The best sources and surprising connections of collagen

It's more than just a beauty supplement - collagen's impact on health is wide-ranging. Whether you're looking to improve your athletic performance, boost gut health, or increase your collagen intake through diet, this protein has a number of benefits worth exploring. Don't forget to eat a varied and balanced diet rich in natural sources of collagen and consider supplementing when the demands on your body increase.

Why is it important to ensure adequate collagen intake through diet? So what are the best dietary sources of collagen?

The best sources of collagen:

• Bone broth: This nutritious drink is rich in collagen, minerals and amino acids. It is brewed from bones and connective tissues, allowing for the extraction of collagen.
  
• Fish collagen: Fish, especially those eaten with the skin, are an excellent source of collagen. Fish collagen is more easily absorbed and may have benefits for the skin.
  
• Chicken: Chicken, including skin and cartilage, contains high amounts of collagen, especially type II, which is beneficial for joints.
  
• Eggs: Egg whites and shells contain procollagen, a precursor to collagen, which promotes its production in the body.
  
• Gelatin: This food product, derived from collagen, is often used in a variety of desserts and has many benefits for joint and skin health.

Collagen and athletes: improving performance and recovery

Athletes and physically active individuals are often looking for ways to improve their performance and speed recovery. Collagen is one supplement that can play a key role in this process.

Benefits of collagen for athletes:

• Joint and Tendon Health: Collagen promotes the strength and flexibility of joints and tendons, which is key to preventing injuries and improving performance.
  
• Muscle regeneration: Collagen contains amino acids such as glycine and proline, which are important for muscle recovery and reducing inflammation after intense training.
  
• Improving flexibility: Regular intake of collagen can increase flexibility and mobility, which is essential for athletes.
  
• Bone Strengthening: Collagen is important for bone health because it helps increase the density of bone tissue and reduces the risk of fractures.

Collagen and gut health: a surprising connection

Collagen is not only beneficial for skin and joints, but it can also have a significant impact on gut health. How can collagen contribute to better digestion and overall gut health?

The impact of collagen on gut health:

• Intestinal mucosal support: collagen contains amino acids such as glutamine that help to restore and maintain a healthy intestinal lining, which is key to preventing leaky gut syndrome.
  
• Reducing inflammation: collagen can reduce inflammation in the gut, which is beneficial for people with various intestinal disorders such as IBS or Crohn's disease.
  
• Promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria: Collagen can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which contributes to the overall health of the digestive system.
  
• Hydration of the intestinal wall: Collagen improves the hydration and elasticity of the intestinal wall, which can promote better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Although our bodies produce collagen naturally, its production decreases with age. Collagen is a protein that forms the basic building block of our skin, hair, nails, bones and joints. Therefore, it is important to ensure sufficient intake of collagen through diet.