Nature offers us many treasures to ensure our well-being. Among these precious resources, functional mushrooms stand out for their exceptional virtues. These natural allies are generating growing interest for their benefits on the skin, joints, and immunity. But how do they actually work? And how can they support our natural collagen production? At French Mush, we reveal everything to you!
What is collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein naturally present in the human body. It is responsible for cohesion, elasticity, and tissue regeneration. It is mainly found in the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Composed of long chains of amino acids such as glycine and proline (see glossary point below), it forms robust fibers that ensure the strength and flexibility of tissues.
⚠️ Lexicon point
Amino acids are essential molecules for the construction of muscles, enzymes, hormones, and tissues. These molecules also play a role in cell repair, neurotransmitter synthesis, and energy metabolism.
Glycine is an amino acid that contributes to muscle recovery, skin and connective tissue regeneration, as well as collagen production.
Proline is an amino acid, a precursor of collagen, essential for the elasticity of joints, tendons, and muscle tissues. It promotes healing and contributes to cardiovascular health.
What are the benefits of collagen for the body?
Collagen plays a key role in maintaining the health and structure of our body. But what are its real impacts on our well-being?
Skin health
Collagen is one of the major components of the skin, responsible for its elasticity, firmness, and hydration. With age, its production decreases, leading to wrinkles, a loss of tone, and skin dryness.
The work of Roseane B de Miranda & al shows, for example, that an intake of hydrolyzed collagen improves hydration, reduces wrinkles, and increases skin elasticity after only 90 days. Thus, it can be our ally to slow down the signs of aging.
Joint support
In the joints, collagen acts as a shock absorber by protecting the cartilage. It reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis and improves mobility. Collagen supplements stimulate cartilage regeneration and reduce inflammation, providing significant relief to people suffering from joint stiffness.
Bone strengthening
Collagen is essential for maintaining bone density and strength. With age, the decline in collagen can lead to some bone fragility. According to the work of Daniel König & al, collagen intake increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis (a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and quality) in postmenopausal women.
Other benefits
Collagen also contributes to muscle health by increasing muscle mass when combined with physical training. It also plays a role in maintaining cardiovascular health by strengthening artery walls and reducing their stiffness. Finally, it promotes wound healing through its role in tissue regeneration.
Which mushrooms stimulate collagen production?
The Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) and Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), two pillars of the French Mush range, play an essential role in stimulating the natural production of collagen.
The Shiitake, rich in lentinan and eritadenine, acts deeply to support skin health. Its specific polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates that play an important role in energy supply and immune system support) stimulate fibroblasts, cells responsible for collagen synthesis. They protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV or pollution.
At the same time, the Chaga mushroom, nicknamed the "king of antioxidants," contains natural melanins and superoxide dismutases (SOD). These neutralize free radicals, responsible for the degradation of collagen.
Furthermore, it should be noted that these medicinal mushrooms work synergistically to create an environment conducive to tissue regeneration. The Shiitake improves blood microcirculation, while the Chaga strengthens the resistance of collagen fibers thanks to its anti-inflammatory action.
French Mush, your well-being our priority
At French Mush, we have several products made from functional mushrooms that stand out for their health benefits. Among them, our range of chaga mushrooms is particularly effective in directly stimulating collagen production.
These products offer you an exceptional bioavailability thanks to our ultrasonic extraction method. They also contribute to improving the elasticity and firmness of your skin, while reducing visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and skin sagging.
Moreover, certified organic and vegan, our medicinal mushroom-based products easily integrate into a daily routine to preserve skin youthfulness and optimize your overall well-being. The Chaga capsules are thus an essential choice for anyone seeking natural and effective solutions.
Sources:
Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33742704/
Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women—A Randomized Controlled Study
