Collagen is a fibrous protein that makes up a significant portion of our body’s connective tissue and about 25-30% of our body’s total protein. Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity, joint health and overall body structure.
Interestingly, although collagen is often used to promote skin health and joint health, in recent years it has also gained popularity for its potential to aid in weight loss.
In this article we will explore all there is to know about collagen and how it can help our bodies lose weight whilst maintaining overall function.
Collagen: What it is and what it does
As we know, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structure and support to various tissues including skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles. The structure of collagen is made up of long-chain amino acids that form a characteristic triple helix structure. The three main amino acids that make up this long chain sequence are glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form, strengthen and stabilise the helical structure of collagen. Not only is the structure of collagen complex, but so are the roles it plays in our bodies.
There are 4 different types of collagen that can be found in our bodies, each of which has a specific role to play. The most abundant is type I collagen, which forms the ‘building blocks’ of skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
Here are some other types of collagen:
Type I Collagen
As mentioned above, Type I collagen forms the foundation of skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. They form a strong and flexible framework that provides support and structure to the tissues mentioned earlier.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage and provides cushioning and support for our joints. It allows our joints to move smoothly without friction.
Type III Collagen
This type is often found alongside Type I collagen. It provides additional support and structure.
Type IV Collagen
This type of collagen is essential for the formation of basement membranes. Basement membranes are tiny structures that are essential for tissue filtration and support.
Where collagen is found
In the body, collagen is produced naturally by specialised cells known as fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are found in connective tissues throughout the body and produce collagen when our body needs it to repair or strengthen tissues.
Apart from our bodies, collagen can also come from external sources. Some of these sources include animal tissue, fish, chicken and beef. The collagen from these sources can be extracted from its bones, cartilage, scales, skin or hides.
These external sources of collagen are often used in collagen supplements, which are specially formulated to break down the large collagen molecules into smaller molecules or collagen peptides that can be easily absorbed by the body.
One such supplement brand that contains collagen peptides along with naturally stimulating collagen nutrients is The Collagen Co.
Impact of collagen on weight loss
As mentioned in the earlier part of this article, although overlooked, collagen can potentially influence and aid weight loss. Collagen for weight loss may be a potential route that some may want to explore when trying to lose weight because of the following benefits.
Appetite satiation
Like other proteins, collagen can potentially promote satiety and reduce appetite. Taking collagen supplements or collagen protein powders can potentially help reduce cravings and prevent overeating, which can help with weight management and maintaining weight goals.
Maintaining muscle mass
Collagen is actually a major component of muscle tissue. As we age, in addition to a decrease in collagen production, we also experience muscle loss, which leads to a decrease in metabolic rate. Therefore, incorporating collagen into our diets will help to maintain muscle mass and subsequently increase our metabolic rate, which can help with weight loss efforts.
Increased metabolism
As mentioned above, collagen is a triple helix structure made up of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. The amino acid glycine in particular has been shown to improve metabolism. A faster metabolic rate means more calories are burned, which helps with weight loss.
Collagen and joint health
Collagen is important for joint health because, as mentioned above, it provides cushioning and reduces friction. Improved joint health reduces the risk of injury and allows us to train more intensely. This leads to a greater calorie burn and therefore weight loss.
As a fundamental protein in our bodies, collagen has immense potential to promote weight loss and improve overall health. When incorporated into diet shake blends, it could have a positive impact on appetite regulation, muscle maintenance, metabolism and exercise support, making it a valuable weight management aid.
If you are looking for a weight loss supplement that will also improve your health, then collagen may be the right choice for you. But do not just take our word for it, here are real weight loss before and after stories to help you make the best choice for you.
