain
- Degenerative bone and joint diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis
- Inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatism
To slow down this decline, maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
Marine Collagen: A Highly Bioavailable Option
Collagen can be derived from various animal sources like cows, pigs, or fish. There are also vegan collagen options, which stimulate the body to produce collagen indirectly.
Among these, marine collagen (sourced from fish scales, bones, and skin) is considered to have the best absorption rates and bioavailability due to its smaller particle size. That's why at Parantaga, we've chosen hydrolyzed Type 1 fish collagen for our Collagen Beauty Superpowder. It's the dominant collagen type in our skin (85-90%) and is combined with acerola and sea buckthorn berries, which are rich in Vitamin C, a powerful collagen synthesis activator that also fights free radicals.
With our supplement, your skin will be protected and regenerated, making it an ideal choice to combat aging.
