5 Reasons to Increase Collagen Intake

Collagen is one of those poorly understood ingredients, the true health benefits of which are much more than skin deep. Contrary to popular belief, skin elasticity is far from being the only way our body utilizes collagen. As a matter of fact, collagen is the most common protein in the human body, making up the connective tissue in your skin, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, which renders it a crucial ingredient for the maintenance and improvement of health in general.

With age, the level of collagen in the body tends to drop, which results in decreased skin elasticity, muscle loss and poorer lubrication in the joints, to name a few. There is scientific evidence suggesting that a higher collagen intake may slow down these destructive processes and even improve certain age-related conditions. In this article, we’ll focus on 5 proven health effects of collagen and explain how a higher intake or supplementation of collagen can benefit aging adults. 

 

1. Improves Skin Elasticity and Hydration

Collagen is primarily associated with skin benefits, and that isn't surprising at all given the abundance of scientific evidence suggesting that it can strengthen the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and make it more plump and hydrated. This is because collagen is one of the important building blocks of the skin.

 

Interestingly, however, none of these articles discuss the effect of collagen-containing skincare, such as creams and serums, on the skin, but the results regarding collagen supplements are quite promising. Studies show that ingesting collagen helps stimulate collagen production in the body, as well as increases the production of other proteins associated with skin firmness and hydration, namely elastin and fibrillin. 

 

This means that consuming more collagen with food or taking a collagen supplement will benefit those who suffer from dry skin and signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and crepey skin. 

 

2. Prevents Bone Loss

Human bones are primarily made of collagen, and as we age and the production of collagen decreases, bones tend to slowly lose their density, ultimately contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Research shows that this degenerative process can be slowed down when a person takes a collagen supplement. 

 

In one study, a 5-gram daily dose of collagen combined with calcium significantly prevented bone degeneration in menopausal women, a category with an especially increased risk of bone fractures. Apart from that, taking collagen supplements may also help strengthen the bones by preventing demineralization. 

 

This loss of minerals, such as calcium, from the bones is one of the leading causes of osteoporosis, and according to one article, taking collagen daily helps re-mineralize the bones by 7% over a course of a year. Thus, collagen supplementation promotes strong bones and slows down the development of osteoporosis. 

 

3. Helps You Gain and Retain More Muscle

Collagen is one of the essential components of muscle tissue, and some researchers believe that age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) may be partially caused by a reduction in collagen production. One study researched the effect of a collagen supplement on men past the age of 65 suffering from sarcopenia by creating a 12-week exercise plan for the participants and either giving them 15 grams of collagen peptide powder daily or a placebo. 

 

The group that took the supplement ended up building significantly more muscle mass and strength than those who took the placebo, suggesting that collagen supplementation may help build muscle mass by promoting the growth of muscle proteins, such as creatinine. Still, it's the only known study on the topic and it would certainly be interesting to find out whether the same effect would be replicated in women and younger adults.

4. Supports Heart Health

One more role collagen plays in our body is to give structure to the arteries, and the lack of the protein can make one's arteries weaker, more fragile, and more susceptible to atherosclerosis. One study suggests that a 16-gram daily intake of collagen supplements over the course of 6 months improved artery stiffness in healthy adults. 

 

The supplement also helped increase the level of the "good" HDL cholesterol levels in the participants' blood, which is a good marker, since HDL cholesterol helps prevent cardiovascular issues. Needless to say, it would be excellent to hear of more studies to confirm these claims. 

 

5. Relieves Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis

It seems like joint pain is so common, and the older we get, the worse it becomes. This is mostly due to the wear and tear our joints experience through the years, and the spongy cartilage that protects our bones from rubbing together and the tendons that stabilize the joints are the most susceptible to damage. 

 

Collagen is an essential ingredient in connective tissue, and tendons and cartilage are no exception, so it makes perfect sense that taking a collagen supplement can slow down or restore damage brought about by osteoarthritis. What IS surprising, however, is that just 8-12 grams of a hydrolyzed collagen supplement daily has also been proven to reduce joint pain. 

