Collagen supplements are a hot topic right now, and for good reason. Collagen is an amazing nutrient which helps to optimise overall health and provide essential amino acids responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the body. There are 28 different types of collagen, with type I, II, and III being the most common. Together, these three types of collagen are responsible for the health of your skin, hair, bones, teeth, tendons, ligaments, and organs (type I ), your cartilage (type II ), and your muscles and blood vessels (type III ).
What are the health benefits of collagen?
More and more people are now supplementing with collagen supplement powders and tablets because of the many associated health benefits, such as improved skin health (in particular, better elasticity and a reduction in wrinkles ), thicker hair, longer nails, and stronger bones. It has been shown to support muscle repair too.
It is important that you are obtaining enough dietary collagen through your diet to support your overall health, especially to contribute towards healthy ageing. As we age our natural collagen levels decline, starting in our twenties. Supplementing with collagen peptides can help to keep your collagen levels at a healthy level.
The main types of collagen supplements
1. Marine: Marine collagen is a dietary supplement made by extracting collagen from the bones, skin, or scales of fish. It mostly comprises type I collagen - the main collagen found in the human body. Marine collagen is similar in size to human collagen. This means it can be more bioavailable and easier to absorb into key areas of the body such as skin, hair, bones, teeth, tendons, ligaments, and organs.
It has a smaller molecular structure which some believe can be easier to digest. This may be beneficial to those who may be taking collagen for digestive associated issues, for example leaky gut.
2. Bovine: Bovine collagen is made by extracting the collagen from the hide of the cattle and is most commonly found in a powdered form. When searching for a bovine collagen, Evergreen Healthfoods would recommend sourcing a good quality product where the cattle have been grass-fed and have not been exposed to antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides. This is important.
The main difference between marine and bovine collagen is the types of collagen they contain; bovine collagen mainly comprises type I and type III collagen which are both abundant in the human body, whereas type I is more prevalent in marine collagen.
How to use collagen
It is available in both tablet form and powders, depending on the type and brand. Collagen powders are very easy to add into the diet. Try adding it to hot or cold drinks, soups or stews. Check out the range of collagen supplements available in all eight Galway-based Evergreen Healthfoods stores, and online at evergreen.ie
