COLLAGEN

A NEW, ALL-NATURAL AND medically used supplement shows promise in helping many individuals to reduce body fat, tone their bodies, enhance their skin and appearance, increase daytime energy levels, improve joint function and sleep better--but can it possibly be true?

Collagen protein, taken internally as a dietary supplement, is quickly becoming one of the hottest nutritional supplements available today. Experts who have studied the benefits and well-documented medical history of collagen protein say yes--this newly available supplement can help many of these bodily and appearance enhancing results.

Proven Medical History

Collagen protein (hydrolyzed), created and patented by an American pharmacist in the early 1970's, has been used by doctors, clinics and hospitals for weight loss; various skin conditions, including treatment for burn victims; nutritional support for the elderly and hospital patients; wound healing; and for the support of joints and connective tissue. With its well-documented and clinically proven history, collagen protein has only recently become commercially available to the public.

How Does It Work?

Next to water, collagen is the most important structural substance in our bodies, accounting for 25-30% of its total protein. Your ligaments, tendons, bones and skeletal muscles are all held together by collagen, as well as the smooth muscle tissue like your blood vessels, digestive tract and organs. It is even the main component of your hair, skin, and nails.

As we age, our body loses its ability to make collagen, thus, it starts to break down. This is why our skin sags and wrinkles; hair becomes thinner, dull, or lifeless; our joints are stiffer and less flexible; and we have softer, less tone bodies.

Supplementing with collagen protein is believed to provide the body with the amino acids necessary to manufacture and support collagen.

Why Collagen Is Unique

Much different from other protein sources, collagen protein contains a unique combination and ratio of high-nitrogen amino acids (protein), most importantly, glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine. These have been shown to influence: weight loss, bone and connective tissue, improvement of skin appearance, optimal body growth and repair, improved metabolism, elevation of growth hormone secretion (which affects: fat loss, muscle retention, energy levels, softness and elasticity of the skin and improved sleep), and healing, especially for wounds.

Helps Reduce Body Fat

Contrary to what some companies promote, collagen protein itself does not burn fat; however, it places the body's metabolism in an optimal state to do so. When taken at bedtime, it is extremely effective during the first phase of sleep in which the body is in a natural state of repair, building and healing muscle tissue. Collagen's specific amino acids help to preserve and build lean muscle. Since muscle helps to regulate and increase the metabolism, fat can then be burned as energy to help support this bodily repair process.

When used as part of a total weight management program that includes healthy eating and exercise, collagen protein can be a very effective tool in the fat loss and body toning process.

Special Body Shaping Potential ...

As we age, our bodies lose their muscle content and gain fat, so the muscle-to-fat ratio is lower than in youth. Collagen protein's muscle sparing and supporting capacity also make it highly effective in helping the body to regain its shape and tone. Users typically notice a reduction of fat in inches (not muscle or water weight as with other weight loss products) and a firmer, more toned body.

More Energy and Better Sleep?

Unlike many popular weight loss products, collagen protein contains no harmful stimulants. Its natural and unique amino acids create a self-regulating effect to enhance sleep when taken before bedtime and to increase energy levels when taken in the morning or during the day.

Sleep: The abundant amino acid, arginine, found in collagen protein has been shown to affect the secretion of growth hormone, which helps to produce a deeper sleep.

Energy: Many people notice energy when taking collagen protein during the day (with the enzymatically, not acid hydrolyzed type). Enzymatically hydrolyzed collagen protein is absorbed quickly and utilized by the liver like a complex carbohydrate to stabilize blood sugar and energy levels.

Improved Skin, Hair & Joints ...

Originally used by doctors in skin trauma centers and to aid in wound healing, collagen protein also affects the quality and appearance of the skin, hair and nails, and helps support joint function. Both men and women typically notice an improvement in skin softness, hydration, tone and overall appearance, as well as the growth and quality of their hair and nails.

Collagen's rare amino acid hydroxyproline plays a primary role in the structure and maintenance of bone and connective tissue. This is why experts believe collagen protein can help maintain and support healthy joint function.

(from: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FKA/is_6_65/ai_101940102/)