Why We Need Collagen! Part 1

Why We Need Collagen!
Part 1

Beauty and wellness is a booming industry. Everyone is always looking for the next best thing that experts and industry leaders have to offer. Like the next best workout and most effective supplement lines that will ultimately help with weight loss or weight gain, muscle toning, strength and conditioning, and the like. We always talk about being “beach ready,” which is important to most, but as we age, do we think about the other potential reasons why a healthy lifestyle is important?

The gym and meal prepping are vital to seeking a balance between mind, body, and soul; however, there are other nuances of the body that we need to pay attention to like our skin, teeth, nails, and internal organs. Someone may look ripped and healthy and skinny and fit, but what is presented on the outside also matches the inside condition?

While this article is to focus on the importance of collagen, we highlight products in COCORAU. We offer a list of powders and elixirs that change the beauty industry. I would recommend their line of immortal elixirs that would compliment your already chosen diet and supplement regimen. Our mission is to enhance beauty in a more refined and natural way. The skin is our biggest organ and who doesn’t want to be glowing 24/7?

First, let’s take a look at collagen and what it is overall. Collagen is one of the leading proteins that make up at least 90% of our body. Collagen is a popular nutritional supplement that also comes in the form of foods and serves as the “glue” that helps support the function and appearance of skin and joints. As we age, the collagen in our body breaks down and it gets harder for our body to produce. Typically when this happens, people start to take collagen supplements that can be a helpful alternative.

What are the Different Types of Collagen

In addition to being so vital to your joints and skin, collagen is a major component of our muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, blood vessels, corneas, and teeth. Essentially, like mentioned earlier, collagen is the binding factor for all of these parts of your body.

There are 16 different types of collagen that are broken out into 3 main categories. I’ve listed the 3 main groups below.

Type 1 collagen makes up 90% of your skin, nails, and hair as well as organs, bones, and ligaments. It can help avoid the notorious markers of aging skin like the stretching and thinning of this organ. In fact, studies have shown that type 1 collagen has been able to improve the thickness of the skin as well as function, appearance, and moisture content. Overall, Type 1 builds skin, bones, and tendon ligaments.

Type 2 collagen helps produce cartilage, flexible tissue between bones and the bones in your ears and nose. This type also helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Type 3 collagen is mainly support for the cardiovascular system. In fact, this type helps create muscles and blood vessels. It helps maintain the structure of your organs as well as your arteries.

What Foods Ignite Natural Collagen Production?

As I mentioned earlier, collagen is naturally produced in the body; however, as we age that process slows down. We can take collagen supplements as an alternative or even consume certain foods. Experts do believe that food should be the first choice before going to a genetically created substance. There are a number of different types of food that can be consumed to boost collagen production.

1. Egg whites

Egg whites have a high level of connective tissue just like a chicken but they also can be a great source of proline which is one of the necessary amino acids to collagen production.

2. Citrus fruits

Vitamin C comes directly from citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemons, oranges, and limes. It actually aids in the production of procollagen and is a critical nutrient to have in the body.

3. Tropical fruits

In addition to the citrus fruits, tropical fruits like guava, mango, kiwi, and pineapple play a critical role in collagen production.

4. Berries

Did you know that strawberries provide more vitamin C than oranges? Same with raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Berries are considered an antioxidant that helps prevent skin damage.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a popular spice to add to food; however, there is a nutritional benefit as it helps prevent the breakdown of collagen. Garlic has a high level of sulfur which is the component to preserving collagen levels in your body.

6. Leafy green plants

Kale, swiss chard, spinach, and other salad greens get their color from chlorophyll which is a component to collagen production in the body.

7. Beans

Beans are high in protein and contain a high level of amino acids that kick off the synthesis of collagen production. Additionally, this food group is rich in copper that also serves the production of collagen.

8. Tomatoes

Surprisingly, tomatoes contain vitamin C as well as lycopene that offers a powerful boost to collagen production.

9. Cashews

Cashews have zinc and copper, as mentioned above aid in the body’s ability to create collagen.

10. Bell peppers

Bell peppers, regardless of which color you choose to eat, have a high content of capsaicin which is an anti-inflammatory and contains a lot of vitamin C which ultimately is a component of collagen production.

What is so Wild about the Tremella Mushroom?

That is one of the main ingredients of our Superlative Beauty Elixir. They have been around for centuries and are known as a beauty-enhancing product. It helps keep skin looking smooth and young, but it also helps boost your immune system and lower inflammation.

Derived from ancient China, this mushroom has been around for over 2,000 years and has a prominent place in history with Chinese and Japanese herbalists.

They have always grown in the wild, until 1894 where herbalists truly understood the nutritional value of this mushroom. As known as the beauty superfood, this mushroom offers a lot of benefits to your skin and overall well-being.

1. Boosts the hydration of the skin and reduces wrinkles

2. High level of antioxidants

3. Reduces inflammation

4. Helps manage cholesterol

5. High level of Vitamin D

6. Support to the immune system

7. Have anti-cancer and anti-tumor agents

What Nutrients and Amino Acids Help Aid Collagen Production?

Vitamin C, zinc, proline, glycine, and copper are the most popular catalysts to help the production of collagen in the body. Below is the list of foods and sources these nutrients can be found in to help boost collagen production.

1. Copper can be found in cocoa powder, cashews, sesame seeds, lentils, and organ meats

2. Vitamin C can be found in bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and citrus fruits

3. Glycine can be found in gelatin, chicken, and pork skin as well as other protein-rich foods

4. Proline can be found in dairy products, egg whites, asparagus, and mushrooms

5. Zinc can be found in lamb, pork, beef, lentils, chickpeas, beans, milk, cheese, and a variety of seeds and nuts

Stay tuned for part 2 of our blog series about collagen.