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Ah, the quest for eternal youth—a tale as old as time!
Let’s explore the wonders of collagen and how it can help you age like a rare and treasured vintage.
What Exactly Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that naturally occurs in our bodies, providing structure to our skin, muscles, ligaments, and more.
Think of it as the glue that holds everything together, keeping things firm and elastic, but, starting around the age of 25, our bodies begin to break down collagen faster than they can produce it.
Yep! We start losing about 1% of it every year, and for women, menopause can speed things up big time—up to 30% of collagen can disappear in just the first five years.
This decline can lead to those pesky signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin.
But fear not!
Incorporating collagen into your diet can help compensate for this natural loss, benefiting various parts of your body, especially your skin.
The Glowing Benefits of Collagen for Your Skin
Ok, so now let’s talk about your skin—our body’s largest organ and often the first to show signs of aging.
Adding collagen to your routine can offer several skin benefits:
- Youthful Elasticity: Collagen acts like scaffolding for our skin, keeping it from sagging and forming wrinkles. It keeps our skin plump and youthful-looking, maintaining its hydration and elasticity.
- Radiant Hydration: Who doesn’t love that dewy, moisturized look? Collagen may help you achieve it! Studies have shown that adding collagen to your diet can improve skin elasticity, preventing wrinkles and helping your skin look younger.
- Potential Acne Control: While more research is needed, some studies suggest that people struggling with acne have found relief by consuming more collagen.
What are the benefits of collagen beyond your skin?
Say goodbye to joint pain.
Collagen is a key part of the cartilage in our joints, which means collagen supplements can help keep them strong and pain-free.
Truly splendid news for for anyone dealing with chronic joint pain, arthritis, or just the usual aches and pains that come with getting older.
But here’s the kicker—you don’t even need to have serious joint issues to benefit from collagen.
Even athletes and fitness enthusiasts can see improvements.
One study showed that athletes who took just five grams of collagen daily for 12 weeks had less knee pain during exercise.
Less post-workout soreness? Sign us up!
Gut health, upgraded
Got tummy troubles? Collagen might help with that too! Since it plays a role in the connective tissue of our gut, it may support those dealing with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
A study in 2017 linked IBD inflammation to an imbalance in collagen production, suggesting that supplementing could help soothe the gut.
Stronger bones for the long haul
Our bones are mostly made of collagen, and as we age, we start losing some of it—hello, osteoporosis risk!
Don’t worry! Collagen supplements can help keep bones strong and even stimulate new bone formation.
One study showed that postmenopausal women who took collagen for a year saw up to a 7% increase in bone mineral density compared to those who didn’t.
More muscle, more strength
Did you know that about 10% of our muscle is made up of collagen? That means collagen supplements can help maintain and even grow muscle mass!
Not only does collagen support muscle structure, but it also promotes the growth of other muscle-building proteins like creatine.
A heart-healthy bonus
Collagen can help keep your heart healthy, too!
Some studies suggest that collagen may improve cholesterol levels and arterial health, potentially reducing heart disease risk.
One study even found that adults who took collagen twice daily for six months saw noticeable improvements in their arterial health.
Pretty amazing, right?
Stronger hair and nails? Yes, please!
One six-month study found that those who took collagen peptides reported faster nail growth and fewer breakages.
And while the research on collagen and hair growth is still developing, early findings suggest it can help strengthen strands and encourage growth.
Choosing the Right Collagen Supplement
So, you’re convinced and ready to hop on the collagen train, but where to start?
Here’s a simple two-step guide to help you choose the right collagen supplement:
Step One: Decide on the Form
Collagen supplements come in various forms:
- Hydrolyzed Collagen (Collagen Peptides): This form consists of collagen proteins broken down into smaller peptides, making them easier for the body to absorb. It’s typically available as a powder that easily mixes into smoothies, coffee, tea, or even plain water.
- Capsules: If powders aren’t your thing, collagen supplements are also available in pill form. Just remember to take them consistently!
- Gummies: Ok, so they might seem like a tasty option, but be cautious. Gummies can contain high levels of sugar and artificial ingredients. It’s essential to read the labels carefully.
Step Two: Consider the Source
Collagen in supplements typically comes from one of four animal sources:
- Bovine (Cows)
- Porcine (Pigs)
- Chicken
- Marine (Fish)
Not All Collagen is Created Equal! Choose Wisely for the Best Results
Top tip time!
Choose a collagen supplement from a trusted brand that avoids artificial fillers or additives, oh and look for one with bovine hydrolyzed collagen peptides and natural ingredients like organic psyllium husk fiber, which helps remove toxins and promotes glowing skin.
Collagen Might Not Be Actual Magic, but It’s Pretty Close!
Congrats, you’re now officially in the collagen club!
Want to age like a fine wine instead of a wrinkled raisin?
Then ditch the junk, grab a high-quality collagen supplement, and let the glow-up begin
*Disclaimer: If you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications, please consult with a healthcare provider before using psyllium.
