First of all i just want share something from my searching about collagen.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein and is found in all body parts, including the largest organ of the body - the skin – and is made up of three strands of repeating amino acids coils coiling into the unique collagen triple helix.
Various types of collagen are found in the body and are required to build new cellular structures – like skin – and to repair any damage caused.
Types I, III and V are specific collagen types involved in the health of your skin.
Various types of collagen are found in the body and are required to build new cellular structures – like skin – and to repair any damage caused.
Types I, III and V are specific collagen types involved in the health of your skin.
What does collagen do?
Together with soft keratin, the collagen and elastin fibers are responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin – anddegradation of the collagen leads to aging and accompanying wrinkles.
What damages and destroys collagen?
With the onslaught of normal aging, the collagen in our skin is under attack and various factors hasten the degradation of collagen.
Sun tanning and sun exposure is one of the main culprits of collagen deterioration in our skin and inflammation also destroys collagen.
Large amounts of free radicals – which are formed during normal body functions (oxidation), can also destroy collagen – and here a person can specifically look at pollution and toxins in your environment, fat filled diet as well as cigarette smoking and consuming alcohol.
While on the point of cigarette smoking, it is important to note that the body requires vitamin C in order to make collagen – and without it, many things in your body will deteriorate at a hastened pace. Smoking kills off the ascorbic acid molecule – so if you cannot quit smoking, then maybe look at taking a supplement of vitamin C.
An excellent example of vitamin C shortage and its effect on collagen is the old English sailors that suffered scurvy, a shortage of vitamin C, which resulted first in loose teeth and ultimately death – since collagen could not be formed to keep the body together.
Although it may sound flippant to talk about physical appearance in the face of death, it would have been interesting to note the skin condition of these sailors – as a shortage of vitamin C would have shown very quickly in the tone and health of their skin.
Although a Finnish study could not detect morphological changes in the skin of smokers, they did find that type I and III collagen synthesis is decreased and the regulation of ECM turnover is altered in smokers, which may lead to deterioration of the tensile strength and resiliency of skin in the long term.
Sun tanning and sun exposure is one of the main culprits of collagen deterioration in our skin and inflammation also destroys collagen.
Large amounts of free radicals – which are formed during normal body functions (oxidation), can also destroy collagen – and here a person can specifically look at pollution and toxins in your environment, fat filled diet as well as cigarette smoking and consuming alcohol.
While on the point of cigarette smoking, it is important to note that the body requires vitamin C in order to make collagen – and without it, many things in your body will deteriorate at a hastened pace. Smoking kills off the ascorbic acid molecule – so if you cannot quit smoking, then maybe look at taking a supplement of vitamin C.
An excellent example of vitamin C shortage and its effect on collagen is the old English sailors that suffered scurvy, a shortage of vitamin C, which resulted first in loose teeth and ultimately death – since collagen could not be formed to keep the body together.
Although it may sound flippant to talk about physical appearance in the face of death, it would have been interesting to note the skin condition of these sailors – as a shortage of vitamin C would have shown very quickly in the tone and health of their skin.
Although a Finnish study could not detect morphological changes in the skin of smokers, they did find that type I and III collagen synthesis is decreased and the regulation of ECM turnover is altered in smokers, which may lead to deterioration of the tensile strength and resiliency of skin in the long term.
Glycosylation
During normal sugar metabolism (for instance glucose and fructose) binding can occur with a reactive aldehydes and/or ketones, which in turn, can attach itself to a free amino acid groups on proteins – collagen – and in degradation process is called non-enzymatic glycosylation.
This is also referred to as glycation or the Maillard reaction, which can reduce the skin’s elasticity. Studies have also found that diabetes contributes to chemical aging, which includes skin aging, via the Maillard reaction.
Inflammatory conditions also break down collagen – for instance, arthritis in joints and infections on the skin.
An enzyme found in the body, collagenase, causes the breakdown of collagen, and any systemic or topical help that will slow down the excessive action of collagenase should be used.
The body uses collagenase to remove excessive collagen build-up over a wound area – therefore collagenase in small quantities is required by the skin, but if present in excess, will hasten the destruction of healthy collagen.
Should excessive collagenase exist, mediation and balancing would have a positive effect on the skin.
This is also referred to as glycation or the Maillard reaction, which can reduce the skin’s elasticity. Studies have also found that diabetes contributes to chemical aging, which includes skin aging, via the Maillard reaction.
Inflammatory conditions also break down collagen – for instance, arthritis in joints and infections on the skin.
An enzyme found in the body, collagenase, causes the breakdown of collagen, and any systemic or topical help that will slow down the excessive action of collagenase should be used.
