It is no secret that the collagen drinks and supplements industry has been mushrooming over the past few years.
Everyone seems to be jumping into the bandwagon with the ease of entry into supplement market via OEM manufacturers.
But how effective is synthetic collagen as opposed to plant-based collagen?
Collagen is an important protein in the body and the key to youthful skin. The human body produces collagen, which makes up 75% of the skin where it forms an elaborate matrix that supports the skin and locks in moisture, allowing skin to stay soft, smooth and elastic.
However, collagen breaks down as we age and damaged collagen structures results in signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Human collagen cannot be replenished just by consuming animal-based collagen or collagen beverages because collagen is just like any other protein where it is essentially broken down into amino acids in the body, rendering it useless for its intended purpose.
On the other hand, synthetic collagen, sourced from pigs and cows, have structures which are different from that of human collagen that may cause allergic or inflammatory reactions.
When applied to skin, collagen is not absorbed. It remains on the surface of the skin as its molecules are too large.
Instead, try consuming the recommended plant-based foods that are rich in antioxidants because these antioxidants can be absorbed naturally by our skin. Doing so can also stimulate the body to produce sufficient amounts of collagen and strengthen existing collagen structures to maintain skin elasticity.
The antioxidants and nutrients on these plant-based food helps nourish, thus, delay skin and internal organs aging, boost the normal functioning of the immune system, and enhance immunity to protect against diseases.
Efficacy Of Various Forms Collagen Application
Method | Effects |
---|---|
Ingestion of collagen | Ineffective as collagen breaks down into amino acids once ingested |
Topical application of collagen | Ineffective as collagen remains on skin surface and collagen is not absorbed |
Consumption of wholesome plant food | Effective as the rich store of antioxidants in plant foods promotes collagen production in the body |
It is also relatively cheaper than those myriad of collagen drinks ‘infused/enriched’ supplements flooding the supermarket and pharmacy shelves today.