Collagen is a type of protein in your body that gives skin its structure, suppleness, and stretch. There are many types of collagen, but our body mainly consists of type 1, 2, and 3. Yes, the human body produces collagen naturally, however as we age, we produce less collagen in our skin every year hence the tendency toward wrinkles and thinning skin we see the older we get. It begins to deplete from age 25 leading to creaky joints and saggy skin.
The myth: Collagen Shots are only for women.
The lowdown:
Collagen is often associated with glowing skin or getting a youthful complexion. So, typically women use collagen products more than men. However, aside from being a big phenomenon in the beauty world, collagen has a host of health benefits for your body particularly in areas like muscles, joints and even digestion.
Collagen can be a useful ally in muscle recovery and fighting off anti-aging signs such as hair thinning, achy joints, and low energy. Naturally, as you age, collagen levels begin to drop, and therefore by supplementing collagen into your diet, you can boost your collagen levels and reap the benefits.
Here are some reasons why everyone, especially men, should increase their collagen intake:
- Promotes gut health
- Supports joint health and reduce joint pain
- Strengthens hair, skin, nails and teeth
- Boosts muscle recovery
- Increases energy levels and mood
- Protects the heart
- Improves metabolism and muscle mass
The myth: All types of collagen are the same, with same effect on a body.
The lowdown:
There are at least 16 types of collagen. It is found throughout your body, providing structure and support. The four main types are type I, II, III, and IV.
* Type I. This type accounts for 90% of your body’s collagen and is made of densely packed fibers. It provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth.
* Type II. This type is made of more loosely packed fibers and found in elastic cartilage, which cushions your joints.
* Type III. This type supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries.
* Type IV. This type helps with filtration and is found in the layers of your skin.
As you age, your body produces less and lower quality collagen.
One of the visible signs of this is in your skin, which becomes less firm and supple. Cartilage also weakens with age.
Collagen shot from Gaia Naturelle contains 5000mg of Hydrolyzed fish collagen (peptides) type I + other active ingredients
The myth: Collagen tablets and powders are equal to Collagen Shots
The lowdown:
No! Liquid collagen is digested and absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly and efficiently than solid supplements (which your body has to work harder to extract nutrients from) We absorb 90% of the liquid collagen vs. 30-35% of the powder/tablets collagen. The benefit of most liquid collagens is that they are hydrolyzed. That means that its large proteins have already been broken down, saving our bodies a step and making them easier to absorb.
Hydrolyzed collagen, collagen peptides and collagen hydrolysate all refer to collagen that has undergone hydrolysis to make it easier to dissolve.
Liquid collagen supplements generally have the convenience of being ready-to-drink, with one major drawback: they usually have to be refrigerated.
The myth: Eating or drinking just collagen will help you increase collagen.
The lowdown:
False! If you ingest collagen, whether via tablets, powders, shots or drinks, it will still be digested and excreted, and it certainly doesn’t circulate the body making new collagen. The body in essence breaks it down, as it does with all the protein you consume orally. That’s why taking a supplement that contains pre-cursors and potent ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is the optimal way to encourage the body to produce collagen naturally!
Collagen Shot contains additional ‘stimulators’ (potent ingredients) to increase bodys natural collagen production. (Msm, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid)
European-based producers of liquid dietary supplements and natural skin care cosmetics, Gaia Naturelle, has launched its range of dietary supplements in the GCC with its health and beauty boosting signature product, Collagen Shot. Boasting a combination of ingredients including Collagen, MSM (mineral), Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamins C, E, B6, Biotin and Zinc, the water-based supplement is created using the latest technology and high-quality concentrated active ingredients.
Collagen Shot is available on www.collagenshotme.com, Amazon and The Entertainer and is just the first in a long line of products that will soon be available in the GCC, from liquid supplements and protein bars to face and body skincare.