From the previous two blog posts you should have a gist of what Collagen and INJA Life Collagen are. Just to recap; Collagen, especially type 1 is the most abundant protein found in our bodies. It is found in the hair, nails, skin, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, digestive tract, etc. It is essentially the ‘glue’ that helps hold the body together! INJA Life is a 100% natural Japanese, high quality, clinically tested, bio peptide extracted from the skin and scales of fish. It provides multidimensional benefits by regenerating cells that are required for a healthy active lifestyle!

As we age our body’s collagen production naturally starts reducing. This results in wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain and other problems related to growing old. Collagen supplements are therefore necessary to avoid such issues and this is where INJA Life comes in!

We have already mentioned all the areas in the body where collagen is required but to really highlight just how essential collagen is, we are going to list out all the benefits of taking a Collagen supplement like INJA Life.

• Skin

As collagen production declines, skin loses its elasticity. This results in wrinkles, loose skin and cellulite. Increasing collagen levels helps your skin cells keep renewing and repairing normally, so your skin looks firmer. It helps increase skin smoothness and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen increases the water absorbing capacity of the Strataum Corneum (outer most layer of the skin). It also reduces UVB induced damage. Collagen in the dermal layer usually “holds the fat in place”. Lack of collagen makes the skin thinner because of which cellulite is more prominent. Collagen increases your skin’s elasticity and reduces that dimpling on your skin.

• Hair

There are three things needed for healthy hair to grow: keratin, minerals and collagen! Many of the amino acids needed to make keratin are also found in hydrolyzed collagen. Therefore you can see that collagen is a basic building block for your hair. It can help in reducing and preventing hair loss. Collagen also improves quality of the hair.

• Eyes

Lack of collagen in the lens of the eye can result in the development of cataracts and can cause glaucoma. A cataract is clouding of the lens which results in loss of vision. One of the major factors of age related cataract is lack of collagen in the body. Glaucoma is a condition where the eye pressure increases because the normal drainage of fluid in and out of the eye is blocked. The weakening of collagen structures in the eye cause the eyeball to be supported improperly and prevent the fluids from being drained. As a result of which there is a build up of pressure.

• Bones and joints

Collagen is responsible for improving bone health and relieving joint pain. Several studies have shown that by taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements, you can prevent and relieve osteoporosis. Hydrolyzed collagen stimulates osteo-blasts (bone- creating cells) which build bone density. Our body maintains a healthy structural balance through the constant cycle of bone collagen destruction and recreation. Most osteoporosis medication works by blocking this natural process. This works for a short period of time but is considered unhealthy in the long run. What collagen supplements do is the opposite! They stimulate the body to create more bone collagen.

There are certain amino acids found in collagen like glycine and proline which help in repairing tissues, lessen inflammation and alleviate joint pain. The glycine in collagen also improves wound healing and makes the joints, tendons and ligaments more agile.

• Metabolism and Weight loss

A boost in collagen may helps increase your metabolism by adding lean muscle mass to your frame and helping with the conversion of essential nutrients. It also helps in weight loss. One study showed a 20% reduction of food intake after breakfast when collagen peptides were eaten at this time. The reduction in appetite paired with higher metabolism helps in weight loss and results in a healthier lifestyle

• Nails and Teeth

Collagen is building block for strong nails and teeth. If you have brittle nails, it is a sign to boost the collagen in your body. Oral health is absolutely essential. Collagen forms an important part of the structure of the teeth and the surrounding tissue i.e. gums and jaw. So for strong white teeth it is necessary to have sufficient collagen in your diet.

• Cardiovascular health

The walls of your arteries are mostly composed of collagen. The amino acid proline, which is found in collagen helps your artery walls release fat buildup in the bloodstream. It shrinks the fat in the arteries and minimises fat accumulation. Proline is needed for tissue repair in the arteries, also it helps control blood pressure. It is linked with the prevention of Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) as it helps our arteries stay clear of dangerous plaque buildup.

By now it should be evident just how important collagen is for the regular and healthy functioning of our bodies. Collagen supplements can be added to our diet to help maintain sufficient levels, even as we age.