Eggs: Collagen Benefits for Your Joints & Skin
Eggs: Collagen Benefits For Your Joints & Skin.
Collagen is in fact one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, giving strength and elasticity to our skin.
In addition to being found in the skin, collagen is an essential part of bones, muscles and tendons, playing a crucial role in the structure and integrity of the body.
We can think of collagen as a "glue" that holds our bodies together.
An excellent food source of collagen, rich in benefits, is the egg, which is why the term "Egg Collagen" is used to describe this protein.
If you cannot consume eggs or want to supplement your current diet, you can purchase collagen supplements online.
Why is Collagen Important?
As we age, the collagen production in our body naturally decreases.
This decrease contributes to sagging skin, the appearance of wrinkles and the fragility of the cartilage in our joints.
In addition to the natural aging process, factors such as a high-sugar diet, excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and smoking can further reduce collagen production.
The protein present in the egg is an ideal combination of essential amino acids necessary for building human tissues, totaling 18 amino acids.
While many healthy foods promote collagen production, there are few direct dietary sources of this protein.
However, eggs are an excellent source of collagen!
Research shows that collagen is present in both the membranes and the whites of chicken eggs.
The health benefits of collagen are impressive.
While it's always recommended to get nutrients from real food sources, including vitamins, proteins and other essential nutrients, many people opt for high-quality collagen supplements due to the hustle and bustle of everyday life and dietary restrictions.
These supplements can be purchased online at affordable prices, providing convenience to consumers.
What is Egg Collagen?
Correct, when it comes to rich sources of collagen, eggs are one of the top foods mentioned.
Eggs have internal and external membranes that are located between the shell and the white.
These two transparent protein membranes play an important role in protecting the egg from bacterial invasion.
Studies have demonstrated the presence of collagen in the membrane of chicken egg shells.
Specifically, materials similar to type I and type V collagen were detected in both layers of the membrane, the outer layer being thicker and the inner layer being thinner.
Furthermore, collagen can also be found in the yolk of chicken eggs.
In fact, there are several types of collagen found in the human body.
Type I collagen is known to be a very strong type of collagen and is the most abundant in the body.
It is present in tissues such as scars, skin, tendons, arterial walls and bones.
Type I collagen is also synthesized in response to injury.
More than 90% of collagen in the body is type I.
Another type of collagen found in eggs is type V collagen, which also plays a crucial role in the human body.
Type V collagen is found in structures such as hair, cell surfaces and the placenta.
It is important to note that cooking eggs can damage the collagen-containing membrane.
In that case, egg collagen supplements may be a more effective and convenient option for getting natural collagen from eggs.
Egg Collagen Nutritional Information.
The nutritional value of egg collagen supplements varies, but generally any good quality collagen supplement will be high in amino acids and protein (you can buy these online).
Collagen itself is a protein made from amino acids including glycine, proline, glutamine, hydroxyproline and arginine.
These are amino acids produced by your body under normal circumstances.
However, when you are sick, stressed or otherwise unhealthy, your body may not be able to produce these amino acids sufficiently on its own.
He may need help from outside sources like his diet and supplements (like egg collagen) to get enough.
Eggs naturally contain collagen and also contain collagen-promoting nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin E, amino acids and sulfur.
If you choose to boost your egg collagen levels, it's good to know that a large, hard-boiled 50 gram egg is quite nutritious and has about:
- 78 calories
- 0.6 grams of carbohydrate
- 6.3 grams of protein
- 5.3 grams of fat
- 186 milligrams of cholesterol (62 percent of the Daily Value)
- 15.4 micrograms of selenium (22 percent of the Daily Value)
- 0.3 milligrams of riboflavin (15 percent of the Daily Value)
- 44 IU of Vitamin D (6 percent of the Daily Value)
- 0.6 micrograms of vitamin B12 (9 percent of the Daily Value)
- 86 milligrams of phosphorus (9 percent of the Daily Value)
- 293 IU of Vitamin A (6 percent of the Daily Value)
- 22 micrograms of folic acid (5 percent of the Daily Value)
5 Health Benefits of Egg Collagen.
1) Joint and Connective Tissue Disorders.
Eggshell membranes are rich in nutrients similar to collagen types I and V, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans and amino acids.
These nutrients are highly beneficial for joint and connective tissue health.
The high collagen content of egg membranes makes it especially useful in treating connective tissue diseases.
Collagen actually provides the fine fibers and interwoven threads that make up tendons and ligaments.
One study looked at Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM®), an egg collagen dietary supplement.
Two human clinical studies were conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of NEM® as a treatment for pain and stiffness associated with joint and connective tissue disorders.
500 milligrams of NEM® taken once daily has been found to significantly reduce pain, both momentarily (in seven days) and continuously (30 days).
You can buy Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM®) online to add it to your daily supplements.
2) Improves Skin Quality and Decreases Wrinkles.
Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.
A study conducted in 2015 investigated the potential of eggshell membranes for use in cosmetics.
Specifically, the properties of eggshell membrane hydrolysates were analyzed in relation to skin protection against wrinkles, sun exposure and moisture loss.
To assess the viability of eggshell membranes as a functional cosmetic material, researchers examined hyaluronic acid levels and collagen production in animal guinea pigs.
The results showed that eggshell membranes have a surprising effect in suppressing skin aging, including the ability to reduce wrinkles induced by UV-B radiation.
Overall, research suggests that eggshell membranes are an excellent choice for natural beauty products.
3) Increased Range of Motion.
