Collagen is the protein that forms connective fibers in tissues such as skin, ligaments, cartilage, bones and teeth. Collagen also acts as a kind of intracellular “glue” that gives support, shape and bulk to blood vessels, bones, and organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver. Collagen fibers keep bones and blood vessels strong, and help to anchor our teeth to our gums. The repair of blood vessels, bruises, and broken bones require the use of collagen. As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen accounts for more mass than all the other proteins put together. But, is collagen something that we should be concerned with having to replenish on a daily basis? Read on to learn why collagen and gelatin are important, and how you can have a leg-up to a little known health crisis that is becoming more common, every day.
What is collagen?
- A protein that forms connective tissue
- Gives support to shape and bulk blood vessels, bones, other organs
- Keeps bones and blood vessels strong
- Anchors teeth to our gums
- Repairs blood vessels, bruises, broken bones
- Most abundant protein in the body
Food and Disease Correlation
We’ve seen isolated incidents of diseases becoming rampant because of things that have occurred, such as chemicals being released into our environment. But when an entire nation suffers from heart disease, obesity, depression, inflammatory arthritic disease, we have to consider that something more wide spread -something that affects all of us– is to blame. And generally, these problems are directly related to our diet. When we eat good, we feel good; when we eat bad we get sick- right? Or, is it not that simple?
The elimination of collagen from our diets may be causing a host of problems. Humans have eaten meat for all of history, but today we eat in a much different way than years prior. Humans used to eat all of the animal; now we only eat portions. In today’s typical American society, we’ve come to associate eating the “odd” parts of animals as taboo. We pick certain cuts of meat and hardly ever eat the skin, hearts, gizzards, etc. The problem with that is that all of these parts are beneficial to our health, and carry significant minerals and nutrients. However, these missing nutrients may be a link to many of the problems within our health today.
Collagen Deficient
Our bodies are primarily composed of water, protein, fat, and bone. Metabolically speaking, fat and bone stay relatively consistent, while water and protein fluctuate. Amino acids string together to form proteins that control many different processes in the body. Glucose is used as our primary energy source, but if glucose levels are low or unavailable, the body begins breaking down proteins for energy. Collagen makes up 50% of the protein in our bodies.
Human Growth Hormone
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is what some call the real fountain of youth- it helps to build muscle, burn fat, makes your skin look younger, and gives you a stronger immune system and more energy. The problem is, it’s mostly unattainable for most of the world, due to how expensive it is. Gelatin is believed to release HGH, without the high price tag of buying HGH. Gelatin helps to reduce stress, fight tumors, soothe intestinal tracts, and support the thyroid system. This is due to gelatin containing high concentrations of the amino acids glycine and proline.
Gelatin Treatment in Different Diseases
If these benefits were not enough, collagen also helps aide in fighting many different diseases. Gelatin may have some therapeutic benefits for those suffering from muscular diseases, and helps aide with pain management. Digestive disorders may also be helped by improving digestive tone. There are also proven benefits for patients suffering from diabetes, as gelatin helps maintain insulin levels. Those suffering from bone and joint disorders will also find many benefits by using gelatin.
Product Recommendation
Great Lakes Gelatin is a company that supplies both collagen and gelatin supplements. Two of their flagship products are the powder based Collagen Hydrolysate and Beef Gelatin. Both have the exact same health benefits and amino acid profile.
Collagen Hydrolysate is cold liquid soluble, meaning it will dissolve in either hot or cold liquids, making it a perfect addition to yogurts, smoothies, oatmeal, soups, etc. Their Unflavored Gelatin is also a pure protein that has all the same benefits as the hydrolysate. The unflavored gelatin dissolves best in warm or room temperature liquids. What makes Great Lakes Gelatin unique is its high composition of amino acids- alanine, glycine, and proline– that you won’t find in other supplements. This is the same collagen that can be naturally found in your skin, bones, and cartilage, and can naturally be replenished with hydrolyzed collagen. Both these products are clean and kosher and you can trust that you are getting the highest level of quality in this dietary supplement.
If you are trying to heal your body naturally, have you tried going organic? Here is some info on Why You Need To Be Part of the Organic Revolution.
Photo Credits: EveryAvenueGirl
