Collagen: Bone Health in a Capsule
Collagen has become popular over the years due to the health benefits it has to offer.
It’s not only good for the skin, but it’s also important for bone health, something we will all learn to appreciate especially as we age.
While collagen can be consumed in supplement form, there are foods you can eat that contain this essential protein such as pork skin and bone broth.
Why is collagen important and why should you include it in your daily diet?
It’s essential to bone health
While collagen is considered the most abundant protein in the body, its production slows down as your body deteriorates as well as that of bone mass.
This can lead to health conditions like osteoporosis, leaving you at a higher risk of bone fractures.
The good news is studies have shown that collagen supplements can help slow bone breakdown that leads to osteoporosis.
One such study showed that participants who took a combination of calcium and collagen supplement had lower blood levels of proteins that promote bone breakdown compared to those who took calcium only.
Another study yielded similar results only this time, the 66 participants involved were given 5 grams of collagen daily. The participants who took collagen also showed a 7% increase in their bone mineral density.
It helps relieve joint pain
One of the biggest benefits collagen comes with is its ability to keep your cartilage healthy. The cartilage is a rubber-like tissue that protects your joints, making it an important part of the body especially as you grow old.
Unfortunately, the risk of developing degenerative joint disorders like osteoarthritis increases as the amount of collagen in the body decreases.
Studies have shown that collagen may help address this problem by reducing joint pain and improving osteoarthritis symptoms.
Research also suggests that supplemental collagen may accumulate in cartilage and stimulate your tissues to produce collagen which can then lead to lower inflammation, reduced pain, and better joint support.
It can improve skin health
The skin is bound to lose its elasticity and hydration as you age, giving you an older appearance.
Collagen is a major part of your skin and as you continue to age, the body produces less collagen which then leads to dry skin and the appearance of wrinkles.
Several studies have shown that collagen supplements may help slow the aging process by reducing the dryness and the appearance of unwanted wrinkles.
One such study showed that women who took 2.5 to 5 grams of collagen for 8 consecutive weeks experienced less skin dryness as well as a significant increase in skin elasticity.
This wrinkle-reducing property has been largely attributed to the collagen supplement’s ability to stimulate the body to create collagen on its own.
It promotes good heart health
Research suggests that collagen may also be good for heart health.
This is because collagen provides structure to the arteries. These blood vessels are responsible for carrying blood from your heart to the rest of the body.
Weak arteries can lead to a condition characterized by the narrowing of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis which has the potential to result in heart attacks and strokes.
Final Thoughts
Given the benefits it has not just for the skin, the joints, the heart, and the bones, there’s no denying that including collagen in your daily diet is essential. That being said, make sure to get your daily dose of collagen either via food or supplements so you can continue to enjoy the said benefits for a long time.
