What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is all throughout the body and is the largest part of the connective tissues that make up various body parts. Some body parts that are made up of collagen are; tendon, ligaments, skin and muscles. The most important function of collagen is its ability to give the skin structure as well as keep the bones strong. Overall, the health benefits of collagen are great and oftentimes people are looking for ways to get more collagen in their body. Continue reading to learn more about collagen benefits for skin as well as collagen supplement benefits.
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Collagen Supplement Benefits for Skin
Collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular because it not only increases collagen in the body but also is an easy way for your body to absorb it because of its state. Besides helping the skin, collagen has many over health benefits.
Collagen Benefits for Skin – Since your skin is made up of collagen, taking additional collagen supplements can help your body produce more collagen on your own. It can also help slow the signs of aging, give the skin more strength and elasticity, hydration and reduction of wrinkles.
Joints – Collagen supplements benefits can also be given to the joints. Many people suffer from joint pain due to various things such as age and the development of certain joint disorders. Studies have shown that certain collagen supplements benefits can include reduced join pain and reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Bone Loss – Other health benefits of collagen can be the prevention of bone loss. This is because bones are made of collagen and when age is a factor, bone mass is lost. Losing bone mass can result in certain conditions and taking collagen supplements can help if not maintain bone mass, add a bit of it.
Muscle Mass – Muscles are also made up of collagen and as anything else in the body, with age it can deteriorate. Collagen is necessary to keep muscles strong and the collagen supplement benefits can help boost muscle mass and help stimulate muscle growth after exercise.
The Heart – Collagen can help your heart. This is because it can provide support to arteries and vessels that help the blood move from the heart to the rest of the body.
Collagen is also helpful to the hair, nails, gut, brain and weight loss.
Overall Health Benefits of Collagen
Did you know there are certain foods that contain collagen? These foods also have great health benefits for the body. Since collagen is found in muscles and connective tissues foods such as beef, fish and the skin of port and chicken can be great sources of collagen. Using bone broth and gelatin are other good sources of collagen. Collagen in food isn’t necessarily a substitute for supplements but it can have other health benefits for the body.
If you’re wondering about the side effects of taking collagen, there aren’t too many to be worried about. Collagen can sometimes leave a nasty taste in the mouth and can sometimes contain common allergens that are found in food. That’s because collagen can sometimes contain things such as fish, shellfish and eggs. Before deciding to take collagen supplements it’s best to do research about which type of supplement is best for you and your specific need.
Also speaking to a medical professional about the risks and benefits is the best thing that you can do to ensure that what you’re taking is right for you and your body. Always speaking to a medical professional before making major changes is a good idea because you can never be sure how something is going to affect your body.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits#section2