Research published in The Journal of Medicinal Food in 2015 investigated the effects of consuming water-soluble egg hydrolysed membrane (WSEM) on joint function in a healthy population with chronic pain.
The study was conducted in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion.
The volunteers consumed the egg membrane preparation for four weeks and then received the placebo for another four weeks, with a four-week break between periods.
When the volunteers were evaluated after consuming the egg membrane, significant improvements were observed in knee range of motion and lateral cervical mobility compared to consuming the placebo.
Significant improvements were also seen in mobility of the neck and dominant shoulder.
These results suggest that egg membrane consumption may be effective in improving mobility and range of motion, especially for those who exercise at high intensity and need to maintain good joint mobility.
4) Decrease in Pain and Stiffness.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects millions of people around the world.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones wears down over time, primarily affecting the joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine.
Eggshell membrane supplements containing egg collagen have been studied and shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis in the knees.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study published in Clinical Rheumatology investigated the effect of an egg membrane supplement on guinea pigs at a daily dose of 500 milligrams.
The results showed that the egg membrane supplement was safe and effective in treating pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Joint pain and stiffness were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group at 10, 30 and 60 days of treatment.
These results indicate that egg collagen may be a valuable option in the treatment of symptoms of pain and stiffness related to osteoarthritis.
It can be considered as part of a dietary and supplemental approach to managing arthritis.
5) Improves Digestion.
Proline and glycine are two amino acids present in egg collagen that play an important role in the proper functioning of the body.
These amino acids help rebuild the tissue that lines the digestive tract. By promoting the rebuilding of this crucial tissue, glycine and proline help to keep food particles and bacteria inside the intestine, preventing the formation of small openings that could allow these particles to pass into the bloodstream, where they could cause inflammation.
Glycine has also been linked to protection against intestinal damage caused by colitis, which is an inflammation of the colon.
Thanks to the presence of glycine and proline, egg collagen can play a role in protecting the intestine, and by extension the entire body, against inflammatory processes.
It is important to highlight that adequate intestinal health is fundamental for the balance of the immune system and the prevention of chronic inflammation.
Consuming egg collagen can help maintain the integrity of the digestive tract and help protect against unwanted inflammation.
Interesting Facts About Egg Collagen.
- Eggs have two membranes, both of which contain collagen.
- Egg yolks are also scientifically shown to contain collagen.
- Eggs contain two types of collagen: Type I and Type V.
- The eggs and their collagen take about 24 to 26 hours to form inside the hen.
- As a hen ages, she produces larger eggs, which means larger amounts of collagen per egg!
- It is a common natural beauty treatment to use eggs as a face mask to promote greater levels of collagen in the skin. Eggs age more in a day at room temperature than a week in the refrigerator. Egg collagen supplements usually don't need to be refrigerated (just keep them away from heat and moisture), but always keep eggs in the fridge!
How to Use Egg Collagen + Recipes.
Egg collagen can be easily obtained in large amounts through egg collagen supplements.
Most supplements are available in powder form, usually a mixture of egg collagen and other collagen sources. Collagen supplements can also be found in capsule or liquid form.
Heating hard-boiled eggs changes the chemical structure of the membranes, making them less effective as a source of collagen.
Since it's not safe to consume raw eggs, egg collagen supplements become a quick and safe option for getting a good dose of collagen.
Incorporating egg collagen into your daily routine is quite easy. You can:
- Add two tablespoons of the egg collagen supplement to your morning smoothie.
- Add collagen powder to baked goods, muffins, protein bars or pancakes to increase your protein intake.
- Substitute other less healthy protein powders for the egg collagen supplement.
- Prepare a chia seed and collagen pudding.
- Take a few spoonfuls of egg collagen along with your whey protein supplement before and after your workout to aid tissue repair and improve performance.
Although the cooking process reduces the amount of collagen in eggs, they still make a contribution to collagen production in the body.
When looking for fresh eggs, choose those that come from hens raised in free range conditions, which have the freedom to move, roam and roost, providing a better quality of life compared to confinement hens.
Potential Side Effects of Egg Collagen.
It is important to note that if you have any allergies to eggs, you should not consume egg collagen in any form.
Signs of an egg or egg collagen allergy can include skin inflammation, hives, digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting or cramping, nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing, as well as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.
If you show signs of a food allergy shortly after consuming egg collagen or any product containing eggs, it is recommended that you seek medical attention.
The severity of allergic reactions to eggs can vary from episode to episode, and even if the previous reaction was mild, the next one could be more severe.
If possible, consult a doctor during the occurrence of the allergic reaction, as this can help with the diagnosis. Always seek medical attention after any severe allergic reaction.
I am Barbara Antunes, the creator of this blog. I am passionate about providing tips for healthy eating and strategies for a balanced life. I have dedicated my time and knowledge to share valuable information about proper nutrition and promoting a healthy lifestyle. My journey has been a constant quest for knowledge in the field of nutrition, and I am excited to share these findings with you. I believe that nutrition plays a fundamental role in promoting well-being and achieving a balanced life. My approach is based on practical tips and guidance to help readers make conscious choices about their diet. With love and dedication, I strive to bring relevant information about nutrition and healthy eating. Through this blog, I hope to provide helpful insights, practical tips, and guidance to help you achieve a healthier life. Join me on this journey of care and love for nutrition, where we will explore the benefits of a balanced diet and strive for a fulfilling and healthy life. I am eager to share my knowledge with you!