Collagen is a protein that takes care of joints and skin elasticity. The protein is present in bones, muscles, and blood. It comprises three-quarters of skin and a third of total body protein. Along with age, collagen breaks down. It is hard for the body to produce more.
Collagen Supplements are the next alternative. These are usually powders. However, liquids and capsules are also available.
Collagen is an essential protein to maintain good health. There are various shreds of evidence that prove that collagen supplements help to maintain hydrated skin. They also help to relieve osteoarthritis pain.
Let us find out its benefits:
1. Strong Bones
Collagen is a major component of bones. It gives them structure and strength. Bones become less dense and brittle with age. Due to this, the bones might break easily and it takes a long time to heal. Taking collagen supplements has certain effects on the body that inhibit bone breakdown leading to osteoporosis. Daily collagen supplements help in making bone denser. It also slows down the bone aging process making them brittle and helps your body to heal a broken bone faster.
2. Healthy Nails
Some people complain that their nails break easily compared to others. They don’t even grow fast. Collagen supplements might help to increase nail strength by preventing brittleness.
3. Healthy Skin
Collagen is a major skin component. It is responsible for skin elasticity, strengthening, and skin hydration. As the body ages, it produces less collagen resulting in skin dryness and wrinkles. There are studies that show that collagen supplements might help to slow skin aging through reduced dryness and wrinkles.
Along with this, the wrinkle-reducing effects of collagen attribute to the body’s ability to produce it on its own.
4. Thicker Hairs
Many people suffer from hair loss as they age. Studies show that women with thin hairs saw an improvement in their hair quality and quantity, a better scalp coverage, and thickness after taking collagen supplements.
5. Helps relieve joint pain
Cartilage is a rubber-like tissue that protects joints. Collagen helps to maintain the integrity of collagen. Degenerative joint disorders like osteoarthritis are more likely to be experienced with age due to a decrease in the amount of collagen.
Studies show that collagen supplements might help in improving osteoarthritis and also reduce joint pain.
6. Improves Muscle Mass
1-10% of muscle tissue comprises collagen. To keep muscle strong, this protein is necessary. Collagen supplements help boost muscle mass in people suffering from sarcopenia, i.e. loss of muscle mass due to age. There are researches that support taking collagen supplements that may promote the synthesis of muscle proteins such as creatine and stimulate the growth of muscles after exercise.
7. Promotes a Healthy Heart
Taking best collagen supplements might reduce the risks of heart-related conditions. It provides structure to the arteries. Arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In absence of collagen, arteries become weak and fragile. This could result in atherosclerosis. The disease results in narrowing the arteries. This increases the risk of a potential heart attack and even stroke.
Bottom Line
Best collagen supplements are associated with various health benefits. Starting with a good skin health by reducing wrinkles and dryness. The collagen supplements also help to gain muscle mass, prevent bone loss and help to relieve joint pain.
Collagen is present in various food items. However, it is not known if the collagen in food offers the same benefits as supplements.
These supplements are generally safe, and worth trying for their numerous benefits.