Collagen, the most prevalent protein in the human body, accounts for around one-third of all proteins. It is the primary structural element of your skin, cartilage, and other connective tissues, as well as in other places including your hair, nails, and bone marrow. But you might be wondering what is the fuss about collagen. Why has it risen to popularity so much recently?
Our bodies begin making less collagen as we get older. As a result, taking collagen supplements become increasingly important for skin care and a lot of other factors. But it doesn’t end there, collagen can also help in keeping certain health conditions under control. In this article, let’s find out which health conditions can collagen supplements help to treat.
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Helps To Alleviate Joint Pain
Joints may start to hurt as people become older, and pops and cracks become more common. Since collagen helps keep the cartilage between your joints healthy, having enough of it in your body can serve as a “buffer” for your bones.
In fact, as you get older, your body produces less collagen, which raises your risk of getting diseases like osteoarthritis. The good news is that there is increasing evidence that suggests collagen consumption can help people with arthritic conditions feel less pain and perform better.
Collagen Supplements Promote Heart Health
The artery structure is maintained by collagen, which also prevents unnatural thickening. In its absence, arteries lose their elasticity and flexibility. As a result, it might lead to atherosclerosis, a heart condition characterized by narrowed arteries.
In a 2017 clinical trial study that was published in the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis, researchers discovered that participants who consumed collagen supplements two times every day had a lower ratio of LDL (bad) cholesterol to HDL (good) cholesterol after six months as well as a lower risk of heart disease overall.
Bone Loss Can Be Prevented With Collagen Supplements
In addition to wisdom and a deeper understanding of self, aging has many positive aspects. However, there are some drawbacks as well, such as unavoidable bone density loss that might cause medical issues. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose density and become brittle, making them more susceptible to breaking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects 5% of men and 25% of women in America who are 65 years of age or older.
According to the CDC, making lifestyle changes including eating a balanced diet with enough vitamin D and calcium, exercising, quitting smoking, and consuming drinking in moderation or not at all can help to prevent osteoporosis and bone loss. Additionally, there is some research that suggests collagen supplementation may help stop bone loss.
Collagen Is Diabetes-Friendly
Collagens are a pure source of protein that has little or no flavor and few calories. As collagen can increase the percentage of protein in the body without affecting blood sugar levels, it is a great supplement for people suffering from diabetes.
In fact, according to a study, supplements with marine collagen may help to boost insulin sensitivity, thus reducing insulin resistance.
Collagen Promotes Gut Health
Amino acids found in abundance in collagen can help to heal the gut lining. For alleviating stomach discomfort, these acids are useful. They help to improve the gastrointestinal tract’s tissue lining. Additionally, the sealing ability of collagen helps to treat the leaky gut syndrome, a condition brought on by abnormal intestinal permeability.