What is Collagen?
We naturally create collagen, but after 25, our production of natural collagen slows down and we lose more collagen than we make. A reduced level of collagen means our skin starts to lose its elasticity, wrinkles start to form, and other issues start to develop.
When your body produces less natural collagen, supplements are available to increase a person’s collagen. The supplements are made up of a hydrolyzed collagen protein, which means that the collagen has already been broken down into peptides; this makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb.
Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Based on some research, here are some of the potential health benefits.
1. Enhancing Skin Health
It is believed that taking collagen supplements can help with enhancing skin health by reducing the amount of fat that’s absorbed through the body; this, in turn, increases muscle mass.
Since protein is an essential part of weight loss, and collagen supplements are a great source of protein, it’s a great choice for helping with your weight loss journey. If you’re gaining more muscle, the more calories you burn.
Some collagen supplements are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, helping reduce body inflammation, leading to weight loss.
2. Enhancing Skin Health
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your skin, making up 80% of your body’s largest organ. Collagen and the skin’s elastic tissue are found in the middle layer of your skin, which gives skin its firmness. When skin starts to show effects of aging, like wrinkles, dryness and sagging, some people take collagen supplements for its anti-aging properties to improve the overall look and health of their skin. Some studies say that collagen supplements help hydrate the skin to reduce the look of wrinkles and encourage skin elasticity and overall smoothness.
Supplements help your skin repair itself and encourages your body to start forming new collagen. Avoid the topical form of the supplement to treat your skin. It is not as effective in treating signs of aging since the collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed by all skin layers.
3. Improving Joint Health
Those who have pain, stiffness, or inflammation in their joints may consider taking collagen supplements to ease discomfort. Cartilage, the lubricating cushion between joints, starts to wear away with old age or with conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Collagen supplements can promote joint health, improve flexibility, restore bone density and can help restore or prevent further deterioration of cartilage by creating better cushion for the joint. Improved joint health generally lends itself to better mobility which encourages people to move more. In turn, this means that people are being more active and are therefore become healthier overall.
4. Maintaining a Healthy Gut
If you have digestive issues, collagen may be able to ease some of your discomfort. Some health practitioners believe that collagen has anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial for treating digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and leaky gut. There are indications that amino acids can treat, and possibly prevent, inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders by helping rebuild the lining of the intestine. More research is needed to determine how effective collagen supplements are with encouraging gut health.
5. Preventing Bone Loss
Like many parts of the body, bones can weaken over time as a person loses their natural collagen protein. Collagen makes up a large part of bone structure and helps bones stay strong and supported. Some research supports that collagen supplements may help prevent deterioration of bone density and strength. To aid in bone health, type 1 or type 3 collagen supplements are recommended.
6. Supporting Heart Health
Collagen supplements may also help support a healthy heart. More research is required to determine any direct effects of collagen supplements on the cardiovascular system, but there is speculation that supplements may reduce artery stiffness and bad cholesterol levels.
Other Potential Benefits:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Reducing anxiety.
- Increasing muscle mass.
- Lessening skin conditions like acne.
- Improving mood.
- Promoting healthy nail and hair growth.
- Improving liver health.
- Diminishing the look of cellulite.
- Improving the body’s ability to heal wounds.
Why Take Collagen Supplements?
For the health benefits, of course! People take these supplements to add more collagen to their diets. The supplements are available in many forms such as topical creams, tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, and even snack bars. They can be purchased without a prescription in nutritional stores, some pharmacies, or online. Most collagen supplements are produced using bones and proteins of animals, so they are not vegetarian or vegan friendly. There are supplement options for those on a plant-based diet, but make sure to do your research before making a purchase.
Types of Collagen Supplements
Not all supplements are created equal. Make sure you choose the supplement that supports your reason for taking the collagen in the first place. If you are not sure, speak with an professional to find the perfect collagen supplements for you. Most supplements contain several types of collagen, but here are the three main types:
- Type 1 is one of the most abundant natural types of collagen and supports healthy skin, muscles, bones, hair and nails.
- Type 2 is primarily present in cartilage and helps support joint health.
- Type 3 improves skin elasticity and aids in supporting healthy muscles, bones, hair and nails.
What is Grass-Fed Collagen?
Grass-fed collagen refers to collagen supplements derived from the hides, bones, and connective tissues of grass-fed animals, typically cattle. Collagen is a protein that is abundant in the human body and plays a crucial role in supporting healthy skin, bones, joints, and other connective tissues.
Grass-fed collagen is sourced from animals that have been raised on pasture, feeding on a diet primarily composed of grass and other natural vegetation. These animals are typically not exposed to hormones, antibiotics, or artificial additives often associated with conventionally raised livestock. As a result, grass-fed collagen is considered to be a more natural and potentially higher quality source of collagen.
NativePath vs. Codeage
NativePath and Codeage are both well-known brands that offer a range of health and wellness products, but they have distinct focuses and approaches.
NativePath: NativePath is a brand that emphasizes natural and ancestral approaches to health. They offer a variety of products, including supplements, superfood blends and lifestyle programs, with a focus on promoting overall well-being. NativePath incorporates ingredients sourced from nature and highlights the importance of ancestral wisdom and traditional healing practices. They aim to provide holistic solutions for individuals seeking to optimize their health through natural means.
Codeage: Codeage, on the other hand, is a brand that emphasizes advanced nutrition and cutting-edge science. They offer a wide range of supplements and targeted formulas designed to support specific health needs, such as digestive health, immune support and cognitive function. Codeage focuses on utilizing innovative ingredients, advanced delivery systems and scientific research to develop effective and targeted products that address specific health concerns.
Collagen supplements may help you stay fit as you age. Many users have experience great health benefits while using collagen supplements, so what are you waiting for? Begin your journey to a healthier you.
