Are Collagen Supplements Worth the Hype?

  • Don’t you want strong nails?
  • Don’t you want younger-looking, pulpy skin?
  • Don’t you want healthy hair?

Of course, you do.
But, how do you get these?

Well, the countless manufacturers of collagen supplements are claiming they can guarantee you all these benefits. So should you trust them, or is it just another marketing hype?

Today, we will get to the roots of this debate. We will find out what collagens are, how they work, and if they are actually worth the hype or not.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a specific type of protein found in your body’s connective tissues. Although it is abundant in the body, its production decreases after a certain age, and that’s when people start aging.

Does that mean collagen protects our skin from early aging?

Well, you can say so. In fact, it also gives your skin a pulpier texture, makes your nails strong and keeps your hair roots healthier.

Collagen makes up 80% of your skin tissues, and it works well with another protein called elastin. Both of these make your skin more elastic. Hence, collagen is a protein that is useful for your body.

Does Collagen Actually Work?

Studies show that when you take collagen for several months, it can improve skin elasticity. Thus, it can improve the fine lines and make your skin wrinkle-free.

Other studies have shown that collagen also improves bone density that weakens with age. Since we almost l-2% collagen every day after turning 30, it reduces our bone strength. So, when we take collagen supplements, they replenish that loss and help us have the stronger muscle for much longer.

However, many manufacturers who sell collagen often make false claims of their products to create a marketing hype.

So, let’s look at the statistics, shall we?

The studies showing the benefits of collagen are indeed in their infancy. Still, a 2014 study showed that 69 women aged between 45-55, who took 2.5-5 grams of collagen for two months, saw improvement in their skin texture and bone density compared to others who didn’t.

Even a 2019 Placebo Study also showed that collagen density could improve skin hydration. Hence, we can say that this supplement actually works.

So, The Benefits Of Collagen Are:

  1. It improves skin health, skin texture, hydration, elasticity, pulpiness, and makes your skin more supple.
  2. It relieves joint pain, muscle aches, and as a result, your chances of osteoarthritis and degenerative bone disorders decrease.
  3. It also prevents bone loss and bone damage and adds more strength and structure to your bones.
  4. It also boosts muscle mass because collagen is an essential part of the skeletal muscle.
  5. Studies show that collagen increased the level of HDL (good cholesterol) by 6%, which improves heart health.

How Should You Absorb Collagen?

There are pills, creams, powders, and liquids available containing collagen opening many ways to consume them. One of the most popular ways to absorb collagen is collagen hydrolysate powder because you can easily mix them into smoothies or other drinks.

People who have skin problems like acne could go for the creams because they directly impact the skin, whereas it may be hard for the collagen powder or liquid to affect the skin directly.

However, if you want to improve your hair quality, nail strength, or bone strength, you must absorb collagen in powder form.

Therefore, you can choose different ways to absorb collagen depending on your need.

Can You Eat Collagen?

No study shows if you directly eat collagen, it will be more beneficial for your health. Digestion of collagen into your stomach breaks down into amino acids. Then, it is distributed into those body parts lacking the protein.

However, there are no harmful effects when you directly ingest collagen.

In fact, some food items that are rich in collagen are pot roast, brisket, and chuck steak. In addition, many fresh and saltwater fish have bones and skin that are rich in collagen.

Bone Broth is also a dish that is rich in collagen. This dish is popular in many soup aisles. The recipe is also more straightforward. You just have to boil the animal bone in water with a bit of vinegar, and there you have it.

If you don’t want the name of dishes, eggs, legumes, poultry, meat, dairy products, soy, and many other food items can also help you increase collagen density. You can ingest these items directly.

Even though they may not be as beneficial on skin and hair as the supplements will be, they will surely make an impact on your bone strength.

Final Verdict

It all comes down to one thing: should you take collagen or not?

If you ask us, we think it’s absolutely worth a shot.

Keeping aside the numerous scientific studies that back up the benefits of collagen, we think there is no harm in trying it once because it will work.

Once you start taking it regularly, you will notice the benefits on your skin, bones, nails, and hair.

So, if you want more information on them, let us know in the comment box below. We will get back to you with an answer in no time.

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