Top 3 Ways Collagen May Improve Your Hair #Anti-Aging
Did you know that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body? It makes up our ligaments, tendons, and hair. Though the body does produce it naturally, collagen production decreases as we age, and may also not be as plentiful due to the standard american diet.
Looking more at collagen, clinical research has found that it promotes strong, healthy hair in 3 key ways:
-Collagen May Slow Graying and Fight Damage to Hair Follicles
-Collagen Provides the Body with Amino Acids that May Be Used to Build Hair
-Collagen May Help Prevent Age-Related Hair Thinning
Collagen May Slow Graying and Fight Damage to Hair Follicles
Our ability to defend against free radicals diminishes as we age; free radicals, in turn, may cause damage to our hair follicles as well as to the melanin-creating cells that give pigment to our hair. Collagen may help fight this damage, acting as an antioxidant to protect and combat free radical damage — and potentially slowing down graying and follicle damage.
Collagen Provides the Body with Amino Acids that May Be Used to Build Hair
Collagen is rich in amino acids, particularly glycine, hydroxyproline, and proline. Proline is the main component of keratin, the protein that makes up our hair. Preliminary research suggests that by providing our body with the building blocks to keratin, collagen may promote hair building.
Collagen May Help Prevent Age-Related Hair Thinning
Collagen comprises 70% of the dermis, contributing to the strength and elasticity. Our body’s ability to produce collage decreases with aging, which may contribute to thinning hair as we get older. It makes sense then that boosting collagen help prevent hair thinning. One study noted improvements in skin elasticity in women who supplemented daily with collagen. Other research documented improvements in the appearance of signs of skin aging.
Thankfully, collagen is an easy addition to your daily routine. For people interested in increasing collagen in the body, there are two options: foods and supplements. Collagen mades up the connective tissue of many of the foods we eat, including chicken, fish, beef, and pork. Bone broth is another excellent source of collagen — with the added benefit of being chock full of many other nutrients. You can learn more about the other potential benefits in our article Superfood Spotlight: Bone Broth.
High quality supplementation is another option, via pills or powders. In this case, the collagen is typically hydrolyzed, which means they have already been broken down for easy absorption.
Interested in more nutritional guidance, or custom food coaching? Contact us to schedule a consultation in Maitland, Florida. The Points of Health also offers acupuncture, cupping, and other holistic services to help you revitalize and balance your health and wellness!
