More and more studies have shown the benefits of taking a collagen supplement, ranging from improving your hair and nail health, to potentially improving your gut health. Here are a few more of the major benefits you need to know about.
Skin Health
Collagen has been a staple in skin products for many years now, and for good reason. Considering that collagen is already naturally produced in the skin to strengthen it, a marine collage supplement takes this to the next level.
It can keep your skin looking young, reduce wrinkles, and is particularly helpful as you age, as the natural production of collagen slows down.
Nail & Hair Health
Collagen has also been shown to improve the health and strength of your hair and nails. For the latter, collagen has been shown to improve and increase the growth of healthy nail tissue, leaving them stronger and shinier.
More studies need to be done on the benefits collagen has for your hair, but many individuals have said that collagen has not only improved the look of their hair, but it has also drastically reduced, and in some cases completely eliminated, breakages.
Joint Pain
As you age, the amount of collagen your body produces decreases, and the risk for joint damage and conditions increases. Some studies have shown that people with osteoarthritis experience significantly less pain after taking a collagen supplement.
While this will depend on who you are and the level of your osteoarthritis, there are promising side effects of taking a collagen supplement that make it, at the very least, worth trying.
Bone Degradation
Once again, collagen is a vital part of your bones, and as you age and your collagen levels decrease, you can experience bone loss. This can lead to the development of osteoporosis, as well as making it far easier to fracture your bones.
When combined with a calcium and a Vitamin D supplement, individuals had far lower levels of proteins that promoted bone degradation. Again, more research is needed, but the signs are promising, and speaking to your doctor about adding collagen to your diet should be a priority.
Muscle Mass
Considering collagen is a protein, it is no surprise that it can aid in the growth and maintenance of muscle. Many brands have turned to collagen as an ingredient in their protein powders, while individuals have added it to their daily diet.
A 12-week study showed that 26-year-old men who took collagen showed a greater gain in muscle mass compared to those who didn’t take collagen but used the same program.
Heart Health
The benefits of taking collagen in regard to heart health are still in its infancy, but researchers have theorized that because collagen improves the strength of arteries, it can prevent them from developing atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the narrowing of the arteries.
Once again, the research is still in its infancy, and requires more human studies, but the logic behind the idea is sound and, if anything, collagen can play a crucial role in future treatments for this condition.
Gut Health
One benefit that most certainly needs more research but is still promising, is the improvement of gut health when taking a collagen supplement. The amino acids in the marine collagen could help strengthen the intestinal wall.
This could lead to a reduction in several conditions, but as mentioned, it should be taken with a grain of salt and should not be relied on at the moment. However, it is worth following to see where the research goes.
Wound Healing
One interesting benefit of collagen that will vary from person to person is its ability to help with healing wounds. Collagen can help create more connective tissue, which could lead to wounds being healed faster.
Once again, this is not a confirmed benefit across the board, and it will depend on the severity of the injury, some pre-existing conditions you may have, and just who you are as a person, but it will help some individuals.
It is Sustainable
While not a health benefit, marine collagen is one of the most sustainable supplements on the market. Considering it is made from the fish skin and scales, it reduces waste in the seafood market.
It is also more bioavailable compared to porcine and bovine collagen, meaning your body absorbs it better and quicker, and can therefore get to work faster.
Incredible Collagen Alternative
Whether it be due to health reasons or religious concerns, marine collagen is an amazing alternative to typical collagen sources. Considering collagen often comes from pork, beef, or chicken, a fish alternative is a better option for those with any sort of dietary or religious restrictions.
Foods Rich in Collagen
In conjunction with a marine collagen supplement, there are also several foods that are rich in collagen. While you don’t have to eat all of them, you can adjust them to your dietary needs and tastes.
Connective tissues, gelatine, fish skin, chicken skin, bone broth, beef, and fish, all contain collagen that can be combined with a supplement for the ultimate intake.
