As far as proteins go, collagen is one of the most important for healthy bodily function and is the most common protein within the body, making up important body parts such as skin and muscles. Collagen supplements are taking the health world by storm due to the benefits they can offer. Here we look at six health benefits of adding collagen supplements to your diet.
Improves Heart Health
Alongside a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, collagen has been found to improve heart health and may prevent some serious heart conditions. Collagen is the protein that provides a structure to the heart’s arteries, allowing them to remain strong and pump blood around the body. If collagen is low, your arteries won’t be as strong and healthy and this may lead to a narrowing of these arteries, called atherosclerosis. This condition, if left untreated, could cause a stroke or heart attack.
Reduces Joint Pain
Whether you suffer from joint pain or not, collagen supplements may help you now or in the future. Collagen is vital to maintaining the cartilage within your joints and as we age, we lose the amount of collagen our body can make, meaning we are more at risk of joint disorders such as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is more common in females, meaning women need to take extra care in keeping their joints healthy. If you suffer with pain in your joints, collagen can be taken to reduce pain, support joints, and decrease inflammation.
Advances Muscle Mass
Muscle is partly made of collagen and without it, we would not be able to function properly. Collagen can help in maintaining strength within the muscle. Especially as we get older, taking collagen can help prevent the loss of muscle mass and may even advance muscle mass. If you are an avid gym-goer, you may want to take collagen in the form of protein powder, which is more filling than many other protein supplements.
Strengthens Skin
Probably the most heard about the benefit of collagen is to strengthen the skin. When we think about collagen, our first thoughts are usually anti-aging creams, which are packed with collagen and other ingredients to help strengthen the skin. Whilst putting collagen directly on the skin may help, taking supplements can help strengthen the whole skin, rather than just your face and neck. When we begin to lose collagen as we age, wrinkles form and the skin becomes dry. Taking supplements can help slow down this process, reducing the look of wrinkles and hydrating the skin from within.
Prevents Bone Loss
Not only are many tissues made of collagen, but your bones are also made with this protein. Collagen provides bone structure and keeps your bones dense and healthy. Bone mass and collagen both decrease with age, meaning taking supplements can help reduce bone loss. Calcium can also help with bone density and strength, therefore, if you are worried about bone loss as you age, you should consider taking both for the best effect.
Stronger Hair and Nails
If you suffer from brittle nails, this may be down to a lack of collagen. The protein can also stimulate both nails and hair to grow longer and healthier. The dermis, the skin on your head in which the roots of your hair grow, will lose collagen as you age. Collagen supplements allow the dermis to keep its elasticity and strength, preventing hair loss and hair thinning.
Collagen has many health benefits, both inside and out. Taking supplements could improve bone health, heart health, lead to healthier hair and nails, strengthen muscles, and prevent wrinkles.
