Last year the market for collagen protein supplements reached US$1 billion for the first time. This previously overlooked supplement has suddenly become a hot new trend.
On the surface, collagen seems to be a beauty supplement marketed to improve your skin but take a closer look, and you’ll find there are plenty of benefits of collagen powder.
Collagen not only helps your skin, hair and nails, but it can also help your bones, joints, and muscles.
There is even some evidence collagen proteins can help speed up the healing process for minor cuts and scrapes.
Here are just a few of the fantastic benefits of collagen powder.
Skin, hair, and nails
Many collagen protein powder supplements are designed to support your skin, hair, and nail health. The most common type of collagen, type 1, can help keep your skin plump, fights signs of aging, and supports keratin production for healthy hair and nails.
Type 1 collagen supplements could help to build your skin’s many layers by encouraging new fibres to generate and your skin to renew cells more effectively for healthier skin. Because it helps make your skin more elastic, it could also improve the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
Bone health
Another significant benefit of collagen powder is that it can increase bone density and help prevent breakages. If you suffer from brittle bones, have recently suffered a break, or want to maintain healthy bones as your age, a collagen supplement could support bone density and strength. The collagen proteins and amino acids significantly increase bone mineral density.
As well as directly helping your bones remain strong, collagen may also help your body absorb calcium. Calcium is also essential for bone health and helps keep bones strong, so taking collagen with calcium-rich food or a calcium supplement can maintain bone health.
Lean muscles and recovery
As a protein, collagen can also help build muscle size and strength. There is some evidence that, like creatine, collagen can stimulate muscle growth and the collagen protein fibres help muscles rebuild and improve muscle strength. Unlike other proteins, which can cause bulking and a sudden increase in muscle size, collagen works more slowly by supporting your body’s natural functions helping build longer, leaner muscles.
Collagen supplements can also be beneficial for athletes looking to improve their recovery time. Taking collagen after a workout or training session can support recovery by promoting muscle health and helping muscles repair themselves.
Joint health
Collagen proteins also help to support your body’s connective tissue. It is sometimes recommended for people struggling with joint pain or related conditions like arthritis because it can help ensure your joints and the surrounding tissue are functioning correctly. Repairing tissue and cartilage can make joint movement easier and less painful.
It’s still early days, but there is also some evidence that collagen might have anti-inflammatory effects. Taking a collagen supplement could therefore reduce inflammation in and around joints.
Wound healing
Another great benefit of taking a collagen supplement is that it may help support wound healing and repair. Since collagen proteins are used to repair, rebuild and regrow tissue, it may help minor wounds, cuts, grazes, and scrapes heal faster.
As well as healing faster, collagen might help reduce the risk of developing a scar. Because collagen helps protect your skin and prevent damage, it can minimise the appearance of scars by helping your skin repair effectively and brightening the damaged area.
Start taking collagen today
With so many excellent benefits of collagen powder, it’s no surprise the market is growing, and more and more people are enjoying the benefits of taking a collagen supplement. From supporting healthy bones, muscles, and connective tissue to giving you glowing skin and minimising scar tissue, collagen has some amazing benefits.
With so many supplements to choose from, there’s sure to be one for your needs! Why not start trying collagen so you can feel the benefits for yourself?