Do you really know what collagen is?

Collagen is a type of protein. Fibrous in nature, it connects and supports other bodily tissues, such as skin, bone, tendons muscles, and cartilage. It also supports the internal organs and is even present in teeth. There are more than 25 types of collagens that naturally occur in the body.

Collagen is one of the most plentiful proteins present in the bodies of mammals, including humans. In fact, it makes up about 25 percent of the total amount of proteins in the body. Some people refer to collagen as the glue that holds the body together. Without it, the body would, quite literally, fall apart.

The collagen used in commercial products is not human collagen, it is usually cow or pig collagen, it is similar enough to have the same effect as human collagen but different enough that the body recognizes it as foreign. Anything the body recognizes as foreign has the potential to cause allergies such as: temporary stinging, throbbing, or burning sensation; faint redness, swelling, and excess fullness; allergic reaction including rash, hives, swelling, or flu-like symptoms; possible triggering of connective tissue or autoimmune diseases (a skin test is required before collagen treatment to determine whether an allergy exists); contour irregularities, infection.

Deriving its name from the Greek word kolla, collagen is indeed a vital element that helps to keep the body functioning. Fortunately, there are a number of foods that help to support the creation of collagen within our bodies. Here are a few examples of the many different foods that provide the building blocks for the collagen production:

-Soy products such as soymilk and cheese
-dark green vegetables such as spinach and asparagus
-red fruit and vegetables such as tomato, blueberry, blackberry
-fish such as salmon and tuna
-nuts such as cashew, pecans, almonds and Brazil nut
-avocado,potato
-foods that are rich in sulfur content such as black and green olives, fresh cucumbers, celery
-vegetables that are rich in vitamin A like carrot

One of the key points to keep in mind is that it is possible to provide everything your body needs to produce collagen by eating a balanced diet. By including some of the foods mentioned here, you will soon begin to have an improved sense of overall health.