Collagen is a protein responsible for healthy joints and skin strength and elasticity. It’s in your bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue, gut wall and blood, comprising three quarters of your skin and a third of the protein in your body. 

The Different Types of Collagen 

Researcher has identified 28 different types of collagen. Yet over 90% of the body’s collagen is type 1. Type 1 collagen minimizes fine lines, wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration. Great levels can be found in marine collagen. Type 2 collagen makes up the majority of the protein molecules in cartilage, connective tissue, bones and joints. A great source of this type of collages comes from organic bone broth. Type 3 collagen is found in large quantities in the gut, muscles, blood and uterus. It is often used with type 1 collagen for gut healing and to improve skin hydration and elasticity. Bovine collagen is a great source of type 1 and 3 collagen. 

Nutrients required for collagen production 

Collagen is produced naturally in the body by combining amino acids the building blocks of proteins found in food. 
To produce collagen, your body needs: 
Proline: found in egg white, dairy, cabbage, mushrooms and asparagus. 
Glycine: found in pork skin, chicken skin, and gelatin. 
Vitamin C: found in citrus fruits and bell peppers. 
Zinc: found in beef, lamb, pork, shellfish, chickpeas, lentils, beans, dairy, nuts and seeds. 
Copper: found in organ meats, cocoa powder, cashews, sesame seeds and lentils.ck on this text to edit it. 

Collagen density over the years 

Past the age of 30, your existing collagen naturally begins to diminish and this decline greatly accelerates after the menopause, becoming harder for your body to keep up with the turn over. By the time we have reached the age of 60 we have half as much collagen as we did at twenty. In addition, our ability to synthesis new collagen drops by 75%. As a result, it can be beneficial to supplement the body with additional collagen. Several clinical trials have shown that supplementing collagen can increase skin elasticity and improve hydration. In one study women aged 40-60 supplemented with collagen for eight weeks and showed an average increase in skin hydration and 91% of subjects reported that their skin was less dry. Within the dermis, there are structures called sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum that helps to keep our skin moisturized. Collagen helps to support the sebaceous gland along with other structures in the dermis. 
 
Nails have also shown to benefit greatly from supplementation of collagen, with an increase in nail growth and decreased nail fragility 

Collagen and UV light 

Collagen breakdown is a key part of the aging process. As our cells age, their ability to produce collagen diminishes. Scientists have determined that 50% of our collagen decline is due to aging, but a further 30% of this loss is due to breakdown of collagen by UV exposure. Scientists have linked UV rays to an increase of collagen-degrading enzymes in our skin. Repeated UV exposure has been linked to aging effects on the skin, including wrinkle formation, decreased hydration and decreased collagen content. Interestingly, research found that supplementing with collagen peptides reduced skin damage when exposed to UV light. 

Dermalux LED Light Therapy Stimulates Collagen Production 

LED red light is absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, reaching the skins powerhouse or mitochondria, which is responsible for the production of cellular energy. Red light supercharges our cells causing a cascade of skin enhancing effects, including the acceleration of cell renewal and boosting collagen and elastin synthesis. 
You can learn more by visiting our LED light therapy page. 

Collagen and the Gut 

The lining of your gut is only one cell thick and can become damaged, ripped or torn. If these tears get infected, it can result in a condition called diverticulitis. Small amounts of damage plus the regeneration of the gut lining occurs on an ongoing basis. Your body uses collagen to repair these rips and tears and knit together the tight junctions of the gut. 

Collagen Absorption 

Collagen is composed of 18 amino acids, organised into long chains polypeptides, and tightly coiled into a ‘triple helix’ to create incredibly strong, flexible and tensile collagen fibres. However collagen is too big to cross the gut wall and can be hard work for the digestive juices to break down into units small enough to get absorbed. 
 
Ancient and Brave bovine Type 1 and 3 hydrolysed collagen peptides are broken down into tripeptides and dipeptides and into the molecular size small enough to be readily absorbed across the gut wall, into the bloodstream and onto target cells. The product is odourless, tasteless and water soluble. It can be add to any drink, smoothie, broth, soup or stew. Essential for you beauty rituals and physical wellbeing collagen can also be found in Ancient and Brave cacao and coffee blends. 
 
Ancient and Brave also offer vegan based alternatives to bovine and marine collagen. These products are made up of collagen specific amino acids and supportive botanicals for collagen synthesis.  
To conclude, collagen is the “glue” that holds our bodies together. It is the most abundant protein in our body, found in tendons, bones, muscles, skin, blood vessels and the digestive system. Regular treatments such has LED light therapy along with daily supplementation can help to strengthen and support these structures. 
If you have any questions about our services or would like to purchase some ancient and brave products, do not hesitate to get in touch
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