What Are the Benefits of Collagen Supplements?
Collagen is the most abundant type of protein found in your body. It helps to create structure for your skin, and assists in the blood clotting process. You’ll often find it in products like lotions, soaps and shampoos, but it also comes in the form of a nutritional supplement and is even found in some natural and organic foods in Eau Claire, WI.
Collagen can be helpful for fortifying your body’s major “infrastructure,” including your bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments and skin. There are certain behaviors that can damage collagen in the body, including getting too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun, smoking and eating too many refined carbs or sugars.
You can find collagen in natural food sources, such as chicken and pork skin, bone broth and gelatin, but there is some debate as to whether eating foods rich in collagen will actually help you increase its levels. Collagen supplements are more likely to stimulate improved collagen levels, as they’ve already broken down the large portion into peptides that are easier for your body to absorb.
While there haven’t been too many in-depth studies performed on collagen supplements and their effects, the studies that have been conducted indicate some potential benefits. Here are a few examples:
Relief from symptoms of arthritis: There is some research that shows collagen supplements may help to alleviate arthritis symptoms. A study performed on animals in 2017 analyzed the effects of giving collagen supplements to mice that had post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The results were positive—supplementation helped to play a protective role in the animals during the development and progression of the disease.
Improved skin elasticity: A 2019 study on collagen supplements saw women take the supplement regularly for the purpose of improving skin appearance. According to the study, women who took the supplement did see signs of improvement in elasticity of the skin. This is consistent with other studies that have been performed over the years, and led to collagen being used in many topical skin treatments to improve skin appearance and help minimize wrinkles, age spots and lines.
Improved muscle mass: One 2019 study performed with collagen supplements focused on men who are physically active. Researchers working on the study found that a use of collagen peptide supplements combined with strength training would result in improved muscle mass and strength. Men who took the supplement alongside their training saw better results than those who took the placebo.
It’s also important to note that staying on top of other vitamins and nutrients can help encourage natural production of collagen in your body. Getting sufficient amounts of vitamin C, glycine, copper and proline will help you stimulate collagen production in your body. The body makes collagen by combining the glycine and proline amino acids in a process fueled by vitamin C.
These are just a few examples of some of the many benefits associated with the use of collagen supplements. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help your body naturally boost its collagen, or if you’re interested in shopping for natural and organic foods in Eau Claire, WI, visit Mother Nature’s Food today.
Categorised in: Supplements