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Main benefits of collagen

For a few years now, our society has seen increasing interest and demand for supplements that can help us improve our health, performance, and even our sex life. And among them all, there's one that has garnered a lot of buzz. We're referring to collagen .

In this article, we want to help you fully understand what it is, what it's used for, and what benefits it offers. Get ready to take notes.

What is collagen?

The first thing you need to know is that collagen is the most abundant protein in our body . It's present in our skin, muscle tissue, hair, blood vessels, gums, tendons, and cartilage. It's an essential component in all these parts of the body, where it performs a primary function: holding their structures together in optimal condition.

There are twenty-one different types of collagen, among which we can highlight the following:

  • Type I, which is found in the bones, dermis, cornea, or tendons.

  • Type II, which is found primarily in cartilage.

  • Type XIV, found in the bone marrow.

  • Type XXI, which has been found, for example, in the gums.

Likewise, you should know that the body produces this protein naturally. However, this changes significantly when we turn 40. From this point on, production decreases by up to half. And that's when we can begin to suffer the consequences of this situation, making it the ideal time to take it as a supplement.

What is collagen used for and its benefits?

We've already told you about the main function of the protein at the center of this article: binding connective tissues. It also has other truly important functions, including the following:

  • It helps joints and muscles function properly . This helps prevent injuries to them.

  • It gives firmness and flexibility to the skin , to which it also provides good doses of hydration.

  • It considerably strengthens both nails and hair.

Advantages and disadvantages of collagen

Studies on collagen determine that once we reach the age of 25, we begin to naturally produce less of it. However, as we've already mentioned, it's after age 40 that this reduction becomes more noticeable and begins to cause complications. Since then, having less of this protein has led to problems such as osteoporosis, the appearance of wrinkles, weakening of hair and nails, joint pain, and more.

For this reason, the demand for collagen supplements has increased, and they are available in pill, powder, or liquid form.

At this point, we want to help you figure out whether it's time to incorporate them into your life. To do so, we'll explain the pros and cons of doing so.

Advantages of collagen

Whatever the case, it's undeniable that supplementing your diet with collagen supplements is highly beneficial. Just look at all the positive benefits they offer:

  • They reduce the pain that can be felt in the joints , while improving their mobility.

  • They help reduce wrinkles , as they provide elasticity and hydration to the skin. Therefore, they also contribute to preventing the appearance of so-called expression lines.

  • They strengthen nails and, in the same way, they do with hair.

  • They nourish the muscles , which can help them to improve their condition and, if you exercise, to tone them more.

  • Similarly, it's worth highlighting that collagen supplements are also recommended for improving eye health . They are believed to help prevent certain eye-related diseases.

  • They are a good ally to prevent or cope with osteoporosis .

  • They help keep blood pressure under control .

  • They improve cardiovascular health , which is an important step in reducing the risk of suffering from a heart condition, for example.

In general, these are the most positive aspects of incorporating collagen into our diet, and they have been scientifically proven. However, we mustn't forget that, according to specific studies, it can also help reduce anxiety and even help with weight loss.

Disadvantages of collagen supplements

At all times, we want you to be aware of the reality of these protein supplements. Therefore, we won't hesitate to point out that it's true that they do have a downside. We're referring to the fact that, in very specific cases, they can cause the person taking them to experience heartburn, a heavy stomach, or a bad taste in the mouth.

You now have all the information you need about collagen. Now it's up to you to decide what to do about adding it to your diet.

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