You may have noticed there’s a bit of a buzz around collagen right now – and with good reason. It’s the most abundant protein in the body – and makes up much of our tendons, ligaments and bones. Certain factors such as age and lifestyle can cause collagen stores to reduce, impacting upon various aspects of our health and wellbeing. Collagen can also combat many modern health concerns such as IBS, eczema and even chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
Collagen is most commonly known as a beautifying supplement, but there’s so much more to collagen than you might realize! Here we’ve shared our five favorite benefits of collagen for body and mind.
Collagen supports healthy hair, skin and nails
This is probably the most well-marketed benefits of collagen – its ability to support a more beautiful, youthful appearance. Collagen is a key building block within the structure of our skin, hair and nails. As we age, natural collagen stores deplete, causing loss of elasticity, wrinkles and other common signs of aging. Meanwhile hair can thin and nails become brittle.
Supplementing with collagen can ensure that your skin maintains its structure and elasticity, reducing the appearance of find lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile it also strengthens nails and supports healthy, luscious locks. The positive impact of high-quality collagen supplements on physical appearance is well-documented – with many people seeing a remarkable difference and reduction in common symptoms of ageing and skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis.
Collagen can supercharge your workout
Around 1-10% of our muscle mass is comprised of collagen. Preliminary studies suggest that supplementing with collagen can boost muscle growth post-workout, through supporting the synthesis of muscle proteins such as creatine and stimulating muscle growth. Collagen is an essential component in the healing process of tissues and skin – so supplementation may even speed up recovery post-workout – although more research is needed to fully verify scientists’ initial findings.
Collagen is good for the gut
Collagen also makes up much of the tissue within the gut lining – which is responsible for absorbing key nutrients and keeping toxins out of the body. When this lining is compromised, common digestive issues can occur. Tentative, early studies have shown that supplementing with collagen may help to bolster this lining, preventing (or treating) Leaky Gut Syndrome. This is good news for IBS sufferers and those living with bowel disease and discomfort – as collagen may support a healthier gut lining therefore minimising pain and common symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea.
Collagen helps maintain healthy joints
If you suffer with joint pain, supplementing with collagen could help to increase your mobility and flexibility. Studies here in the US noted that participants who were given collagen supplements experienced a significant decrease in joint pain compared with those taking a placebo. As bones are mostly comprised of collagen, supplements may also prevent bone loss as a result of brittle or broken bones.
Which collagen supplement should I choose?
Here at The EastWest Way our focus is always on combining the highest quality ingredients with ancient wisdom for effective remedies that combat common contemporary health concerns.
Belly Fix is our potent prebiotic and probiotic blend, bolstered with collagen to support a healthy gut through strengthening the gut lining. We use premium quality collagen that’s easily absorbed and used by the body for optimal results. Shop our Belly Fix blends here.
