ALBAWABA - Collagen is a vital protein that is found in various parts of the body, including bones, skin, muscles, and tendons. It acts as a structural component and provides strength and elasticity to different body parts.
Taking collagen supplements has gained popularity among people who are looking to enhance their health.
Collagen supplements and their importance
1. Improving skin health
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Collagen is a crucial component for skin health, and it helps to improve skin strength, elasticity, and hydration.
As we age, our body produces less collagen, resulting in dry skin, wrinkles, and other skin problems. Studies have shown that collagen supplements can slow skin aging, reduce wrinkles and dryness by stimulating the body to produce collagen effectively and enhancing the production of other skin proteins such as elastin and fibrillin.
2. Relieving joint pain
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Collagen helps to maintain the integrity of cartilage, a rubber-like tissue that protects joints. As we age, the amount of collagen in the body decreases, leading to the development of degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.
Several studies indicate that taking collagen can lead to significant improvements in joint stiffness, osteoporosis symptoms, joint support, and less inflammation leading to reduced pain.
3. Preventing bone loss
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Collagen is essential to bone health, and it helps to prevent bone loss. As we age, the amount of collagen in the body decreases, which can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis.
Studies suggest that collagen supplements can help to prevent or slow down the development of osteoporosis. In a twelve-month experiment conducted on post-menopausal women, those who consumed five grams of collagen daily saw an increase in bone mineral density by up to 7% compared to those who did not take collagen.
4. Increasing muscle mass
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Collagen is also an essential component of skeletal muscle. Studies suggest that collagen supplements can help boost muscle mass in people suffering from sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass that occurs with age.
In one study, men with sarcopenia experienced a significant increase in muscle mass and strength when they took fifteen grams of collagen with exercise for twelve weeks compared to those who did not take collagen.
5. Promoting heart health
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Collagen supplements may also help reduce the risk of heart disease. Without enough collagen, arteries become less elastic, which can lead to hardening and cause heart attacks or strokes.
A six-month study showed that healthy adults who consumed 16 grams of collagen daily saw a significant decrease in measures of arterial stiffness, and their levels of good cholesterol (HDL) increased by 6%.
However, while collagen is a highly significant protein, one must always consult a healthcare provider before starting collagen supplements to get the benefits you need and ensure that you do not experience any unwanted side effects.
