A collagen supplement is a powerful combination of natural substances designed to enhance the body's production of collagen.
This is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for about 35% of the protein content and as much as 70% of the protein in our skin.
It consists of amino acids bonded together into fibers to form connective tissue that provides structural support, strength, elasticity, and protective coverings throughout the body.
It is an essential component of muscles, tendons, bones, teeth, blood vessels, skin, hair and nails, and is often considered the 'glue' that holds all these structures together.
As a result, collagen plays a vital role in our health, performance, and appearance. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen and the quality of the collagen that they do produce is poorer. It is estimated that we begin to lose about 1% of our collagen per year in our mid-20s, and a woman can lose as much as 30% during the first five years of menopause. The visible effects of this loss of collagen are sagging skin and wrinkles.
Wounds also heal less quickly.
You may experience a loss of flexibility as tendons and ligaments stiffen, and become weaker as muscle mass is lost.
Less obvious is the weakening of the cartilage in our joints which is accompanied by a reduction in collagen, which is involved in the development of osteoarthritis.
How do our diet and lifestyle affect our collagen levels?
In order for the body to produce collagen, we need to supply it with the right nutrients.
This includes consuming adequate amounts of high-quality protein from sources such as meat, fish and dairy products.
Or if you eat a plant-based diet, soy, lentils, chickpeas, various beans, spirulina, and quinoa can all give you the protein you need. Other less obvious but still essential nutrients include: Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin found in large amounts in citrus fruits, strawberries, red bell peppers, kale, and broccoli.
The amino acid Proline, which is a component of most proteins, especially collagen.
Good sources include eggs, meat, dairy, avocados, wheat germ, and oatmeal.
Glycine, an amino acid found in large amounts in unsweetened gelatin, soy, turkey, wheat germ cereals, pork skin, and chicken skin.
The mineral copper, found in many foods, including raw kale, shiitake mushrooms, spirulina, organ meats such as liver, nuts and seeds, lobster, and dark chocolate.
We should also avoid consuming a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, as these can reduce the body's ability to produce and repair collagen.
Other lifestyle factors can also affect our collagen levels. For example, smoking and excessive sun exposure both inhibit collagen production.
What are the benefits of a collagen supplement?
Ripped8's key ingredients have been scientifically shown to provide a number of potential health and performance benefits. These include, but are not limited to:
Collagen Increase Muscle Mass
Increase Muscle Strength
Enlarge Improve recovery after training
Improving tissue repair after injury
Reduce joint pain
Reduce oxidative stress
Reduce inflammation
Improving bone health
Improving skin health and appearance
Improving hair health and appearance
Improving nail health
