Benefits of Collagen
Collagen has been a trending topic these past few years – even during quarantine, it was probably hard to miss hearing about collagen and its many health benefits. From beauty benefits to joint support and muscle recovery, collagen is quickly becoming a staple in many people’s cupboards. But does it live up to all of the hype - and more importantly, how can it help you?
4 Benefits of Collagen Supplements:
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Hair, Skin and Nail Health
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Relieves Joint Pain
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Collagen and Gut Health
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Collagen and weight management
Collagen makes up more than 70% of our skin. It helps give our skin strength and supports its elasticity and hydration. The problem is that in our early 20’s, our body starts to produce less collagen each year. As this happens, our skin will lose its strength and hydration. It will start to wrinkle and become dry or saggy… we start to show our age!
Studies have found that taking collagen supplements can help slow down this process, and that in as little as 4 weeks taking daily collagen, we can see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as well as improvement in skin hydration and elasticity...it’s even being looked at to improve cellulite and stretch marks. Collagen has also been found to support the strength of our nails and hair. Overall, it is a beauty supplement you will want to add to your routine.
Collagen makes up the cartilage in our joints – the rubber-like tissue that acts as a shock absorber and allows our joints to move smoothly. With age and overuse, our cartilage can start to break down leading to pain and/or arthritis. Taking collagen supplements can help prevent this break down and lead to cartilage regeneration. Collagen supplementation has been found to reduce joint pain in athletes as well as those with osteoarthritis. When taking collagen for our joints, we have to be a little patient as it can take 3-6 months to see changes.
The health of our gut is key to the health of our whole body. Collagen is quickly becoming a key supplement for digestive health. A recent study looked at marine collagen to help repair our digestive lining and reduce inflammation that can lead to dysfunction like leaky gut syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Protein is important for weight loss and building lean muscle. When we eat protein, our bodies will feel fuller for longer which can prevent overeating. And now for the great news - collagen is a protein! When we add it to our water, coffee or food, we are adding extra protein to our diets. This can help us feel full and reduce overeating.