1. What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in a human being, accounting for around 30% of the protein content of the human body. It is often considered to be the "glue that holds the body together". 

Collagen is found in fibrous tissues such as skin, ligaments and tendons, as well as in the bones, blood vessels, the cornea of the eye, and in the gut. 

Collagen is vital for strengthening blood vessels and giving skin its elasticity and strength. The degradation of collagen causes wrinkles and other skin issues. As a result, collagen is one of the most popular supplements among the elderly - because of it's skin healing properties. 

2. Characteristics of Collagen

Collagen has very good tensile strength- it is one of the long fibrous structural proteins that gives cells structure from the outside, as well as supporting the majority of the body's tissues. 

As an amino acid, collagen is made from the amine (-NH2) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional groups. The main elements of collagen are hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen , and carbon. 

The rare abundance of the three amino acids give collagen its triple-helical structure. The composition of collagen is considered unique given its high hydroxyproline content. 



3. Function of Collagen in the Body

Collagen fibers give strength and structure to many different parts of the body. It is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix, which is the defining feature of connective tissues in humans and other mammals. 

Collagen is necessary for conserving the youthfulness of skin and attentuating wrinkles, it is also essential for the elasticity of the connective tissue of the skin, allowing it to expand and contract without damaging any tissue. 



4. Collagen and Old Age

When we get older, the production of collagen begins to slow down and cell structures start losing their strength.

As a result, skin starts to become fragile, less elastic and wrinkles set in. In addition, hair starts losing its color, joints lose their flexibility, and bone quality begins to detoriate. 

In the past, such knowledge and technology of consumable collagen was not available. At this age of time, Hanamai has overcome this difficulty through long period of research and development and made consumable intake of collagen possible.