5 Collagen Benefits you need to know

Collagen is a protein that is naturally present in the body and is a crucial component of our skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. It provides structure, strength, and elasticity to various parts of the body.The benefits of collagen are known for relieving joint pain, improving the health of bones, muscles, ligaments, hair, eyes, and skin, and helping your blood clot. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a nutritional supplement and ingredient in skincare and anti-aging. (study)

It is the body’s most abundant protein, accounting for about 25 to 35 percent of the protein content of the entire body and about 80 to 90 percent of the epidermis of the skin. It is made up of amino acids, which include glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, arginine, etc. The special thing is that our body makes collagen on its own. But the formation of collagen in the body gradually decreases with increasing age. T

It’s not just a manifestation, but the protein powerhouse that makes up the connective tissue for nearly all of your body’s structures, from your bones to your skin. It is an essential building block for overall body well-being – which explains why people tend to consume collagen protein supplements in their diets for an extra boost of protein. Collagen protein reduces wrinkles and hydrates the skin and helps in healthy joints.

What is collagen?

It is an insoluble fibrous protein that makes up one-third of the human body. It is found in many parts of the body like tendons, fat, joints, ligaments, etc. It helps to connect the pieces of our body together and is important for the strength of our bone structure.

Most of the collagen molecules in it form long and thin fibers called fibrils. These bind with each other, giving elasticity and strength to the skin.

Collagen protein is the glue that holds the whole body together. Collagen comes from the Greek word “kolla”, which means glue.

There are two types of collagen. The first is endogenous collagen and the second is exogenous collagen.

Endogenous collagen is natural collagen, which is made in the body itself, while exogenous collagen is synthetic, which is prepared from external factors, it is taken through external factors and medicines.

What does it do in the body?

There are 16 different types of collagen, but between 80 and 90 percent of collagen content belongs to three types of collagen, such as collagen type 1, collagen type 2, and collagen type 3.

These three types of collagen have different structures and functions. Most of the collagen contained in the body is strong as well as flexible.

In particular, the fibers of type 1 collagen are much stronger and more stretchable than steel.

Collagen has been shown to be very important for your body’s texture and strength.

Over time your collagen level becomes less and lower quality. Sometimes this results in problems with bones, wrinkles, and weak joints.

Wrinkles start appearing on the skin due to a lack of collagen. Especially after menopause, women experience a lack of collagen.

Benefits of collagen supplements

There aren’t many studies on collagen, but those that exist show the science-backed health benefits of taking collagen supplements.

Here are 5 collagen benefits to skin, hair, and health-

Improve skin health

The skin gets the most benefit from the right amount of collagen in the body. This keeps the skin glowing and healthy. This protein helps to make the skin flexible and keep you young for a long time.

With increasing age, the level of collagen starts decreasing, which leads to dryness, wrinkles, and looseness in the skin.

However, several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplemental collagen can lead to the disappearance of wrinkles and rejuvenation of the skin. (study)

Studies have shown that regular use of hydrolyzed collagen protein can support the overall health of the skin and combat the effects of aging.

Boost muscle mass

Collagen is extremely beneficial in keeping and building muscles strong. Collagen provides a lot of energy during workouts. There isn’t much research on collagen and exercise, but in one study, weak men with sarcopenia were given a collagen supplement. Sarcopenia is a condition in which the muscles become weak due to age. It was observed that after 12 weeks, these people saw a reduction in fat and muscle strength.

Supports the bone formation and repair

In addition to calcium, bones contain 1/3 of the collagen, which gives them flexibility. Bone cells are constantly turning, so adding collagen protein to the daily diet increases bone mineral density and helps keep them strong.

Studies have shown that hydrolyzed collagen supplements help prevent the breakdown of bones which can affect osteoporosis.

In another study, 66 women who took collagen saw a percentage increase in their bone mineral density.

Promotes heart health

Collagen is very important and good for the heart. One study found that collagen supplements may help prevent and treat atherosclerosis in a person.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which a plug forms inside your arteries, the arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of the body.

Relieve joint pain

Collagen is good for joint pain. As we age, the cortisol present on the joints decreases, which increases the risk of developing joint pain and disorders such as osteoarthritis.

Some studies have shown that consuming collagen supplements may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and experience a significant reduction in joint pain.

Ways to boost collagen production

Facial massage
Quit smoking
Antioxidants
Keep hydrate yourself
Stop too much sugar and refined carbs
Eating collagen-rich foods
Eating glycine- and proline-rich foods can help your body produce more collagen.

Conclusion

Collagen protein supplements are effective and versatile; they can reduce joint pain, improve flexibility, and help build new bones, in addition to supporting overall bone and health well-being. That’s a big deal for collagen’s anti-aging benefits, but it’s also great news for people who work out.