5 Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Have you ever wanted to give your health a bit of an extra insurance policy—especially during a time in your life when you may be stressed, under the weather, busy, or simply needing to feel your best?
If so, you may be interested in getting more collagen in your diet.
Research shows that this high quality protein (found naturally in animal products like beef and eggs) can improve your health in a variety of ways, so getting more of it into your diet through supplementation can make a world of difference for you.
These days, quality collagen supplement products are becoming much easier to find. Look for products that are made from high quality sources like chicken, beef, eggs, and fish, and contain collagen in hydrolyzed form, which improves its bioavailability (this means it’ll be easier for your body to absorb and actually use the collagen).
So whether you’re young or old, sedentary or active, healthy or currently living with a health condition, check out these five ways collagen protein can help your body out.
5 Ways Collagen Supplements Benefit Your Health
1. Can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dryness.
Collagen is a major component of skin, and studies have shown that in people who supplement with collagen, their wrinkles and lines diminish and their skin becomes more hydrated.
In other words: collagen may help slow the aging process in our skin!
And while the evidence doesn’t seem to be quite as strong, some people also have reported that their blemishes and acne improved after supplementing with collagen, as well.
2. Can benefit joint health and relieve joint pain.
Studies have shown that supplementing with collagen may help ease joint pain caused by arthritis and other types of degenerative conditions. Of course no panacea, this research suggests that if you have a history of joint pain or injury, it could help you find some relief, or even may help you avoid joint pain in the future.
3. Can slow or prevent bone loss.
Bone loss is a common consequence of aging, and while it’s not completely avoidable, there are plenty of ways to slow down the process. In addition to things like regular weight-bearing exercises, taking collagen supplements may help preserve bone density and reduce your risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia.
4. Can benefit heart health.
Some research has examined the effects of collagen supplementation on heart health and found that the protein may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Considering that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, it stands to reason that the more people who can add collagen to their daily diet, the healthier our hearts could be!
5. Can help improve muscle mass.
A study on men with sarcopenia (age-related muscle atrophy/loss) found that consuming supplemental collagen can help improve muscle mass and strength—and we don’t think it’d be a stretch to say that these same benefits could be conferred to people with healthy muscles, as well, especially if the collagen is immediately consumed post-workout.
Note that the above benefits have at least some support in scientific literature, but this list isn’t necessarily all-inclusive, and more research needs to be done that can further vet the benefits of collagen supplementation. It’s worth noting, however, that many other benefits have been reported anecdotally by a wide range of people who swear by collagen supplements:
- May help with weight loss
- May boost immunity
- May improve overall gut health and assist with symptom management of issues like leaky gut syndrome
- May improve the appearance and health of hair and nails
- May improve symptoms of anxiety and other mood disorders
Overall, a growing body of research points to it: adding collagen supplements to a healthy diet can be a great boon for your health. And while your body naturally produces collagen on its own and you can find collagen in your normal diet (especially if you eat plenty of fish, chicken, eggs, and beef), adding an extra source to make sure you’re getting enough throughout every stage of life.
Ready to try some out for yourself? Check out our products and talk to us with your questions and comments!
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