 

In one article, adults suffering from osteoarthritis took 2 grams of collagen every day for 70 days, which resulted in a significant reduction in pain and an increased ability to engage in physical activity. Similar results in pain reduction were replicated in athletes who took 10 grams of collagen for 6 months, which is very promising, especially given that athletes suffer from a lot more joint damage than most people. 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent scarring around the breast implants

Scarring around the breast implants called capsular contracture during reconstructive or cosmetic breast surgery is a common, costly, and painful complication in women receiving them. 

The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, might help to avoid abnormal capsule formation suggests an experimental study in the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Mice fed omega-3 fatty acids had reduced capsule formation occurrence around implants - likely due to reduced collagen deposits - according to the research by Giuseppe A.G. Lombardo, M.D., Ph.D., of Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, Italy and Serena Tamburino, MD, of Chi.Pla Plastic Surgery in Catania, Italy, and colleagues. "We believe that omega-3 supplement is a simple and promising method that could be used to prevent or at least reduce capsular contracture after silicone implant surgery," the researchers write.

When any foreign tissue is implanted, the body naturally develops connective tissue around it. But in capsular contracture, the tissue hardens into a shell that becomes thicker and firmer over time. This results in inflammation, pain, and sometimes dislocation or deformation of the implant. Repeat surgery is sometimes needed to remove the capsule and replace the implant.

 "Past research on preventing capsular contracture has focused on reducing bacterial contamination using antibiotics," Dr Tamburino comments. "Fewer studies have focused on controlling the inflammatory process, particularly the arachidonic acid cascade, the main pathway leading to inflammation."

Omega-3 fatty acids - found in oily fish, as well as fish oil supplements - play a major role in the arachidonic acid cascade. The researchers designed a study to see if omega-3 fatty acid supplementation affects capsule formation around implants in animals. Tiny silicone implants were surgically placed under the skin of anaesthetized mice. One group of animals was regularly fed an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, while a control group received water. 

After several weeks, capsule formation around the implants was compared between groups. The results showed reduced capsule formation in the group receiving omega-3 supplementation - the implants were thinner and more transparent than in the comparison group.

 In addition, capsules from the omega-3-supplemented animals showed reduced expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta-2: a cell-activating protein (cytokine) that promotes inflammation. The reduction in TGF beta-2 expression was associated with decreased collagen deposits in the implant capsule. 

Could fish oil help to prevent capsular contracture in women undergoing breast surgery using implants? It's too early to say - for one thing, for humans to take a level of omega-3 supplementation similar to that given to rats in the study "would be quite a dose," the researchers write. "

Moreover, we still don't know if this treatment would provide long-term benefit," Dr. Tamburino and coauthors add. "Further clinical studies are warranted to examine their therapeutic applicability and additional studies should be conducted to support our findings concerning the decrease in capsular contracture occurrence."


This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Should You Take Collagen Supplements?

You've likely seen collagen advertised in food, skin cream, pills, or powders. This nutrient has in recent years received praise as being important for a healthy, vibrant body. Though there is nothing new about collagen. You have been producing it your whole life. It is a type of protein found in your muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, blood vessels, skin, intestinal lining, and other connective tissues. In fact, most of the protein in your body is collagen. So, why is it that collagen is promoted on store shelves? Is it something you should be buying? Not necessarily. First, consider if your body is producing enough collagen on its own. 

When collagen levels decrease
No blood test can determine or measure the amount of collagen in your body, but you can tell when your body doesn't have enough. As you age, your body naturally begins to make less collagen. The slow-down starts in your mid-to-late 20s and it causes a variety of conditions that we usually accept as part of getting older. This includes:
1. Skin loses elasticity and you begin to form wrinkles and your wounds tend to heal more slowly.
2. Tendons and ligaments become stiff and you begin to lose your flexibility.
3. Muscle mass decreases and you become weaker.
4. Cartilage wears down and you develop joint pain or osteoarthritis.
5. Intestinal lining gets thinner and you begin to experience more digestion problems.
Besides aging, one of the main reason you do not get enough collagen is a poor diet. Your body can't make collagen if it doesn't have the necessary elements, in particular, the amino acids and the nutrients to process them. So, how does your body produce collagen? In order to make collagen, or any protein, your body must combine amino acids. You can get amino acids by eating and digesting protein-rich foods.

