In addition to being produced naturally by our body, collagen reaches it through different foods; this is one of them.
In recent years, collagen has been all the talk because, in addition to being produced naturally by our body, it gets into our body through different foodsand for its benefits for the health.
Collagen is useful in the treatment of degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis and arthritis. These conditions are characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, derived from complex pathological processes that affect both the vascular and immune systems. However, a specific vegetable, spinach, can be a great ally to get more collagen.
What is collagen used for in the body?
Collagen is an essential fibrous protein in our body, being the main component of connective tissue. As explained by Mayo Clinic, it is found in skin, tendons, bones and cartilage, and accounts for about 30% of the body’s total protein mass. There are several types of collagen, each with specific functions:
- Type I: Present in bones, tendons, skin and blood vessels.
- Type II: Mainly in cartilage.
- Types III and IV: Found in blood vessels and skin.
To treat knee and hip pain caused by degenerative diseases, supplements have been developed that combine hydrolyzed collagen with other beneficial compounds such as glucosamine sulfate, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. These supplements have shown promising results in clinical studies, where patients with osteoarthritis and arthritis experienced significant improvements in the reduction of joint pain and stiffness.
In addition, there are specific supplements for the treatment of connective tissues that include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate. These compounds work synergistically to improve flexibility and reduce inflammation in the joints.
Degenerative joint diseases can also be treated with natural preparations containing flavonoids and other antioxidants. These substances have anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 cyclooxygenases, enzymes that play a crucial role in the inflammatory process. Some medicinal plants rich in flavonoids, such as turmeric and ginkgo biloba, are used to complement conventional treatments, in addition to spinach.
Although there are no direct studies linking spinach consumption with a fundamental increase in collagen production, spinach contains nutrients that could favor this process. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants such as vitamin A and E, spinach helps protect cells from oxidative damage and may support collagen synthesis. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones and joints.