The body uses collagenase to remove excessive collagen build-up over a wound area – therefore collagenase in small quantities is required by the skin, but if present in excess, will hasten the destruction of healthy collagen.
Should excessive collagenase exist, mediation and balancing would have a positive effect on the skin.
This is 2nd info about collagen.
Collagen is a necessary protein found in abundance in the body. The human body would not have structure without it. Skin that has started to lose its elasticity, bones that are brittle and teeth that easily chip may be signs that collagen production is low. Understanding the nutritional makeup of collagen can help in deciding which dietary approach to embark upon to increase collagen production. A diet high in certain vitamins and minerals may provide stronger, more prevalent collagen in the body.
Identification
Collagen, according to Catherine T. Milne in the book, "Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Secrets," is a type of fibrous protein that is characterized by its ability to aggregate molecules into intricate arrangements. One molecule of collagen consists of three strands of protein. Each strand is twisted individually, and then three are twisted around each other, which is known as a triple helix. Chemical reactions lead collagen to line up end-to-end and side-by-side, creating strong fibers used throughout the body.
Function
Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, according to Paul Insel in the book, "Nutrition." This protein gives skin and bone their elastic strength, and is the most fibrous protein in the body. Collagen is also the major constituent of connective tissue, forming the foundation for bones and teeth, and maintaining the structure of blood vessels and other tissues.
Nutrition
Collagen is created from several nutrients, enzymes and cofactors, which is why getting proper nutrition is so important for collagen development. According to Shawn Talbott in the book, "Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection," amino acids are used by the body to produce collagen. Cofactors that go into making collagen include vitamins C, D, E and B-complex, as well as the minerals copper, zinc, manganese and silicon.
Potential
Certain foods and herbs can also help improve nutrition in the body in order to boost collagen production. Talbott notes that bromelain, boswellia, green tea, grape seed and gotu kola may help to enhance the process of connective-tissue maintenance by reducing inflammation and improving circulation, allowing for strengthened collagen.
Considerations
Collagen supplements are easily found at health food stores, but they are not necessarily the best way to improve production, and may in fact, be harmful. Increasing foods which contain the vitamins listed above, including C, D, E and B-complex and the minerals copper, zinc, manganese and silicon is a better way to increase collagen in the body.
This is 3rd info about collagen.
Deriving its name from the Greek word kolla, collagen is indeed a vital element that helps to keep the body functioning. Fortunately, there are a number of foods that help to support the creation of collagen within our bodies. Here are a few examples of the many different foods that provide the building blocks for the collagen production.
Soy products such as soymilk and cheese contain an element known as genistein. The presence of genistein gives soy products their collagen production qualities, as swell as helping to block enzymes that tend to break down and age the skin. Just about any soy product contains enough genistein to be helpful, including soy products that have been developed as substitutes for meat products.
Dark green vegetables are also excellent examples of foods containing collagen producing agents. Rich in Vitamin C, regular consumption of kale, spinach, collards, and asparagus helps to strengthen the body’s ability to manufacture collagen and to utilize the protein effectively.
Red fruits and vegetables also are excellent sources to up the collagen content of foods in the diet. The presence of lycopenes in these types of foods helps to act as antioxidants, which in turn increases collagen production. Try adding rep peppers, beets, and fresh or stewed tomatoes to the diet. In like manner, darker berries, such as blueberries and blackberries also help to boost the antioxidant level in the body and stimulate the production of collagen.
The presence of omega acids also helps to create an ideal environment for collagen production. Fish such as salmon and tuna are excellent sources of omega fatty acids. Nuts such as cashews, pecans, almonds and Brazil nuts contain healthy amounts as well. For a snack that promotes healthy production of collagen, try making an avocado dip. Avocados contain the same omega fatty acids as fish, and digest just as easily.
Foods that are rich in sulfur content are also important to collagen production. Among these are green and black olives, fresh cucumbers, and fresh stalks of celery. Working in conjunction with the sulfur, vegetables that are rich in Vitamin A also aid in keeping collagen levels high. Try adding raw carrots, fresh cantaloupe and baked sweet potatoes to the diet for an extra boost.
One of the key points to keep in mind is that it is possible to provide everything your body needs to produce collagen by eating a balanced diet. By including some of the foods mentioned here, you will soon begin to see a difference in the quality of your skin tone, as well as have an improved sense of overall health.
Sources: http://www.livestrong.com/article/341942-nutritional-value-of-collagen-protein/#ixzz2RYQByM9t
http://www.wisegeek.org/which-foods-contain-the-most-collagen.htm
http://www.dhro.org/Database14.html
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