Collagen is one of the proteins that form a major part of our connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. Recently, it has gained popularity as an agent to beautify our skin and hair, besides having many other benefits that help the body retain its strength and health. Initially, only plant-based collagen was available, but manufacturers are now stressing on animal sources as well. Added to this list is what we call marine collagen.
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What is Marine Collagen?
Collagen that comes from marine sources like fish (fish skin, scales and bones) is usually termed marine collagen. This type of collagen consumption is said to improve tissue health. It is said to delay signs of ageing by reducing the appearance of fine lines and maintaining youthful skin. It helps in improving bone health, a major problem of old age.
Collagen And Marine Collagen
The collagen powder supplements that we get in the markets are mostly said to come from pigs and bovine sources. But due to religious concerns and also health issues (as most people are avoiding animal products like red meat), people are opting for other healthier choices, fish being one of them. Since marine collagen is totally a fish product, it has been chosen by many recently. However, unlike collagen, marine collagen is usually not used in the cosmetic industry as larger molecules make it difficult to penetrate the skin.
Structurally compared, the two varieties of proteins are almost similar, irrespective of the sources. There are 28 kinds of collagen in the human body, and evidence suggests that different ingestible sources of collagen affect different forms present in the body. The collagen supplements are said to increase Type 1 and 3, the ones that help in skin formation. Collagen of Types 1 and 2 is increased by the marine variety mostly found in the cartilaginous tissues. Since marine collagen is a bit new in the field of competition with the conventional collagen available in the market, more research is required to come up with new differences.
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Boost Your Skin And Hair Health With Marine Collagen
Marine collagen can help in strengthening the skin by increasing hydration and elasticity. With age, our body produces lesser amounts of collagen, which can lead to dry and sagging skin. Wrinkles appear, and the skin tends to lose its firmness.
The body breaks down collagen into amino acids that are used to rebuild new proteins and compounds. Breakdown of collagen produces other proteins like elastin and fibrillin that helps in maintaining the skin structure. It also breaks up into 3 nonessential amino acids: proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. Proline is a major component of keratin, which in turn helps in making hair healthy.
Collagen is said to act as an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and helps the body to fight against stress, dietary challenges and other environmental factors. Stress is said to damage hair follicles affecting hair growth. By fighting against free radicals, it promotes healthy hair and prevents early greying. Fighting free radicals can boost skin health, too, as they tend to enhance skin ageing.
Consuming collagen can contribute to the elasticity and strength of the dermis. Ageing causes the body to produce lesser amounts of collagen, making the dermis weak, which causes hair thinning with age. By protecting the dermis layer, skin health also gets a boost.
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Consumption of marine collagen benefits the body in several ways. A number of supplements in the form of powders, pills and other forms are now readily available in the markets. One can opt for the Korean marine collagen powder, which promises to use exclusive fish products from Korea), marine collagen powder, collagen in the form of pills that helps grow healthy hair and nails.
Well, one might say that it is likely that we are consuming enough marine collagen while taking in fresh fish. But collagen present in fish skins, scales, bones, fins, entrails, and heads is usually discarded in big fish cases. We might as well consume a bit of it if we eat small whole fish like sardines, mackerels or anchovies. So if you feel that your body is not getting ample anti-ageing collagen, go for the marine collagen powder supplements and get healthy skin and hair.
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