This includes meat, beans, and dairy products. That way, your body can repurpose the amino acids into collagen. During this process, your body uses vitamins and minerals, in particular, vitamin C, zinc and copper. These nutrients are all part of a typical and healthy diet. And you consume plenty of them naturally in the foods you eat - this includes citrus fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and greens all of which supply vitamin C. Meats, shellfish, nuts, and whole grains, as well as beans are also good sources of minerals. 

However, as you age, your body may no longer absorb nutrients as well, or synthesize them as efficiently. So, to make sure that your body is getting enough ingredients to make collagen, you may need to change what you eat or take dietary supplements. 

The best foods for building collagen

The best way to replenish the nutrients your body needs to make collagen is through your diet. Eating animal products, like beef, chicken, fish, and eggs will provide you with the amino acids you need, as will beans and legumes. However, one of the best foods for building collagen is bone broth which you can buy in grocery stores or make yourself. It extracts the collagen from beef, chicken, fish bones through a low, slow being process.

There are plenty of good recipes and most will involve simmering bones in water for 12 to 48 hours either on the stove or in a crockpot. As always try to minimize the residue of pesticides, antibiotics and other contaminants in your broth. Gelatin is another great food to boost your body's ability to make collagen. In fact, gelatin comes from collagen, so it naturally has what your body needs to turn it back into collagen form. 

Taking collagen supplements

Getting the nutrients you need from eating fresh, organic foods is best as it is what your body is made to consume and digest naturally. Supplements are an alternative option but still a good source if you are traveling, eating on the run, or concerned that your diet is not as nutritious as it could be. If taking a supplement, opt for the powder form. Hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptide, powder has no flavor and can be dissolved easily in beverages, smoothies, soups, and sauces.

Nourishing your skin

Some skin creams claim to contain synthetic collagen to help revitalize your skin. They may work by adding a film-like layer to your skin to reduce water loss and protect your skin from environmental elements. But, because your skin is your body's largest organ, a proven way to keep your organs healthy, is with good nutrition.

Note also that the number one cause of skin damage isn't a lack of collagen, but sun exposure. Replenishing collagen may not be able to undo years of sun damage.

With ample stores of collagen, you are increasing your likelihood of having firmer skin, smoother-moving joints and other signs of a healthy, youthful body. And the surest way to help your body produce collagen is by feeding it enough protein and other nutrients. It can be as easy as drinking one cup a day of bone broth, or another beverage mixed with hydrolyzed collagen powder. 

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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7 Things That Happen If You Eat Mango Every Day

Sweet and juicy mangoes have a long history of appreciation by humans. The first documented references to mangoes are in Hindu writings that date back to about 4000 B.C. The mango is considered sacred in some places because it is said that Buddha meditated under a mango tree.

Requiring a warm climate, mango is primarily grown in equatorial regions including Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, and Haiti. Commercial growing operations are not large scale in the United States, but that doesn’t stop Americans from eating some 3.42 pounds per person each year.

Mangoes are sweet, tasty, and exotic. They are also quite nutritious. But eating a mango every day might not be the best choice, especially for people with certain conditions including diabetes and arthritis.

We’ll break down the bad and the good of daily mango consumption so that you can make the best choice for you.

You’ll Get A Ton Of Sugar

Each mango has approximately 45.9 grams of sugars – which make up almost the full amount of its 50.33 grams of carbohydrates. The main type of sugar in mango is fructose.

Fructose can only be digested by the liver, and too much puts a strain on this vital organ. It can lead to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

On the scale of sugar levels in whole fruits, mangoes are in the upper midrange. Other similarly sweet fruits are red and green grapes, Fuji apples, passion fruit, gold kiwis, sweet cherries, pomegranates, and bananas.

Less sweet fruits include strawberries, avocados, raspberries, blackberries, lemons, and limes.

You Could Have A Delayed Allergic Reaction

Mangoes contain a compound called urushiol, an oil that is also found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. People who are allergic are likely to get a skin rash around the mouth, similar to the red and itchy situation caused by contact with other urushiol-containing plants.

The tricky thing about this reaction is that it may be delayed by as much as two days after eating mango. That can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

But if you have been eating mangoes more than usual recently and have noticed a rash like contact dermatitis, definitely stop eating them and check in with your doctor.

Artificially Ripened Ones Might Make You Sick

Some mangoes are forced to ripen early so they can get to market faster. The process involves a chemical called calcium carbide, which is a known carcinogen in large amounts. More commonly, exposure causes symptoms like tingling, numbness, and peripheral neuropathy.

