If there is one thing that women love today, it is the benefits of collagen.
Women are passionate about beauty and looking good. When we are young there is no major problem with this. But as we get older the changes are noticeable.
Skin, hair, joints, energy, and many things stop being the same. It is there where collagen is the protagonist of the story.
Anne Hathaway was right when she said:
“I remember when I was starting as a young actress, thinking, ‘Oh my God, I have the fattest face.’ Now I look at those pictures and I think, ‘So much collagen!”
What happens is that over time we stop producing collagen and we see it directly reflected in our bodies. That’s when we should take better care of ourselves and lean on food or supplements if necessary.
Keep reading and learn about the benefits of collagen and the fundamental role it plays in our bodies.
Collagen: What is this?
Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body. About 30% of our total protein comes from it.
This protein is present in the skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues in the body. Our organs, blood vessels, and intestinal lining also contain it.
That is why Michael Behe is right when he says:
“Skin is made in large measure of a protein called collagen”.
Proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline are the three main amino acids used to make collagen. In a triple helix configuration, these amino acids come together to form protein fibrils.
To create the triple helix, our bodies also need the proper amounts of vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese. Therefore, for our body to produce collagen, it must be nourished with vitamins and minerals.
Do you want to know where to find Collagen naturally?
Simple, in food, you can find it.
In which foods can we find collagen?
Over the years, our body gradually stops producing collagen. That is why with age muscle pain, joint pain, etc. appear.
Including the intake of collagen in our diet can be a good way to avoid all these age-related problems as much as possible.
Some foods in which you can naturally find collagen are the following:
- Blue Fish
- Meats
- Eggs
- Citric fruits
- Berries
- Asparagus
- Jelly
- Nuts
Consume these foods frequently so that you can enjoy all the following benefits that collagen provides.
Health benefits of collagen
Might enhance skin health
There is a lot of collagen in our skin. This protein contributes to the flexibility, hydration, and strengthening of the skin.
As we age, our bodies create less collagen, which results in dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Numerous studies have indicated that collagen supplements could help slow down the aging process.
Collagen helps to minimize wrinkles and dryness and provides elasticity and moisture after about 70 days of consumption.
These supplements might be effective by stimulating our bodies’ natural collagen production. That is why the best way to obtain it is from food. But many times we can’t.
In addition, collagen supplements can stimulate the synthesis of elastin and fibrillin, two other proteins that structure the skin.
Might lessen joint pain
Cartilage, responsible for protecting our joints, needs collagen to stay healthy.
Our bodies manufacture less collagen as we become older. This increases the likelihood of developing degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Collagen supplements can help decrease general joint discomfort and symptoms of osteoarthritis. That is why we should consider its use.
Researchers have hypothesized that additional collagen can accumulate in cartilage and stimulate collagen production in tissues. This may lead to less pain, greater joint support, and a suppressed inflammatory response.
Might stop bone thinning
Collagen is vital for the constitution of the bones, it gives them structure and strength.
Bone mass also decreases with age. This could lead to diseases such as osteoporosis. Having this disease increases the risk of bone fractures due to decreased bone density.
Collagen supplements have been shown to be effective at preventing osteoporosis-related bone loss. The combination of Calcium, Vitamin D, and collagen is the best for strengthening bones and avoiding degenerative diseases in bone mass.
Possibly boost muscle mass
Skeletal muscle development depends on collagen, the most common protein in the body.
Studies indicate that collagen supplements can increase muscle mass in people with sarcopenia. This condition is an age-related decline in muscle mass.
Supplemental collagen can stimulate the synthesis of muscle proteins such as creatine and accelerate muscle growth after exercise.
In terms of strength and muscular growth, whey protein still performs better than collagen protein. This is due to collagen’s lower concentration of branched-chain amino acids, which are necessary for muscle growth.
Help to improve heart health
According to a study, collagen supplements may help lower the risk of heart disease.
Collagen provides structure to our arteries, which are the blood channels that deliver blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Atherosclerotic arteries can become less elastic and flexible due to a lack of collagen, thus leading to atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a dangerous cardiovascular disease. It can lead to a heart attack and stroke. If we get collagen from food or supplements, we can avoid this terrible disease.
Do you want to know more benefits of collagen?
Some other health benefits of collagen are as follows:
- Nails and hair. Taking collagen prevents fragility in the nails and strengthens them. In addition, it could also promote hair growth.
- Gut wellness. Some medical professionals believe that collagen supplements help alleviate intestinal permeability.
- Mental health. Some people claim that they improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms.
- Weightloss. Collagen supplements can help with weight loss and get a faster metabolism.
Side effects of collagen
In most cases, the consumption of collagen naturally or in supplements is safe. In the same way, it is convenient to consult your doctor first if you want to take a collagen supplement.
The side effects that some people have manifested after consuming collagen are the following:
- Acidity
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Heaviness in the abdomen
Now that you know the benefits, side effects, and where to get collagen from, you are surely wondering:
When will I see the results?
Here we tell you everything.
When can you expect to see results?
Collagen absorption occurs slowly. Therefore, it will take at least 8 weeks to see the benefits. This will be the same if you expect benefits for the hair, the skin, the muscles, etc.
Most research uses a minimum of 8 weeks to evaluate the benefits of collagen in joint pain reduction and skin health. Other studies indicate that the duration may be longer, such as 12 months.
Consequently, you must be patient and above all constant to expect to see results.
Get now benefits of Collagen
You already know where to get the benefits of Collagen and how long to wait to see results. Don’t forget to always hydrate, eat a balanced diet, and exercise. Collagen alone will not work miracles. If you want good results that last over time, you must lead a healthy lifestyle.
I am a professional health and nutrition writer with extensive experience in the industry. My passion for sharing valuable insights on nutrition and wellness stems from over 15 years of personal training and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. My commitment to continuously educate myself on the latest trends and research in the field allows me to deliver high-quality content that is informative and engaging. My mission is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being through my writing.