5 Surprising Health Benefits of Collagen

What exactly is collagen? In short, it’s a protein that promotes healthy skin, strong bones, and hair growth by providing the body with essential amino acids. Collagen also has its own health benefits, including the ability to heal burns and wounds faster than other treatments. If you’re in the market for a new anti-aging supplement or simply want to learn more about the health benefits of collagen, read on to discover seven unexpected ways it can improve your life.

1. Improve your skin

With age, our skin begins to lose its collagen and elastin, which are proteins that keep our skin firm and plump. Supplementing with collagen can reverse some of these anti-aging effects by helping your body build more collagen. The recommended dose is 15 to 20 grams per day (taken in 2 or 3 daily doses) for a minimum of three months. As you boost your intake, continue drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration and ensure proper absorption.

2. Get stronger nails

The anti-aging benefits of collagen include reducing joint pain and improving skin elasticity, but did you know that collagen can also improve hair and nail health? Research shows that collagen supplementation improves brittle nails. Healthy nails are a sign of overall good health, so load up on these beauty nutrients to keep your hair strong and shiny!

3. Protect your joints

Bone broth is rich in collagen, which can help support joint health and ease inflammation. As you age, your body loses its ability to produce collagen, which makes supplements a smart investment for aging joints. Also, adding more anti-aging foods like collagen to your diet will help slow down agining (aging) while providing other benefits.

4. Improve digestion

Although many people are aware that collagen is a type of protein, they may not realize that it’s often sold as a supplement. But what does collagen do for your health? Its primary benefit is improving your digestion and skin health. If you want to digest your food better and look more youthful, then incorporating collagen into your diet could be one way to improve these aspects of your health.

5. Fight off depression

One key to feeling better, looking better, and having more energy is getting enough sleep. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D and an unhealthy diet—especially one with a lot of sugar—are linked to depression. You can fight back by eating anti-aging foods like collagen, which help keep your body in balance.