Artificially ripened mangoes will also not taste nearly as good, and be less juicy. You can identify one by looking at the skin, which will still contain solid patches of green instead of having a uniform blend of yellow and green.

It’s best to eat your mangoes organic as they are never artificially ripened and also won’t have dangerous pesticide residue.

You Could Be At Risk For Salmonella

Eating a mango every day ups your risk of getting a contaminated one. Salmonella occurs frequently in mangoes because it gets into the water used to wash the fruit during processing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that salmonella is responsible for approximately 1.2 million cases of salmonellosis in the U.S. every year. Around 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths happen as a result.

Salmonella typically occurs in the processing phase of production, but research shows that whole mangoes are just as risky as cut ones, even though they have had less processing.

A bacterium found in the wash water coats the skin of mangoes and then makes its way into the pulp. At that point, no amount of washing by the consumer can eliminate the bacteria.

You Get Little Benefit From It In Juice Form

Though mango does contain a lot of sugar, it also has a fair bit of fiber that prevents blood sugar spikes. When you drink mango juice, all of that healthy fiber is removed. Despite the popularity of juice diets, studies show that they’re not good for you.

Lack of dietary fiber can cause constipation, weight gain, tiredness, blood sugar fluctuations, and nausea. And if your daily mango is in juice form, it puts you at risk of diabetes in a way that whole mango doesn’t, even with the same amount of sugar.

Unripe Mangoes Cause Havoc In The Digestive System

Typically we don’t eat unripe mangoes, but it can be hard to tell if the fruit is fully ripened before eating. Making this mistake can lead to severe stomach pain.

Additionally, if you have dietary fructose intolerance, any mango, whether ripe or unripe, will cause issues like bloating, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, and diarrhea or constipation. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and have a daily mango habit, the fruit might be the culprit.

 You’ll Get Good Nutrition

If you are not sensitive to the allergenic compounds in mangoes and eat them as part of a balanced diet, they are actually quite healthy. Mango contains a ton of vitamin C, which plays a part in immune system function, building strong connective tissue, and maintaining healthy blood vessel walls.

Mango also has a lot of potassium with almost no sodium. Therefore, eating mango regularly can help regulate blood pressure and the body’s fluid balance.

You will also find high levels of folate and vitamin A in mangoes, as well as antioxidants including quercetin, norathyriol, and mangiferin. Antioxidants are vital for protecting your cells from free radical damage, which is an indicator for diseases like cancer as well as accelerated aging.
So the main takeaway here is that mango is best eaten in moderation but is still very healthy if you choose an organic variety.

Eat them whole or mashed, but don’t rely on the juice or you’ll miss the fiber that supports digestion and prevents blood sugar spikes. All in all, there is a reason that mango is such a popular fruit – it’s just best enjoyed as part of a diverse “salad” of fruits in your daily diet.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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Whitening products may cause tooth decay

While using teeth-whitening products can make your smile brighter, they might also lead to tooth damage, researchers have warned.

The study, found that hydrogen peroxide — the active ingredient in whitening strips — can damage the protein-rich dentin tissue found beneath the tooth’s protective enamel.

Human teeth is made up of three layers — the outer tooth enamel, an underlying dentin layer and connective tissue that binds the roots to the gum.

Unlike most studies which have focused on tooth enamel, the new study focused on dentin, which makes up most of the tooth and has high levels of protein — most of which is collagen.

The team demonstrated that the major protein in the dentin is converted to smaller fragments when treated with hydrogen peroxide. In additional experiments, they treated pure collagen with hydrogen peroxide and then analysed the protein using a gel electrophoresis laboratory technique that allows the protein to be visualized.

“Our results showed that treatment with hydrogen peroxide concentrations similar to those found in whitening strips is enough to make the original collagen protein disappear, which is presumably due to the formation of many smaller fragments,” said a researcher.

The researchers pointed out that their experiments did not address whether collagen and other proteins in the teeth can be regenerated, so it is unknown if the tooth damage is permanent.

Further, they plan to characterize the protein fragments released when collagen is treated with hydrogen peroxide and determine if hydrogen peroxide has the same impact on other proteins in the teeth.

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