You might be familiar with some of the more commonly known health benefits of collagen such as skin health, healthier hair, stronger nails and supporting your joints and bones, but there are even more benefits to adding collagen into your daily routines. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of collagen that you might not have known about.
A recap on the well-known health benefits of collagen
One of the most well-known benefits of collagen is its impact on skin health. Collagen provides structure to the skin, enhancing its elasticity and hydration. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles.
Studies have shown that collagen supplements can help slow the ageing of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness. Another study published by MDPI found that taking a collagen supplement showed improvement in skin elasticity and hydration.
Collagen also plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of cartilage, the tissue that protects our joints, and bones. As the amount of collagen in your body decreases with age, your risk of developing degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis increases.
Bones are mostly made of collagen, which gives them structure and helps keep them strong. As collagen production decreases with age, bone mass does too, which can lead to conditions like osteoporosis.
What other health benefits does collagen have?
Let’s move on to the benefits of collagen that you might not already know about. It goes much, much deeper than the benefits you see for your skin and hair..
Muscle mass and strength
Collagen is a major component of muscle tissue, and it’s necessary to keep your muscles strong and functioning properly. Research has shown that collagen supplements help boost muscle mass in people with sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass that happens with age.
In this study, men who took collagen supplements combined with strength training for 12 weeks gained significantly more muscle mass and strength than those who did exercise but did not take collagen.
Heart and cardiovascular health
Collagen provides structure to your arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Without enough collagen, arteries may become weak and fragile. This can lead to narrowing of the arteries which can result in heart attacks and strokes.
In one study, healthy adults took 16 grams of collagen daily for six months. They experienced a significant reduction in measures of artery stiffness compared to before they started taking the supplement.
Beyond heart health, collagen supports the entire cardiovascular system. The amino acids in collagen, particularly proline, help your artery walls release fat buildup in the bloodstream, shrink fat in the arteries and minimise fat accumulation. This can lead to better overall heart health and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Collagen also helps with the structural integrity of the heart itself.
Gut health
Although more research is needed, some health practitioners believe that collagen supplements can treat leaky gut syndrome, which is characterised by damage to the lining of the digestive tract. This theory suggests that collagen helps form connective tissue and therefore may help seal the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
41% of people have experienced gut health issues, according to a survey carried out by charity Guts UK. This means that many of us could benefit from getting our gut back in balance.
Improved cognitive function
Emerging research suggests that collagen may have benefits for brain health and cognitive function. Collagen contains amino acids such as glycine, which plays a role in neurotransmitter function. Glycine has been shown to support a calm mind and improve sleep quality, both of which are crucial for cognitive function.
Additionally, the antioxidant properties of certain collagen peptides can help protect brain cells from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. More research is needed, but initial studies are promising and suggest that collagen could support overall brain health.
Blood sugar control
Collagen may also play a role in managing blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that the amino acids found in collagen can help improve insulin sensitivity, thereby aiding in blood sugar regulation. Glycine, in particular, has been shown to have a positive effect on glucose metabolism, making it potentially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Nutritional Medicine Journal suggests that collagen comes with benefits for blood sugar management and diabetes.
How to add collagen into your daily wellness routine
Yuvãfy is a delicious, daily marine collagen supplement that’s infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C. Our meticulously crafted formula bolsters the body’s collagen production, supporting vibrant skin, lustrous hair and fortified resilience against oxidative stress.
Each daily dose gives you a boost of collagen, along with:
- Vitamin B10 & Hyaluronic acid helps to keep the skin hydrated, plump and thus reducing the appearance of ageing skin. It binds water to collagen, allowing the collagen to retain water, increasing elasticity in the skin.
- Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the production of collagen, as it synthesises collagen, making it easier for your body to absorb.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) to improve collagen production.
- Vitamin B12 to contribute to a stronger immune system and to reduce fatigue.
- Vitamin B7 to help boost hair growth and nail strength.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) to stimulate collagen production in the skin and also aid with healing of wounds and cuts in the skin.
Discover Yuvãfy and the health benefits of collagen today..
