It’s common knowledge that our bodies need certain vitamins and minerals to perform important functions and keep us healthy. However, as we age, our once-bountiful supply of calcium, vitamin D, and fiber begins decreasing—slowing down our bodies’ response to certain physical conditions. Because of this, these substances are even more essential to keeping us healthy as we age.
If there’s any specific mineral you should definitely be working into your system, it’s collagen. Known as the “miracle ingredient” in many foods and products, this material helps with various aspects of physical health. As such, there’s a series of benefits to taking collagen supplements that can leave you looking and feeling great.
Improves Skin Health and Appearance
When you think of collagen, one of the first correlations that may come to mind is the effect it has on your skin. Collagen is the main building block of the skin, and its elasticity allows this organ to respond to damage without scarring. However, with each passing year, your body’s natural production of collagen begins to slow down, and it becomes harder for the skin to respond to damage. However, replenishing some of that natural stock with a supplement can reduce the signs of aging and bring back your skin’s smooth, youthful appearance.
Reduces Joint Pain and Bone Loss
The benefits of collagen supplements don’t end there. In fact, as a protein, collagen works with the entire body to rebuild lost tissue and increase the strength of weakened areas. Because of this, people who suffer from frequent joint pain and gradual bone loss often profit from getting more collagen in their diet. With the help of this material, the body can start to rebuild bone and cartilage that has deteriorated over time. As these tissues slowly return, it can also reduce the pain you feel as a result.
Increases Muscle Mass
Maintaining your strength as you age is also important. It allows you to keep your body moving and your blood pumping, letting you live life to the fullest. However, it’s easy to become stagnant and not move around as much throughout the years, so people generally lose a lot of the muscle mass that kept them feeling strong. As we weaken, performing certain tasks becomes harder, and we begin to feel older than we are. Acting as the agent that holds muscle cells together, collagen provides additional strength where some has been lost. This allows the muscle tissue to rebuild while protecting these cells from further deterioration.