Have you been thinking of taking a collagen supplement, but don’t know where to start? Let’s take a look at collagen, what it is, and what it can do for you.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the building block of your body. It’s the substance that holds all of your cells together. It acts as a sort of glue that keeps everything together. The body naturally produces collagen. It is abundant in your body when you are young, but as you age, collagen production slows, and you start to see wrinkles, fine lines, and experience joint pain.
What is a collagen supplement?
Collagen is naturally occurring in the body. But collagen production slows, and you need to enhance your natural collagen with supplements. There are two main kinds of collagen supplements: bovine collagen and marine collagen. Bovine collagen is sourced from cattle, and marine collagen is sourced from fish.
What are the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen?
1. Improves skin health
Collagen is most well renowned for its effects on the skin. One study showed an increase in skin elasticity in those who took collagen supplements. Collagen also has proven effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Another study showed that collagen peptides could effectively improve hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling.
2. Helps relieve joint pain
Collagen also is a significant factor in joint health. It is crucial to keep the joints padded and lubricated. If there’s not enough collagen in your body, your joints grind against each other bone on bone. That’s super painful! So, taking collagen supplements, especially ones that contain Type 2 collagen, can help strengthen that padding between your joints and make movement more manageable and less painful.
3. Increases muscle mass
Collagen is a protein, and everyone knows that proteins help build muscle mass. Collagen is an especially useful muscle-building protein. In one study of 53 men, participants who took a collagen supplement and followed a 6-week weightlifting training program had increased muscle strength and motor control when compared to those who only followed the training program.
4. Strengthens hair
Collagen also helps your hair stay healthy and strong. Your body uses amino acids, or protein building blocks, to build keratin. Collagen is a part of keratin, therefore taking collagen supplements can help your hair grow healthy. Collagen also contributes to the strength and elasticity of your skin. That includes your scalp. With a healthy scalp, you’re able to hold onto your hair for longer, even as you age. That means that your hair will stay thicker, healthier, and resistant to thinning.
Conclusion
Collagen is an incredible substance that can help your skin, joint pain, muscle mass, and hair. Hydrolyzed collagen supplements just might be your new secret weapon. Try one out today!
