Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays an important role in skin and bone health. It has many important functions, such as providing structure to the skin and strengthening bones. After age 30 to 40, taking a collagen supplement can help reduce the decline in collagen production and quality in the body. Collagen supplements have several benefits related to skin, joint, bone, muscle and heart health.
There is little evidence to support the purported effects of collagen on weight loss or gut or brain health. Oral collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity in older people. They can also help reduce wrinkles. The good thing about collagen is that it has benefits for all types of people. Even if you're healthy or have good skin, you can still reap the benefits of collagen. People most commonly take collagen for its skin-improving benefits.
Things like improving skin elasticity, improving wrinkles and fine lines, and strengthening skin are all reasons why people take collagen as a dietary supplement. Collagen is best for people who want to improve the overall health and appearance of their skin. People also take it to have strong hair and nails. Collagen can help if you have brittle and weak hair and nails. Anyone who wants to make a healthy change in their life will benefit from collagen.
It can help you increase your muscle mass and help you lose weight. Increasing muscle mass helps improve muscle strength and reduce the amount of fat in body composition. Increasing your intake of collagen through food will also help improve your health. Eating clean, real food is the best way to increase the body's collagen. Things like leafy greens, fruits high in vitamin C, bone broth, seafood, meats, beans, and quinoa can help boost collagen production.
Collagen supplementation helps because collagen is directly absorbed by the body. The good thing about this supplement is that there are no known side effects. If you don't know how much collagen you should take or you're not sure if you should take it, you can always ask your healthcare professional. Allow at least 8 weeks of collagen supplementation a day before evaluating if collagen is working for you. With both types, collagen molecules are smaller and therefore easier to digest and absorb in the body. And while the use of collagen for its nutritional values has been around for thousands of years, it has only been a common dietary supplement for a relatively short period of time. Celebrities swear that putting collagen peptides in their daily smoothies keeps them looking young and glamorous.
Bones are mostly made of collagen, so when the body's collagen production decreases, bones weaken, making them more susceptible to fractures. A disadvantage of collagen supplements is the unknown of what exactly it contains or if the supplement will do what the label promotes. If you plan to take a collagen supplement, either in liquid or powder form, it is important to mention that the triple helix that forms collagen cannot be absorbed in its full form. If you want to test collagen supplements for possible analgesic effects, most research suggests that you'll see an effect at 10 grams per day. It's important to note that everyone's body is different and may respond differently to different doses of supplements. Overall, taking a collagen supplement can be beneficial for older adults who are looking to improve their skin health or increase their muscle mass. It's important to consult with your healthcare professional before taking any supplements as they can provide guidance on dosage and potential side effects.
