Collagen comes from the Greek word ‘kolla’ – it means ‘glue’. Collagen is a fibrous protein that is found towards our body parts such as our organs, skin, hair, muscle, teeth, bones, nails, etc. It is a major component that is connective tissues that makes up several of our body parts. Type 1 collagen is the most and strongest type of collagen.
Starting at the age of 35, the production of the collagen in our body slows which can make negative effects can be visible on our body. At the age of 40, collagen depletes faster than being reproduce. And by the age of seniority at 60, half of our body’s collagen has been totally depleted.
So adding a collagen supplement is essential for our functioning and our health, from relieving joint pains up to improving skin health. So what are the benefits in taking collagen supplements? Let’s find out below.
It improves the appearance of skin:
The wrinkle-reducing effect of the collagen can also help strengthen skin as collagen may help slower the aging of your skin as it reduces wrinkles and dryness. As you age, your skin starts to show and becomes looser and less elastic, it also wrinkles and creases started to show up. Collagen intake increases and boost elasticity, helps to smoothen out the skin and fine lines, promotes the production of other protein such as elastin. There are also claim that taking collagen supplements can help reduce acne but still not supported by scientific evidences studies.
It helps relieved joint pains:
Collagen is like oil on the joints, ligaments and tendons which glides and helps moves easily. Collagen contains amino acid glycine and proline which helps support the mobility of the joints. It also helps the cartilage which is a tissue that protects the joints. The more we age, the more we’re at risk of getting and developing joint disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Taking collagen supplements reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen in our body. It also promotes pain relief for those who are suffering from joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.
Supports Bones Growth:
Bones are also made from 1/3 collagen which makes our bones flexible. As we age, calcium and collagen decreases which makes our bones depleted. Adding a collagen in our diet helps as it increases bone minerals. BMD is a measure of the amount of minerals such as collagen and calcium found in our bones. Low BMD may result to bone diseases such as arthritis; weak bones can lead to osteoporosis. Consuming collagen supplements can help reduce bone disorders as it helps increase BMD and lowers the levels of minerals in the blood that stimulates breakdown of the bones as we age.
Supports Liver and Helps Detoxification Process:
Glycine which is found in the collagen can support the liver while it’s in detoxification process.
Reduces Heart-related Problems:
Taking collagen supplements can help reduce heart related problems as it contains Proline. Atherosclerosis is characterized as narrowing the arteries which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Collagen increases the level of good HDL as collagen provides structure of the arteries, making the blood vessel carries the proper amount of blood towards the body
Improves Gut Health:
Having a leaky gut can caused inflammation as toxins and infections can pass on the intestinal walls. Intestinal walls are made up of collagen or villi. Collagen supplement intake helps to treat the intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome. The amino acid in collagen supports cellular health and tissue growth.
Improves the appearance of Nails and Hair:
Taking collagen can help strengthen the nails and hair. As you age, nails can be brittle and hair loss can be seen. Adding collagen on your diet makes your nails and hair healthy at it gives impact making the hair look shiny and nails looks healthier than being pale.
Adding collagen on your diet is recommended. There are also collagen-rich foods such as spinach, kale, tomatoes fish etc. However, there are many collagen supplements that are out in the market and starts being on-trend because of the celebrities using it. Be mindful and consult your family doctor about the right dosage of supplement collagen intake. Better be safe than sorry.
