Did you know that collagen accounts for 33% of your body’s protein needs? A third of the protein required by human bodies is structural protein. Collagen is a structural protein that is a complete protein source for this function. Making it essential to know the best collagen benefits for your body.
In layman’s terms, collagen is the glue that holds together your body. Its name comes from the Greek word for glue ‘kolla.’ Collagen provides structural support, and it is made up of amino acids. Our bodies need amino acids to build muscle, bone cartilage, skin, hair, connective tissue, among other uses.
Here are the top 10 best collagen benefits for your beauty and health;
1. The Best Collagen Benefit – Improves Skin, Nail and Hair Health
According to research published in the Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals and the Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, participants who took collagen supplements experienced significant improvements in their skin hydration and elasticity levels.
Increased skin elasticity helps to prevent premature skin aging and wrinkling. Perhaps it’s time to get yourself a collagen serum for its fountain of youth benefits. One exceptional option is the Collagen Booster Plus that has other powerful hydrating ingredients and promises to keep your hydrated for up to 5 days.
Collagen also helps nails and hair to grow faster and stronger. It also helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite because of the increased skin elasticity hence giving you a great look that makes a good first impression.
2. Reduces Joint Pain
Studies show that collagen helps to rebuild cartilage. Increase in cartilage results in smother operating joints, and thus, joint pain lowers significantly. Other studies also show that collagen has anti-inflammatory benefits for people with osteoarthritis.
Collagen has also been shown to reduce the pain suffered by rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing the level of swelling in the joints.
3. Fixes Your Leaky Gut
The villi in your intestine responsible for absorption of nutrients are made up of collagen. Consuming collagen protein helps to form a connective tissue that heals your gastrointestinal lining. This, in turns, protects your body from absorbing toxins into your bloodstream. With the majority of today’s health problems stemming from an unhealthy gut, good gut health is mandatory.
Research also shows that people with Intestinal Bowel Syndrome (IBS) have decreased levels of collagen. Collagen also helps your gut absorb water much better, thus improving your bowel movement. Other added benefits of a healed gut include treatment of Chron’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, acid reflux, and IBS.
4. Increases Muscle Mass
One of the key amino acids glycine helps to create muscle tissue by converting glucose to the energy that in turn feeds your muscles, helping them to grow. Studies carried out have found out that consistent supplementation with collagen powder leads to increased muscle mass and strength. Collagen stimulates muscle growth by aiding the body in synthesizing protein.
5. Boosts Your Metabolism
The increase in muscle mass automatically increases metabolism. Additionally, glycine helps to improve the digestive and the central nervous system. By helping the villi in the intestine heal, collagen helps you absorb food faster, making your healthier in the long run.
6. Improved Energy Synthesis
Due to your increased lean mass from collagen consumption, your body can convert more nutrients into energy. Glutamine, L-Arginine, and Glycine help to boost your metabolism and by synthesizing the chemicals needed to fuel your body.
7. Detoxes the Body
Glycine, a key amino acid in collagen, is known to help your liver during harmful detoxification processes. Especially when you consume copious amounts of alcohol. Studies show that glycine helps to reduce alcohol-induced liver damage and other acute or chronic liver damages.
L-Arginine and Glutamine amino acids are also essential building blocks for the production of glutathione by the human body. Glutathione is the ultimate detoxifier, and it helps the human body to repair and regenerate its cells.
Glutathione also helps fight off viral and fungal infections by dissolving biofilm produced by exposure to mold.
8. Supports Bone Growth and Repair
By being a complete protein, collagen provides all the essential amino acids necessary for your daily protein intake. These protein helps to regenerate bones as well as prevent further bone regeneration.
Research shows that collagen helps to reduce bone loss, the main cause of osteoporosis. Consistent collagen consumption helped participants gain bone mass density over 12 months.
9. Improves Hearth Health
One study has found that collagen helps to prevent and treat atherosclerosis in humans. Another study found that participants given chicken derived collagen known as chicken collagen hydrolysate had a significant reduction in high blood pressure. The participants also experienced reduced arterial stiffness an indication that collagen improves vascular health.
Additionally, another amino acid known as proline helps to reduce the amount of fat buildup in your bloodstream as well as repair your arteries. L-arginine helps to produce nitric acid, which helps in vasodilation.
10. Immune Health Booster
The best collagen amino acid glycine helps cells to function properly and build healthy DNA strands. The amino acid has also been shown to provide significant health benefits to sick people. Research shows that glycine also helps in the prevention of many disorders and disorders such as cancer.
L-Arginine and Glutamine amino acids commonly found in collagen have also been proven to strengthen the immune system as well.
The Bottom Line
While collagen is one of the best beauty and health supplements in the market, it is still important to consume it in moderation. It only has mild side effects in rare cases which include; diarrhea, heavy feeling in the stomach, and or rash development.
Despite its mild side effects, do not be tempted to mega dose in an attempt to reap maximum benefits to other conditions like Ehlers-Danlos. If anything, you will not be able to get additional benefits in just one go. You need to use it consistently over some time for you to reap the benefits.
Most of the studies that have shown positive results were carried out over 12 weeks. Also, carry out research and buy the best collagen supplement in the market. Only buy products from credible manufacturers. You can check out our blog for more on collagen for beauty and health.
