What do you know about collagen? Collagen is one of the most abundant structural proteins found in our bodies making up about 30% of its total protein. Collagen is the primary building block of our body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments and other connective tissues. It’s also found in our organs, blood vessels and intestinal lining.
Do we need Collagen supplements? As we age, our bodies are no longer able to produce as much collagen and it becomes more difficult for our bodies to replace it. As we hit our 20s, we start to lose as much as 1% of our collagen each year and by the time we hit our 50s, we lose up to a third of it. This leads to the characteristic signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dry, sagging skin. The integrity of the collagen found in the skeletal system decreases with age as well, leading to reductions in bone strength – Numerous studies have shown that the best way to boost collagen production is by taking a high-quality collagen supplement.
Health benefits of collagen; Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may offer a few benefits:-
• Helps with hair and nail growth
• Supports skin hydration and prevents wrinkles
• Promotes healthy bones and muscles
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Boosts metabolism and thyroid function
• Aids with weight management
• Reduces inflammation and helps with joint pain
Whilst there are numerous benefits of collagen we will consider two of the main benefits:-
Potential skin benefits; One of the most popular uses of collagen supplements is to support skin health. Research suggests that taking collagen supplements may improve certain aspects of skin health and appearance.A number of studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may improve skin hydration and elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Potential benefits for bones; In addition to improving some aspects of skin health and appearance, taking collagen supplements long-term may help increase bone mineral density in people in post menopause, who are at a greater risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Side effects of collagen supplements; Collagen is considered to be well tolerated with no major side-effects.
How long does it take for collagen supplements to work? Tangible results for skin, hair and nails are seen in as soon as four weeks. And with consistent, daily supplementation, the best results are achieved from 12 weeks.
(in depth benefits)
There are many health benefits of collagen far beyond just looking better. Collagen does the following:
- Improves and strengthens your hair skin teeth and nails – Wrinkles looser skin stretch marks and cellulite can all be the result of lower collagen. When you eat more of it your skin will look firmer and smoother.
- Helps repair leaky gut – If you have a leaky gut where toxins can pass through your digestive tract into the rest of your body it can wreak havoc on your entire system. Collagen can help seal your intestines and heal leaky gut. If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease of any kind collagen may help your digestion.
- Reduces or prevents joint pain and acts as an anti-inflammatory – Collagen functions much like the oil in a car engine: it helps ligaments tendons and joints glide smoothly. Less collagen can mean swollen stiff and painful joints.
- Increases your metabolism and muscle mass – The amino acid glycine found in collagen helps convert glucose into energy and increase lean muscle. More lean muscle means a faster metabolism since muscle burns more calories than fat. Taking vitamin C along with collagen aids this process.
- Helps support your liver and detox systems – Glycine helps protect your liver from toxins and can help repair any liver damage.
- Protects your heart and cardiovascular health – Proline another component of collagen may help repair arteries and clear fat deposits from them. It’s also been shown to reduce blood pressure.
