Well, it’s not often I am able to recommend a product for aching knees which happens to have the fortunate side effect of smoothing out wrinkles as well, but that is the amazing thing about collagen: it can make you both feel and look years younger!Did you know that collagen makes up between a third and a quarter of your body’s protein? It is found in your tendons, cartilage tissue, bones and ligaments. And let’s not forget your skin – experts reckon 75 per cent of the dermis (the layer beneath the uppermost layer of your skin) is made up of collagen. It’s even been described as the glue that holds your body together.
However, as with so many things, your collagen levels start to decline as you get older. It is believed we lose around 1.5 per cent of our body’s collagen each year after we hit the age of 25-35. Since collagen is the main component of cartilage – the smooth cushioning substance in the joints that stops your bones from grinding together – that’s not good news for your joints, not to mention your skin.
Talking of skin, have you ever wondered why you get wrinkles on your face but hardly anywhere else on your body? Most people know that over-exposure to UV light is one of the reasons why skin ages prematurely, but few realise that’s because UV is thought to deplete skin collagen. It’s no wonder then, that your face and hands are often the first parts of your body to succumb to the signs of ageing.
Unfortunately, as we are no longer partial to eating the parts of animals and fish which contain collagen (ie the bones, tendons and skin – nice!), it is not likely that we can get enough in our diet to make much difference. The best way to make sure you get enough collagen is therefore through taking a supplement containing collagen hydrolysate – a substance made from animal and marine collagen that can be absorbed by the human body.
At Elixir, we particularly like the Super Strength Collagen drink from Higher Nature, which is both easier to take than tablets, gets into your system really fast and is made purely from marine collagen. It is a totally natural substance without any known side-effects, although you need to be cautious if you are allergic to fish. Now is a great time to try it out for yourself, as it will be on special offer for the whole of April.
By Randi Henderson
Elixir Health Foods
