THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO COLLAGEN (AND WHY YOU NEED THIS POTENT INGREDIENT)
Have you heard about collagen and wondered, “Why all the fuss?”
Maybe you discovered this ingredient when searching for answers…
A way to soothe tender joints.
A supplement that promotes a perfect physique, supercharging muscle gain and fat loss.
Or as an antidote for skin aging…
The research into this safe, natural protein is exciting. And yes, the benefits include relief for these problems and more.
But before we dive into the advantages of collagen, let’s look at what it is and its different types. Then, at the end of this article we’ll share the best form of collagen and where you can find it.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most plentiful protein found in animals, including humans.
As we said in our article, Benefits of Marine Collagen, “It forms crucial components in bone, cartilage, skin, and other types of connective tissues. Without collagen, we would struggle to stand, move and remain hydrated.” Yes, collagen is that important!
Collagen is a fiber-like protein. Its remarkable qualities allow various capabilities. That’s why it has structural roles, mechanical properties, and the ability to organize and shape tissues. That’s also why collagen is crucial for bones, cartilage, muscles, skin, and tendons.
Most commonly, collagen forms strong lengthy strands. Think of these strands like the cables of a suspension bridge. Tough with a little stretch.
The different types of collagen
To be accurate, we should use the word collagens rather than collagen. There are many types within this family; twenty-eight to be precise.
In the human body there are five key types:
— Collagen I is found in connective tissues. Within blood vessel walls, bones, skin, teeth, and tendons
— Collagen II forms the major structural part of hyaline cartilage; the cartilaginous surface that covers the bone on the inside of the joints. Type II is also found within the intervertebral discs, and the lens, retina, and sclera of the eye
— Collagen III is (mainly) found supporting organs. For example, it is within the blood vessel and intestinal walls, lungs, and skin
— Collagen IV is found in the basement membrane zone of the skin; where the skin’s two layers — the epidermis and the dermis — meet. Damage here (including loss of collagen) is one of the reasons that our skin ages
— Collagen V has slender fibers that contribute to bone and the cornea, and to the interstitial matrix (the fluid-filled space) of the muscles, liver, lungs, and placenta.
As you can see there are various types of collagen, each one playing a crucial, unique role in sustaining human health.
Collagens affect almost every aspect of wellbeing: from sight to blood flow, joint suppleness to spinal health, the depth and ease of your breath, to the youthfulness of your skin.
What benefits do collagens deliver?
There are so many!
Because collagens are involved in many tissues, these proteins have broad-ranging benefits.
Let’s look at three major benefits: improved joint form and function, enhanced physique, and younger looking (and feeling) skin.
Healthier, happier joints
Joint pain is a common, potentially disabling problem.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 58.5 million American adults are diagnosed every year with a disease that causes joint pain: arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus (‘lupus’), for example.
Then there are the millions of people without a diagnosis who hurt nonetheless; athletes, regular folk, the older and younger and everyone in between.
Wonderfully, collagen may act as an antidote; able to both soothe pain and restore function.
A 24-week study investigated supplementation with collagen hydrolysate in athletes with no evidence of joint disease. The authors found improvements in joint pain at rest, when standing and walking, and when running in a straight line and changing direction.
The benefits of collagen for joint health appears to result from three factors:
— Protection of the cartilage-producing cells (chondrocytes)
— Preventing the death of chondrocytes within the joints (anti-apoptotic effects), and
— Anti-inflammatory properties
These three factors may be why collagen can be beneficial in joint disease. As the authors of an article published in the journal, International Orthopedics, found, collagen supplementation improved:
— WOMAC index (a tool that assesses joint function, pain, and stiffness), and
— VAS score (a tool that scores pain intensity)
Given collagen's safety, its ability to reduce pain and improve function in arthritic conditions should be known widely. Its therapeutic effects are much needed!
The perfect physique: how to supercharge muscle gain and fat loss
Gaining muscle is tough. So is shedding unwanted pounds. Dedication and grit are needed to supercharge physique. But, there may be a cheat.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition investigated the impact of collagen supplementation in a randomized controlled trial. Two groups of older men undertook a 12-week resistance training program. In addition, one group was given a post-exercise collagen supplement and the other a post-exercise placebo (“sugar pill”).
The researchers found that, when compared with placebo, collagen supplementation “improved body composition by increasing [fat free mass], muscle strength and the loss [of fat mass].”
Yes, collagen supplementation increased muscle mass and shredded fat. No extra effort was needed!
Youthful, healthy skin
Would you love skin that felt and looked fantastic?
Collagen could be your answer!
A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that collagen supplementation increased “skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density” and displayed “anti-aging efficacy”. The authors also identified benefits for wound healing.
Collagen, then, promotes a gorgeous difference in skin’s firmness, plumpness, and youthfulness.
Beauty truly is more than skin deep.
Where to find high-quality collagen?
Have we piqued your interest?
Good! The research — including the studies discussed above — prove that collagen is a remarkable, health-building protein.
A collagen supplement added to your daily routine may protect and soothe your joints, build muscle, shed body fat, and promote gorgeous, youthful skin. But as with all supplements, quality matters.
At Onest, we only produce premium products. Products formulated to make a profound difference. That’s why our collagen contains only marine collagen. There are no additives, preservatives, or fillers. Just 100% collagen!
That’s why our customers leave rave reviews. As Tonya R said, “I have used other collagens but none compare to this! I have noticed a clear difference in my hair, nails and skin. Onest products never disappoint!”
The collagen takeaway
Collagens contribute to a diverse array of tissues and organs. They are key to remaining healthy and gorgeous. In addition, supplementation has proven effective for a multitude of challenges and conditions.
From happier, healthier joints to muscle gain, fat loss, and youthful, beautiful skin, supplementing with collagen is science-backed, sensible, and effective.
Grab your premium Onest Collagen now!