Surprising Benefits Of Collagen That Will Blow Your Mind
There’s a Collagen for That!
By now, you are no stranger to collagen, the tough little protein found in connective tissue throughout the body. You’ve seen it in anti-aging moisturizers, protein powders, gummies and single-serve beverage shots. You know the benefits of collagen by heart, such as it helps to keep skin firm and smooth, and joints healthy and limber.
As a critical component of tissue formation, and as the most abundant protein in our bodies, collagen is found in a variety of other health systems. Its long tendrils of amino acids form tight coils, creating a unique structure that gives this protein a springy, resilient consistency and helps the tissue it’s found in be flexible and strong.
It’s the universal nature of collagen that makes it such a versatile nutrient for healthy aging and wellbeing beyond simply younger-looking skin and joint flexibility.
Incredibly, when collagen is paired with other goal-specific nutrients, natural compounds and ingredients, you can enjoy a variety of surprising benefits – from a happier disposition to better digestion – that can improve everyday health and quality of life.
4 Surprising Benefits of Collagen
Collagen for healthy digestion
Gut health is regularly overlooked as a vital system for healthy aging, inside and out. In fact, there’s a whole new world of scientific evidence suggesting that the GI tract houses a “second brain”, also known as the “forgotten organ” – the gut microbiome.
The gut microbiome is a massive hub of good bacteria and microbes that act as an army against threats to your health, including harmful species of bacteria. We now know that the gut and brain communicate through a bidirectional link called the gut-brain axis.* Immune health, skin, metabolism and cognition are just a few examples of why it’s important to take care of your gut.
It’s also critical to the proper absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. If your gut poses too hostile an environment, they will not be absorbed and utilized effectively.
Because much of the digestive tract is made of connective tissue, the combination of collagen and beneficial strains of bacteria can help create a nourishing and hospitable gut environment for nutrients to be broken down and absorbed.
Collagen for better mood
Most people are shocked to learn that there are multiple connections between collagen and improved mood, reduction of stress and better sleep.
The brain is the control center of the body’s central nervous system and is comprised of tissue made in part from collagen, of which 1/3 is the amino acid, glycine. This compound has been shown to support healthy brain function and cognition. * Collagen’s high glycine content also improves sleep quality due to its calming effect.
L-theanine is another amino acid that boosts feelings of relaxation, but without producing drowsiness. This hard-working compound actually helps boost levels of three “chill out” neurotransmitters – serotonin, GABA and dopamine.
For a truly progressive and science-backed way to improve your mood, relax and minimize feelings of anxiety, try a combination of collagen, L-theanine and hemp.
Collagen for stronger hair
Collagen’s beauty-boosting prowess doesn’t stop at skin. A true beauty protein through and through, collagen also contributes to the health, strength and growth of healthy, shiny hair.
That’s because collagen is broken down into micro-molecules that the body uses to rebuild hair’s own protein, keratin. This nourishment also helps healthy hair follicles and supports a healthier growth cycle.
Additionally, collagen has been shown to have antioxidant properties that help combat free radical damage to hair follicles, which is associated with excess shedding and even graying.**
For optimal benefits, you can combine collagen and keratin to help repair hair from within… plus this powerful combination of beauty proteins helps to shrink fine lines and support stronger nails, too.
Collagen for lean muscles
Protein powders were originally developed for the purpose of rebuilding and repairing muscle tissue within the bodybuilding scene. And while being a bodybuilder, gym aficionado or athlete may require that you consume more protein than the average person, research also reveals that lean muscle is vital for everyone to preserve, especially as we age.
According to Harvard research, we lose an astonishing 3-5% of lean muscle mass every decade… beginning at age 30!* Loss of lean muscle and bone density go hand in hand, both of which are major threats to our mobility and independence in our older years.
Protein and collagen together can be major powerhouses in reducing the risk of conditions related to muscle mass loss (sarcopenia) and bone density loss. First, protein is muscle food, because its full profile of amino acids are the building block of muscle and stimulates the formation of muscle fibers.
As a protein, collagen not only helps promote lean muscle mass, which is also important to maintain a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI), but it has also been shown to boost bone muscle density, especially in postmenopausal women.*
Boosting collagen levels
Whether you boost your collagen intake through high-protein foods such as bone broth, or you rely on the ease and convenience of collagen protein powder or collagen capsules, remember to eat an assortment of healthy foods to ensure an adequate supply of other nutrients that work in synergy with collagen.
Collagen Supplements