You may think collagen is only good for your skin. Think again! This protein, the most plentiful in the body, is beneficial in more ways than one. Not only can it help you lose weight and strengthen your bones and joints, collagen aids in digestion and can heal a leaky gut. And to top it off, collagen is an excellent post-workout supplement, aiding in recovering and flexibility. Not convinced yet? Here’s eight amazing collagen benefits you need to know now!
1. Collagen helps you lose weight!
The first collagen benefit to consider? Weight loss! For starters, collagen protein is more filling than other types of protein. Research has shown that it curbs your hunger better than other proteins, keeping you full longer so you eat less. In fact, one clinical trial found collagen to be 40 percent more filling than the same quantity of whey, casein or soy. Individuals who supplemented with collagen consumed 20 percent less food at their next meal than those who consumed other types of protein. (This seems like a no brainer supplement to us!)
2. Collagen benefits bones and joints.
Collagen not only builds stronger bones, it also prevents bone fractures. As we age, we lose up to 50 percent of our bone strength simply because collagen breaks down. But there’s good news. You can reverse this process by taking collagen! Scientific studies show that it’s the collagen in our bones that absorbs the energy from impacts. The more collagen in our bones, the tougher they are. That means they’re less likely to break or fracture. Another way collagen benefits our bones? It actually improves bone strength by encouraging growth of new bone cells to replace worn and damaged ones.
3. Ease throbbing joints and pain from arthritis with collagen.
A key collagen benefit? Pain-free joints! Not only does it strengthen bones, studies show that it alleviates arthritis symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. One trial demonstrated a 70 percent response rate for significant or noticeable improvement in joint pain among patients who supplemented with collagen! Seventy percent?! That’s significant. And in another study, collagen proved 25 percent more effective in reducing osteoarthritis pain and stiffness compared to other anti-inflammatory supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
4. Say goodbye to heartburn and ulcers!
Collagen is crucial for proper digestive system function. And by regulating stomach digestion, it can help prevent heartburn and ulcers. (Two uncomfortable digestive issues for sure.) In addition, collagen in the GI tract pulls in water and attracts acid molecules, which helps break down food and move it through the digestive system.
5. Collagen repairs intestinal lining to heal IBS and Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Healing an irritated intestine requires collagen, and studies have found there’s often not enough collagen in individuals with digestive imbalances. Let’s be more specific: there is a connection between inflammatory bowel disease and decreased collagen levels. Some of the amino acids in collagen have been named as the key amino acid that helps to prevent inflammation in the gut lining and heal leaky gut syndrome.
6. Faster, faster, faster! Collagen can help you exercise harder and recover sooner.
Collagen is ideal for post-workout nutrition because it can replenish your body in many different ways. It has a high amino-acid content; it contains key substances for muscle contractions; it can both prevent injury and help repair muscles quickly; and scientists have identified it as the key component for regenerating strength and flexibility in torn muscles, joints and ligaments.
Collagen also improves flexibility in movements such as knee extension. After taking collagen, individuals have been able to exercise for longer durations before experiencing joint pain.
Daily collagen benefits the strength and size of our tendons, joints and ligaments, as well, making them ready for exercise. And another study that measured effects of daily collagen found an increase in collagen fiber diameter in the structure of the Achilles tendon, another benefit for active people.
7. Want younger-looking skin? Collagen can benefit you!
By strengthening the outside layer of our skin, collagen also plays an important role in hiding cellulite and eliminating stretch marks and acne scars. Yes, it is that awesome! Cellulite becomes more visible as our skin stretches, thins and sags. Fight cellulite with collagen! Collagen benefits, proved through studies, include increasing skin-collagen expression and improved elasticity and thickness. This is important for building stronger, firmer skin that eliminates stretch marks, improves acne scars and hides fat beneath the skin.
Another benefit of collagen is its power to make skin more flexible and hydrated, and to reduce the depth of facial wrinkles. In a study of women ages 40 to 60, taking collagen for eight weeks showed a 28 percent average increase in skin moisture levels, and 91 percent of people reported moister skin after regularly taking collagen. Taking collagen orally has been proven to be more effective than simply using it in lotions because the collagen molecules are not easily absorbed through the skin. Oral collagen, however, can be immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and sent to work on skin repair.
8. Build healthy and beautiful hair, nails and teeth from the inside out with collagen.
Like icing on the top of the cake, collagen can benefit your hair, nails and teeth in addition to skin, bones and your gut. First, you should know that hair follicle growth depends on the collagen in our skin, and without enough collagen, the total number and thickness of hair follicles can be reduced. In addition, this loss of collagen as we age may be a significant contributor to hair loss. Collagen is essential for healthy nail growth as well. In fact, short, brittle nails may be a sign of collagen deficiency! Finally, collagen is the major structural component of teeth and the connection between teeth and gums. Collagen loss with age can cause increased tooth sensitivity and decreased tooth strength.
So what’s the takeaway?
- Collagen is more filling than other proteins and can help you lose weight.
- Supplementing with collagen helps to build stronger bones and joints.
- Supplementing with collagen helps alleviate arthritis related joint pain.
- Collagen helps to regulate digestion and prevent heartburn and ulcers.
- Supplementing with collagen repairs the intestinal lining, helping heal leaky gut and IBS.
- Collagen is an ideal post workout high protein supplement.
- Daily collagen supplementation helps to hide cellulite and stretch marks, resulting in younger looking skin.
- Supplementing with collagen makes your hair, nails and teeth stronger.
Need we say more? Collagen is a powerful protein that contributes to overall health and wellness, and fights the effects of aging.
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Citations:
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