Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, especially type 1 collagen. It's found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. Collagen benefits are so striking because this protein is what helps give our skin strength and elasticity. When it comes to our joints and tendons, collagen has been described as the "glue" that helps hold the body together.
Collagen is a fibrous protein made by special cells in the connective tissue. It features four key amino acids or building blocks that help form collagen's fibre-like structure. Collagen offers structural support and tensile strength to many body tissues. It also promotes skin elasticity and hydration to support softer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
The secret to youthful skin: Your body absorbs collagen peptides in groups of two or three amino acids. Researchers believe that these smaller compounds travel through the body and reach target tissues, like cartilage or skin, where they support collagen-producing cells.
The body is constantly at work rebuilding the tissue of joints, ligaments, tendons, bone and skin, etc. This rebuilding process cannot take place without collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, and the building block of the extracellular matrix of fibre-like tissue structures throughout the body. Supplementing the body with collagen provides joints, connective tissue, hair, skin and nails with the building blocks each needs to remain healthy, strong and youthful.
What are the benefits of collagen supplementation?
Our body's collagen production naturally begins to slow down as we age. This leads to signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging skin and joint pain due to weaker or decreased cartilage. Some lifestyle factors, such as eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, smoking and high amounts of sun exposure, also contribute to depleting collagen levels.
Research shows that supplementation with collagen peptides has a positive influence on skin elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplementation has also been shown to support joint health and improve subjective well-being. Preliminary studies also support the benefits of collagen on gut health.
Features and benefits of Nature's Sunshine Products (NSP) Collagen:
- Helps to reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
- Improves the health of skin and hair.
- Helps maintain the health, strength and youthfulness of tissue structures throughout the body.
- Sourced from the finest, grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. This ensures that you receive the highest quality, natural, sustainably sourced collagen in the world.
- Certified non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, Keto-friendly and Paleo-friendly.
- Supplements the body's collagen production with collagen peptides and amino acids. Source of essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine for the maintenance of good health and involved in protein synthesis. Non-essential amino acids: alantine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine involved in protein synthesis.
- Contains an electrolyte blend of potassium chloride and sea salt.
Recommendations (adults): 8.6 g once a day. Mix half a scoop (8.6 g) into coffee, tea, smoothies, fruit juice and more. Because it's odourless and tasteless it can be used in recipes. Store in an airtight container, protected from light, heat and moisture. Use for at least 5 months to see maximum beneficial effects.
Questions you may have about NSP Collagen
How soon should I start seeing and feeling the benefits of Collagen?
Each person's body reacts to and absorbs collagen differently. In clinical studies, the benefits of collagen supplementation have been seen over a period of 1-2 months.
Doesn't mixing it with hot beverages denature Collagen?
The denaturation temperature of bovine-derived collagen is 219.4°C (427°F). The optimum temperature for serving hot beverages is between 70.5°C (159°F) and 84.4°C (184°F). And this is a collagen hydrolysate, not the native protein, so mixing collagen with coffee should not affect its efficacy.
Why is Collagen hydrolyzed?
NSP Collagen is hydrolyzed collagen - meaning the collagen has been broken down into smaller collagen peptides for improved bioavailability. Collagen peptides offer a clean, effective source of pure protein. Studies have shown that when collagen hydrolysate is taken orally, it is absorbed as di- and tri-peptides (two or three amino acids) typically rich in hydroxyproline. These smaller peptides are believed to enter circulation and reach target tissues like skin or cartilage where they help support collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts).
Dr. Josh Axe, a well-known health expert, endorses hydrolyzed collagen supplements as follows:
"So, do we necessarily need collagen supplements to make sure we're getting enough collagen in our diet? In other words, do collagen supplements work? The answer to both questions is yes. Because of their shorter chain length, versatility and high bioavailability, collagen peptides are a great option if you're looking to start supplementing with collagen in your diet. Look for terms like 'collagen peptides,' 'collagen hydrolysate' or 'hydrolyzed collagen' on the ingredients label of your supplement to ensure you're getting the real deal."
Note that Dr. Axe has enumerated the precise qualities of NSP Collagen!
What are the main sources of collagen?
NSP Collagen is only sourced from the finest, non-GMO, grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. This ensures that you receive the highest quality, natural, sustainably sourced collagen in the world. Clinical studies have been performed using both bovine and fish collagen. Individuals allergic to fish may prefer to use bovine collagen.
What are Type I and Type III collagens?
Based on their structure and ability to organize themselves, collagens are categorized into at least 26 types. Both Type I and III are fibril-forming collagens.
Type I collagen is the most abundant form of collagen protein. It is a major constituent of skin and bones. It is also found in tendons, ligaments, the cornea, the intestinal wall and heart valves.
What other types of collagen are there?
Other types of collagen include:
- Type II - cartilage, vitreous
- Type IV - basement membrane
- Type V - lung, cornea, bone and fetal membranes.
I'm very enthusiastic about this fantastic new product and I hope you will try it for at least a few months, so you can see its full benefits.
