The Health and Beauty Benefits of Collagen

Collagen Supplements: For Hair, Skin, Gut & More

You’ve probably seen influencers on social media putting collagen powder into their coffee, smoothies, water, etc., and raving about the increased hair growth, softened skin, and other health and beauty benefits they have experienced from doing so. You may be wondering what collagen even is and whether there are real benefits to supplementing it into your diet.  Collagen is a protein found in the body that is made up of amino acids, specifically glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. Comprising approximately a third of the proteins in the body, collagen is found in a variety of structures including the bones, tendons, ligaments, hair, and so on. Collagen is a vital component of structural tissue — you can think of it as the “glue” that holds the components mentioned above together. In fact, the word “collagen” is derived from the Greek word meaning “glue.”  Continue reading to learn more about collagen as well as a rundown of the scientifically proven health and beauty benefits it can provide. 

1. Relieves Joint Pain

As we age and collagen production decreases, it is common to develop joint pain, resulting in aching, swelling, and stiffness. In particular, collagen has been proven to be beneficial to those who suffer from osteoarthritis, which occurs when the protective cartilage surrounding the bones wears down. In fact, a 24-week study of athletes showed that athletes who receive collagen hydrolysate supplements reported improved joint pain compared to the placebo group. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory effects and possible ability to restore loss of cartilage. 

2. Promotes Gut Health

Maintaining a healthy gut has many health benefits including improved brain function, reduced risk of diabetes, boosted immune system, among many others. Collagen has been shown to promote gut health by healing the gut lining, which when damaged, can cause a condition known as leaky gut where bacteria and other toxins are able to leak into the bloodstream. Additionally, collagen can prevent inflammation in the gut thanks to the many amino acids it contains. Therefore, if you’re looking to repair your stomach lining and heal your digestive issues, collagen supplements may be the key to achieving gut health. 

3. Keeps Bones Strong 

Bones are primarily made up of collagen and calcium. As we age, bone density weakens leading to conditions such as osteoporosis, in which bones become brittle and may break more easily. Collagen supplements have been shown to combat this deterioration of the bones and restore strength. According to a recent study, women who took collagen peptides over the course of a year had increased bone mineral density and bone biomarkers compared to the placebo group. This supports the benefits of taking collagen supplements to prevent bone loss and restore bone density. 

4. Smooths Skin and Prevents Wrinkles 

The key to maintaining a youthful, bouncy complexion is skin renewal — a process where dead skin is shed and replaced with new skin cells. Collagen contributes to this process by promoting the production of these new cells. Furthermore, collagen provides the skin with the strength and elasticity it needs to prevent sagging and the formation of wrinkles as well as reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.  While anti-aging moisturizers and firming skin creams only treat the top layer of skin, collagen supplements are able to reach the skin’s deeper layers since it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Overall, collagen supplements can improve skin texture and boost hydration resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance. 

5. Strengthens Hair

In addition to improving skin complexion, collagen has been shown to provide strengthening benefits to the hair as well. Hair is made up of keratin, a fibrous structural protein. In order to create keratin, the body needs amino acids, which collagen is made up of, to provide the building blocks of hair follicles.  Collagen also has antioxidant properties, allowing it to combat free radicals, which have shown to damage hair resulting in brittleness and graying. As we age, the prevalence of these free radicals increases causing even more structural damage to the hair. Collagen can help neutralize these free radicals, preventing this damage from occurring.  If you’re looking to achieve fuller, thicker, and healthier hair, as well as delay the graying process then you may want to consider investing in collagen supplements. 

Why Supplement Collagen?

After hearing about the benefits of collagen, you may be wondering why you may need to supplement the protein if it’s naturally found in the body. As we age, collagen production decreases. According to a scientific study, procollagen content, an indicator of continuous collagen synthesis, was shown to decrease by 68% in old skin compared to young skin. Likewise, it is believed that beginning after the age of 20, collagen production declines by roughly 1% each year. Additionally, smoking, stress, and inflammatory diets can further inhibit collagen production.  It is also important to note that collagen peptides, the form of collagen found in supplements, are easier for the body to absorb and digest than raw collagen. Therefore, it can be beneficial to supplement collagen in order to continue to maintain all of the health and beauty advantages it provides.

Collagen Supplements Available at Aqua Vitality

At Aqua Vitality, our mission is to revitalize health and beauty from the inside out. Therefore, we offer Designs for Health Whole Body Collagen to boost collagen production. Each serving of this collagen peptide blend contains 12.5 grams and is only a mere 45 calories. It is also free of dairy, gluten, and soy as well as non-GMO. The powder supplement can be added to delicious smoothies, your morning latte, or even a bottle of water.  For more information about our collagen supplements, or any of our health and beauty treatments, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of physicians will take a comprehensive look at your health and create a customized plan that will deliver revitalizing health and beauty results. We can’t wait to help you achieve your wellness goals!

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