Collagen is a structural protein which is particularly well known for producing beautiful, young and radiant skin. Whoop, whoop!
However, this isn’t the only major advantage collagen. In fact, collagen has so many benefits, it would take me much longer than this article go through, so I’ll just cover the ones I think I might help you…
1. Improved Muscle Tone
You’ve seen all the protein hype that comes from bodybuilding. Right? Well…
A collagen protein supplement can actually a very good good alternative to all those over hyped protein supplements that promise the world and are off full of ingredients you should never put in your body. You see…
Collagen has an extremely positive effect on regeneration of muscle tissue, allowing the body to recover more efficiently after physical exertion, which means you can exercise harder and recovery faster. And…
Collagen has also been shown to help maintain muscle mass as we age, which is super helpful to avoid metabolic slowdown and the weight gain that often comes with age.
2. Reduce Scar Tissue
Collagen is also extremely effective against scar tissue, as it improves the formation of new cells. It is therefore not surprising that many skin regeneration cosmetics also contain collagen substances.
This effect is also achieved by the fact that the skin is generally smoothed by collagen, which in turn has positive effects on scars.
Thus, collagen is an excellent nutritional component that can be used efficiently to prevent the formation of scars after injuries and also has great effects against already existing scars.
3. Better Skin, Hair & Nails
Perhaps the best known effect of collagen is that of skin improvement: Many influences, such as the sun, tobacco and a wide variety of chemicals, cause the skin to be constantly attacked, leading to a higher risk of wrinkles. Yikes!
The good news is that these attacks can be counteracted with the collagen dense foods, such as avocado, berries and fish. However, it sometimes better to consume a collagen peptide supplement, if you really want to warn off the signs of early aging.
It’s also worth noting that your hair and nails can also benefit enormously from collagen. As a guy, my beard now grows at alarming rate! Not quite the benefit I was looking for, but there’s no doubt collagen helps make your hair and nails healthier and stronger in a very short amount of time.
4. Feel Fuller For Longer
A study back in 2008 carried out on obese and diabetic patients found that the intake of hydrolyzed collagen stimulated the release of satiating hormones into the blood. This is, of course, very beneficial if you’re looking to lose a few pounds!
5. Smooth Out Cellulite
By strengthening the dermis layer of the skin, collagen also plays an important role in smoothing out “orange peel skin”. Cellulite becomes more visible as the skin stretches, thins, and sags. Collagen supplementation has been clinically proven to increase skin-collagen expression and improve elasticity and thickness, which is important to prevent bulging fat cells and that dimpled skin appearance.
6. Ease Joint Pain
As cartilage weakens and deteriorates with age, we often start to feel a bit stiff and achy…or is that just me?! Anyway..
It’s possible that upping your collagen intake may help reduce joint pain and even alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
In a 2009 study, participants took a type II collagen supplement made from chicken necks for 90 days. Results showed that osteoarthritis symptoms decreased by 40 percent while the severity of symptoms dropped by an impressive 33 percent.
This is just one of the reasons I’ve recommended my mum up her collagen intake too!
7. Improve Gut Health
If you suffer from issues such as leaky gut syndrome, IBS, acid reflux, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, then upping your collagen intake can be a game changer. It certainly was for me, as I suffered with Leaky Gut and the often insane immune system and histamine flare ups that come with it.
We now know that many illnesses can actually be traced back to inflammation or irritation stemming from an unhealthy gut. Poor gut health — including changes in the gut microbiome and permeability in the gut lining — allows particles to pass into the bloodstream where they can kick off an inflammatory cascade (hence the name leaky gut syndrome).
The amino acids in collagen build the tissue that lines the colon and GI tract, supplementing with collagen can help treat gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders.
There we go! 7 exceptional benefits of collagen.
This amazing natural substance has many positive effects on health, which we’ve only just touched on in this article, which is why I recommend increasing collagen consumption, either through collagen rich food or as a convenient supplement.
If you’ve used collagen and care to share your experience in the comments, please do :-)
Coach Gavin.
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15 replies to "7 Key Benefits of Collagen"
What’s the best collagen
My personal fave is NativePath, but unless you’re in the U.S. it’s difficult to get hold of :(
So what do u recommend for us in the UK?
I’ve been using one called Lineavi recently (last 2-3 months) and you can pick it up on Amazon. :)
Are you talking about collagen peptides, the nasty tasting powder, or is a pill form ok to use?
Thelma! Yep, that’s the stuff. Although, you can make an effort to eat things like bone broth if you prefer to go the all natural route. For me, the powder is easier and I don’t mind the taste if it’s in coffee/smoothie. Also it’s hit and miss with different brands. I prefer NativePath, but they stopped shipping internationally, so now I use Lineavi, which has a tiny, tiny hint of flavour.
What about Skinny Fit Collagen?
I’ve not tried it personally, but I’ve heard mixed things about it. Mostly that it doesn’t absorb well, so if you were to have it in a coffee or soup, that might be an issue. I doubt it would be an issue in a smoothie though. :)
Hello Gavin,
This is something that I would need on many levels……..but, is it safe for me as I have IBS and a Hiatis Hernia. I am concerned that it is not FDA regulated.
Thank you
Claudette
Bonjour Claudette! Je peux t’aider avec un très bon Collagène (marque reconnue) qui goûte délicieux!
Écris-moi! [email protected]
Linda, Montréal
What about Ancient Nutrition Collegen?
Hi Gavin,
I am in NZand have just started taking Puraz collagen.
Have you heard of this, or would you recommend something else.
Love your emails and info as always!
I’ve been using collagen in my coffee for just over a year. I started on the advice of my cardiologist to try to provide more elasticity in my arteries to help my high blood pressure. After about 4 months I started to see improvements, and now a year later my BP is 130/80 (down from 170/110). Additionally I have much more and stronger hair and my skin is a lot more bouncy! I’m 46 and was starting to see fine lines and wrinkles forming. I can’t say enough about it. I use an Australian product, it’s type 1 and 3 hydrolyzed peptides from grass fed beef.
For those of us across the pond, Dr Axe is great value and great quality too!
I have been taking Biotrust Collagen for about a year now. It is tasteless!! That is the best part. I put it in hot chocolate, smoothies, my tea, and it does not mess the flavor up! My nails are much stronger, hair more manageable and my joints seem to appreciate the love as well. Not sure about the scar tissue as I take serrapeptase to help with that…. For all I know, it may be helping that as well!