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Top Health Benefits of Collagen You Might Not Know

Feb 26, 2020
 

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in your body, and it's essential for several biological processes. It mainly deals with skin elasticity, although it's involved in maintaining joint and bone health as well. The substance is secreted by various cells, but it can also be found in certain foods, such as beef, chicken, fish, beans, eggs, and dairy products.

But, the creation of collagen isn't consistent. It eventually slows down as a person gets older. Exposure to various factors, such as cigarette smoke and UV rays, also decreases its rate of production. And, when this happens, you lose all the benefits the protein provides you.

Luckily, there is a way to get around this. Medical health centers in Suffolk County, NY, will often prescribe supplements to make up for the lost collagen in your body. Because of this, you can still reap its benefits despite natural biological processes.

But, what are these benefits? The protein is often spoken about, but many people don't know the specifics. Here's a brief guide on it:

Improves Joint Health

As a person gets older and their collagen production slows down, their bones become weaker and more fragile. They may experience sudden pain in various joints, such as their knees and back. This also leads to the development of conditions such as osteoporosis.

But, you don't have to be completely reliant on what your body produces. Consuming collagen supplements promotes joint health and restores bone density, particularly for people suffering from osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Some studies even suggest that patients experience less pain after taking it.

Improves Heart Health

While their research isn't yet definitive, many scientists believe that taking collagen supplements reduces the risk of heart-related Peconic Bay Medical Center_Top Health Benefits of Collagen You Might Not Know_IMAGE2.jpegconditions. There have been several studies to prove it, and more are being done each day.

One paper discovered that collagen improves cholesterol levels when consumed regularly for at least 6 months. It also provides structure to your arteries, helping them maintain their shape and flexibility. Without the substance, your blood vessels may become narrow, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Promotes Skin Health

This is probably the most well-known benefit of taking collagen. After all, it's a major component of your skin. The substance strengthens it and plays a role in keeping the largest organ in your body elastic and hydrated.

But, as a person gets older, their bodies produce less collagen, which leads to wrinkles and dryness. If you're already experiencing these symptoms, you can go to one of the medical centers in your area and ask if you should start taking supplements.

Taking them will help you gain skin elasticity. You'll have fewer wrinkles and experience less dryness as well because of the hydration that the supplement provides.

Boosts Body Mass

Collagen has a big effect on body composition. It helps boost muscle mass, especially in people who lose it due to aging. But, aside from taking the supplement, you must exercise regularly as well.

This is a relatively new discovery. While more studies have to be done on the subject to fully understand it, medical professionals theorize that supplements stimulate the production of proteins. This encourages muscle growth.

These are just a few benefits of collagen, whether it's produced naturally or taken as a supplement. And, as more research is done, scientists will find other uses for the protein.

Consult their health professionals at Peconic Bay Medical Center if you would like to try out the supplements for yourself. For emergency care, they're also one of the best urgent medical centers in Suffolk County, NY.