Collagen is the most ample protein in your body.
Collagen is responsible for important biological functions, including providing your skin with structure and strengthening your bones.
Collagen is the protein responsible for skin elasticity, it also plays a role in joint health.
Human bodies do create collagen naturally, however as we age the production of this protein slows down this can start from the age of 25.
A number of changes can happen to our skin, it begins to get looser, sagging, wrinkles appear, and it gets dryer. OK, that’s enough bad news. What can we do?? Well if you have been looking into anti aging products, then you properly have heard of collagen supplements as one way we can add more collagen to our bodies. Here are 5 benefits of taking collagen supplements.
Could boost muscle mass
Muscle mass decreases with age, one of the reasons being is, the body gradually begins to slow down the production of collagen.
Collagen supplements have shown they can help reverse this process. A study from build with science highlighting elderly men with muscle loss, although this could potentially apply to anyone. The research found that when the men combined exercise with a collagen supplement, they built more muscle mass compared to the placebo
One reason collagen may help with muscle mass is that it contains the amino acids’ arginine and glycine, important building blocks for creatine. There is already plenty of evidence that creatine helps improve muscle mass, build strength, and improve athletic performance.
Could improve joint pain and health
Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints.
Some studies have shown ( national library of medicine ) that taking collagen supplements may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain overall.
In another study that got 73 athletics ( national library of medicine ) who consumed 10 grams of collagen each day for 24 weeks experienced a significant decrease in joint pain.t
You may not be able to run around doing cartwheels and roly-poly’s in your garden, however the studies show that collagen can reduce the risk of joint deteriorating, regenerate cartilage.
Helps improve skins elasticity
some studies show ( national library of medicine) shows that taking collagen for several months can improve skin elasticity.
According to literature review in 2019
literature review in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. The review found some data from double-blind placebo controlled studies to support that collagen could increase skin elasticity, collagen density and overall hydration.
Collagen helps prevent bone loss (osteoporosis)
Collagen is one predominant components of the bones, skin, muscles and ligaments. It’s found almost everywhere in the body.
As a person ages and collagen production slows, bones can become weaker as the person loses the collagen necessary to keep the bones strong and supported.
One small study had women take either calcium or calcium and collagen supplements for 1 year.
The researchers found that the women taking the calcium and the collagen had lower levels of a protein responsible for breaking down bones in their blood.Could Supports heart health
Could improve heart health
Taking collagen supplements may also help support a healthy cardiovascular system.
In a small study of 30 participants, half took 16 g of collagen tripeptide for 6 months. This group saw a considerable reduction in artery stiffness and a reduction in their low-density lipoprotein, or “bad,” cholesterol levels.
Reducing the stiffness of arteries can help promote heart health. However, more research is necessary to prove the effects of collagen in supporting heart health.
Some other potential things that collagen may help with include:
- Maintaining a healthy gut
- Maintaining a healthy
- Reducing anxiety
- Improving mood
- Promoting healthy nail and hair growth
- Better skin
How to take collagen supplements?
There are many types of collagen supplements out on the market today, all promising above and beyond.
They come in forms of powder, drinks, and tablets. your body doesn’t mind how it receives collagen, so it what works best for you.obviously all collagen supplements have different levels of quality, and you want to be looking for
‘hydrolyzed’ collagen (or ‘peptides’). What does this mean? Basically, it means that the collagen has already been broken down into smaller parts that your body can easily make use of.
Although certain foods, such as bone broth, contain collagen, people who want wrinkle-free skin or other health benefits often look to supplements to increase their collagen intake.
Taking collagen is associated with a number of health benefits.
Rest assured that research has been done on the health benefits of taking collagen supplements, from improving skin health by reducing wrinkles and dryness. They may also help increase muscle mass, prevent bone loss, and releasing joint pain.
Many other claims have been reported of other benefits, however more research needs to take place
Although several foods contain collagen, it’s unknown whether the collagen in food offers the same benefits as supplements.
I would say its definitely worth giving collagen supplements a try, the potential benefits are a beauty and health game changer.