Collagen is a family of fibrous proteins in the body and could be described as the glue that helps hold the body together. Your body actually produces more than 20 different kinds of collagen, but only three of them are what make up about eighty to ninety percent of all the collagen present. However, as you age, the production of collagen in your body naturally slows down, which causes you to experience the signs of aging and other age-related health issues.
The Benefits of Taking a Collagen Supplement
There are three prominent types of collagen in the body, Type I, Type II, and Type III and each have their own health benefits. Types I and II can be taken together and they have a combination of 19 amino acids that are vital to your health.
In its natural state, collagen is made up of large molecules; therefore, to enable it to be absorbed by your body, it has to be broken down into smaller molecules called peptides which allows it to be more easily absorbed into your digestive system. After the collagen has been broken down into peptides, it is called hydrolyzed collagen that can then be used by your body to boost your own collagen production.
Here are 14 different ways collagen will benefit your health and well-being.
- Skin. Collagen helps skin look firmer by helping your skin cells to renew and repair themselves naturally. This, in turn, will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, among other things.
- Hair.Many of the amino acids found in collagen are needed for healthy hair and hair growth. Therefore, taking a collagen supplement will result in stronger, healthier hair and more rapid hair growth.
- Teeth and gums.Collagen is the substance that forms the basic structure of your teeth and the tissues that surround them. That’s why boosting your collagen production will help keep your teeth, gums, and jaws healthy.
- Bones.Taking a collagen supplement stimulates bone reproduction cells called osteoblasts which strengthen your bones. Strong bones will help prevent falls and other ailments that come from having a weak bone structure.
- Nails.Fingernails are made of keratin, collagen, and other minerals; therefore, adding a collagen supplement to your daily routine will help you grow strong, healthy nails which will make you look younger and appear healthier.
- Joint pain and degeneration. Hydrolyzed collagen supports the re-growth of joint tissues which helps relieve pain and inflammation caused by a lack of collagen. It could also help relieve and/or prevent osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and the pain that accompanies them.
- Leaky gut.Collagen breaks down proteins which helps your digestive system because it soothes the lining and repairs the damaged digestive walls by applying healing amino acids to them. It also creates more connective tissues that will seal your digestive tract, preventing it from leaking toxins into your bloodstream.
- Metabolism, weight loss, and energy. Collagen has been known to boost metabolism while reducing appetite. It can also boost the amino acid glycine which then moves the blood sugar to your tissues where it’s turned into energy.
- Liver health.The amino acid glycine found in collagen helps detox the liver and other organs. You can take the bones of a grass-fed cow, then simmer them on low heat for about 24 hours to make a collagen broth. This process releases the collagen from the bones into the broth and makes it a quick, easy detox for your liver and other organs. Or, if you prefer, you can take a daily hydrolyzed collagen supplement.
- Cellulite, dimpling, and stretch marks. Collagen reduces cellulite, dimpling, and stretch marks by improving your skin’s tightness and elasticity. So it essentially holds the body fat in place creating a smoother looking appearance.
- Cardiovascular health.Your arteries are mainly made up of collagen and collagen contains the amino acids proline and lysine. These help the artery walls release the fat buildup in your bloodstream. They will also shrink the existing fat in your arteries and minimize additional fat accumulation as well. Additionally, collagen contains arginine, which increases the nitric oxide production that leads to widening of the arteries, and, in turn, leads to better circulation.
- Balances hormones.Collagen helps the body balance insulin, the stress hormone cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA. It also helps balance your body’s melatonin levels, progesterone, and HGH (human growth hormone) all of which help balance your hormones.
- Anxiety.The high levels of the amino acid glycine found in collagen has anti-anxiety properties that can help your body calm itself.
- Sleep.Just as with anxiety and some of the other benefits of hydrolyzed collagen, it contains glycine, which will help improve the quality of your sleep and reduce daytime drowsiness.
The Bottom Line
Hydrolyzed collagen is a supplement everyone over 40 should be taking. Unfortunately, very few people realize its importance and how collagen deficient their bodies really are.
Collagen isn’t something you can expect to work miracles overnight. It takes about four months before you will begin to see collagen’s maximum benefits.
Additionally, collagen is something you will have to take the rest of your life due to the declining amounts your body produces as you age. It’s recommended you take a minimum of 5,000mg (5g) per day, but you might need more depending on your age. Some people experience better results by using an increased dose of 10,000-15,000mg (10-15g) per day.
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