Collagen is a protein that plays an essential role in building and supporting many parts of our bodies, and it’s a substance that is already found in our skin and bones. As we age, the amount of collagen that our bodies produce declines rapidly, so more people than ever are choosing to add collagen to their regular supplement routines, not just to maintain healthy skin. There are many benefits to supplementing collagen that have been shown in countless trials and studies, and you likely have people in your life who can provide testimony to the work it’s done for them. Please keep reading to learn more about the importance of collagen and some of its biggest impacts on health and well-being.
Skin Benefits
One of the best-known benefits of collagen is its ability to boost our skin’s health and appearance. From collagen powders to collagen serum, there are many ways to use collagen to benefit your skin health. Our skin is our body’s largest organ, a strong indicator of our overall health, and a strong influence on our self-confidence. Collagen helps smooth wrinkles and boosts the skin’s elasticity, both issues that come with aging and mature skin. A serving as small as ten grams a day could be enough to maintain a youthful appearance.
Gut Health
The gut-brain axis has been studied for a long time, and it’s proven an intrinsic connection between the two. Improving your gut health is essential to your whole body’s health, and collagen may improve your gut health. Whether you have an inflammatory bowel condition like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or IBD (irritable bowel disease), research supports that collagen levels are decreased in such patients. Your colon and GI tract is made up of connective tissue, so supplementing with collagen can help repair these tissues and create an environment conducive to healing.
Reducing Aches and Pains
Joint pain is a common complaint, especially as we age. Joint pain can impact your ability to enjoy day-to-day activities so taking care of this type of pain is a priority for anyone suffering from it. A collagen supplement could help these connective tissues as well as repair them. Even if you only suffer from joint pains after exercise, including a collagen powder in your coffee, tea or smoothie can aid in post-workout recovery. Cartilage repair through collagen has been well documented, so for patients dealing with these issues, just a small amount of 5 grams per day can be life-changing.
Improved Heart Health
With heart disease being a top killer in the United States, focusing on improved cardiovascular health and function is at the forefront of both patient and provider minds. Collagen has been shown to improve heart health in some studies. Atherosclerosis, the buildup in artery walls, markers have been shown to lower with regular collagen consumption. Additionally, collagen helps with arterial stiffness as well as cholesterol levels. When your arteries are stiff, and you suffer from atherosclerosis, you risk developing coronary artery disease, the most fatal form of heart disease. Collagen helps strengthen blood vessel walls and may reduce the risk of CAD (coronary artery disease).
Brain Boosting
Many people who use collagen on a regular basis have reported significant impacts on their brain health. Not only has it been shown to improve mood, but it can also reduce symptoms of anxiety. With nearly thirty percent of Americans suffering from anxiety and depression disorders, adding a collagen supplement for your physical health may also benefit your mental health too.
Stronger Bones
Though our bodies produce collagen, this production declines as we age, which can greatly impact our bone strength and health. This is why breaking bones is riskier in seniors and can even be life-threatening. Not to mention it makes recovery time much longer. Taking a collagen powder may reduce bones weakening and becoming too fragile. Even if you’re not older, if you have a bone condition like Osteoporosis, a collagen supplement is a must. No matter your age, if you suffer a broken bone or fracture, supplementing with collagen powder or other supplements will help expedite recovery time and strengthen your bones.
Nail Health
In addition to your skin’s appearance, another cosmetic benefit of collagen supplementation is the health of your nails. Using collage powder has shown an increase in nail growth, a reduction in nail breakage, brittle nails, and healthier nail beds. Many people spend significant money on regular manicures or products to use at home for nail health, so adding collagen to your routine can leave you confident with every handshake.
Boosts Muscle Mass
Even if you don’t hit the gym several days a week, everyone wants to boost their muscle mass. Healthy muscle structure makes us feel our best and able to enjoy life to the fullest. Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, making it the key component of skeletal muscle. Studies have shown that collagen supplements help boost muscle mass and prevent the loss of muscle that accompanies aging. Fifteen grams of collagen is ideal for maintaining muscle mass if you’re aging or dealing with a condition that decreases muscle mass.
Aids Weight Loss
Metabolic disorders are one of the most common health conditions worldwide and can significantly impact the quality of life and longevity. Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risk factors for metabolic disorders, which puts you at risk of stroke, heart attack, and diabetes. Studies have shown that collagen supplements may promote weight loss by boosting the metabolism. With one-third of Americans considered overweight or obese, common sense tells us that adding collagen supplements to aid in weight loss carries significant benefits.
As you can see, there are myriad benefits to supplementing with collagen for everyone, from superficial benefits like skin and nail health to life-giving benefits like heart health and easing chronic pain. Collagen powders are easy additions to drinks we consume daily, like coffee and tea, and are flavorless. You can also find collagen gummies and vitamins. No matter what collagen method, you can start reaping the benefits today.
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