If you are constantly checking the labels of many health or beauty products, you might have already noticed that many of them claim to contain collagen. Aren’t you curious on what collagen is and why you need it?
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body. It is normally present in the muscles, skin, bone and tendons. It is, in fact the substance that works as a scaffold to hold the body together. This type of collagen is called the endogenous collagen which is naturally synthesized by the body. There is also synthetic exogenous collagen which you can get from health supplements.
Exogenous collagen is widely used for medical and cosmetic purposes because of its many health benefits. Specifically, it:
- Promotes beautiful hair and skin
As we grow old, the body’s collagen production also declines. You’ll start to notice having more wrinkles, looser skin and fewer hair. These are a normal part of the aging process. But with the help of collagen supplement, you’ll be able to have a healthier skin and hair than usually for your age.
- Reduces the effect of degeneration
Have you ever felt that your joints become extra stiff and painful when you move? This is a sign that you don’t have adequate collagen. Collagen works like grease in between the connectors of our body, allowing us to move and glide with much ease and lesser pain.
In a study conducted by Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, researchers found out that patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who are getting Type 2 collagen supplements find relief from their painful symptoms. This shows how useful collagen is in reducing the effect of degeneration.
- Helps patients with leaky gut
A leaky gut syndrome is a condition when your gut’s lining is damaged, causing the toxins it contains to pass through your digestive track. Many people suffer from various diseases because of an unhealthy gut. One way to improve your gut’s health is by taking collagen supplement. Collagen assists the body in forming connective tissues that heal and seal the protective lining of the gut.
- Effective for weight loss
Collagen supplements are proven to help people who are trying to lose weight. A clinical trial shows that collagen is 40% more filling than casein, whey or soy of the same quantity. The same study shows that individuals who consume collagen reduce their food consumption by up to 20% on their next meal.
Not only that, another study among diabetic and obese patients shows that those who consume hydrolyzed collagen have reduced appetite, resulting in decreased food intake. That is because collagen stimulates the release of satiating hormones in the blood.