5 Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements
More and more people are talking about collagen every day. Some claim it’s a sort of miracle protein, solving all different kinds of problems in the body. Because of this, the real benefits have been clouded by speculation, but we’ll clear that up for you.
First, we’ll provide a little background on collagen. Did you know that it is the most abundant protein in the body? It is the major component of bones and connective tissues that make up tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. That means collagen is directly linked with your body’s structure and strength. This is why supplementing additional collagen has become so popular. Here are some proven benefits of taking collagen supplements.
Check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement routine.
1. Promotes healthier skin
Like we said above, your skin is made up of collagen. As you age, your body produces less of it, which can lead to dry skin and wrinkles. Studies have shown that collagen supplements may help slow these effects.
2. Helps relieve joint pain
Collagen keeps your cartilage intact, which, in turn, helps protect your joints. As collagen decreases with age, your joints become more susceptible to disorders, like osteoarthritis. Taking collagen supplements has been known to help improve symptoms and reduce joint pain in general.
3. Fights osteoporosis
Collagen helps keep your bones strong, and again, as levels decrease with age, your bone mass can deteriorate, too. Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements can help prevent this bone breakdown, which helps combat bone conditions like osteoporosis.
4. Supports muscle growth
For some, muscle mass is lost with age. Collagen supplements have been known to counter this, helping to increase muscle mass and strength with proper exercise. Taking collagen also promotes the synthesis of muscle proteins like creatine.
5. Improves heart health
Collagen provides structure to your arteries, which keep blood flowing to and from your heart. Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements can reduce artery stiffness and increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in the body. This means it can help reduce your risk of developing heart conditions.