Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body.

It is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts; tendons, ligaments, skin and muscle. It is one of the building blocks of healthy skin, hair, nails and bones.

Research has shown that the human body needs adequate production of collagen to perform its daily functions.

According to Yale University; collagen makes up about a third of all the protein in the human body, more than any other type of protein in the body.

Some of the benefits includes:

Replenishes Skin

Collagen plays key roles in healthy, smooth and supple skin.

It strengthens the skin, benefit elasticity and hydration.

What happens when your body produces less collagen either due to ageing or other factors?

You look dry and dehydrated.

Your skin looses moisture and forms wrinkles.

You loose skin elasticity, firmness, radiance, and that plumpness you’re so keen to not loose.

“We can’t prevent it, but we can slow it down,” says cosmetic surgeon Dr Benji Dhillon.

In past years, ladies go for vitamin C and Sun Protection Factors like sunscreen, moisturizers, sunburn lotions; etc.

Experts now agree that taking a collagen supplement could help too.

Clinical trials have shown a collagen supplement has the ability to slow down the body’s breaking down of its own collagen.

Preventing you from ageing quickly leaving you with a plumper and more dewy-looking skin.

Collagen supplements can also promote hyaluronic acid production, with its ability to stimulate dermis receptors.

This means your skin will also look more hydrated.

Bones get stronger:

Your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them structure and helps keep them strong.

Just as the collagen in your body deteriorates as you age, so does bone mass.

This may lead to conditions like osteoporosis, which is characterized by low bone density and linked to a higher risk of bone fracture.

With collagen supplement, your bone mass becomes stronger with enough strength to carry out your daily activities.

Relieves joint pain

Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage.

Cartilage is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints.

As the amount of collagen in your body decreases, your risk of developing degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis increases.

In one study, 73 athletes who consumed 10 grams of collagen daily for 24 weeks experienced a significant decrease in joint pain while walking, compared with a group that did not take it.

In another study, adults took 2 grams of collagen daily for 70 days. Those who took collagen had a significant reduction in joint pain and were better able to engage in physical activity than those who did not take it.

It also helps reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis in the body.

This may help promote pain relief among people with joint disorders like osteoarthritis.

Hair and nail growth

Although not scientifically proven, taking collagen may increase the strength of your nails by preventing brittleness.

Additionally, it may stimulate your hair to grow longer, and prevent breakage.

By Chinaza Ezenwa