If you’re into beauty or cosmetics, then you’re probably aware of what topical collagen solutions can do for your skin. However, most cosmetics are primarily for the face, and collagen supplements also have benefits for the rest of the body. Here are the benefits this protein has for your health.

Collagen Manages Weight

Collagen is a protein that plays essential roles throughout the body. Amino acids help form the proteins within the body, including collagen. One of these amino acids, glycine, helps to build muscle by turning the glucose in your body to energy.

More lean muscle mass helps to burn fat 24 hours a day, including when you’re resting. Researchers found that taking collagen supplements can change people’s body composition and help them gain more lean muscle during resistance training. 

Supports Liver While Detoxing

The liver is a busy organ because it processes the toxins in your body to remove them. Glycine, the amino acid that helps build muscle, also supports the liver while it is processing the toxins, which includes alcohol.

In some studies, marine collagen, which is collagen from fish, was able to reduce inflammation in the liver. Some people’s livers in a study functioned better, and there was a reduction in inflammation after taking the fish-based supplement.

Increases Bone Density

Collagen is a protein that the body uses to construct connective tissues like:

• Ligaments
• Tendons
• Bones
• Skin
• Cartilage

This protein forms a matrix, of which 90 percent is collagen. To understand how collagen works, it helps to understand how rebar reinforces concrete.

When in concrete flooring, rebar provides tensile strength and gives the minerals in the concrete something to cling to so that the concrete holds together.

Collagen does the same for our bones. Collagen supplements add additional bone to replace what you lose as bone cells die. This process gives your bones more strength and the calcium a structure on which to hold.

Collagen Shows Promise in Reducing Heart Conditions

Although more studies are necessary, early ones show that collagen supplements could reduce atherosclerosis. This disease can lead to strokes and heart attacks because the blood flow narrows as fat builds up in the arteries.

Taking collagen can also reduce stiffness in the arteries, which can slow blood flow through the heart because it doesn’t pump well with stiff arteries. During a study of collagen’s effect on artery stiffening, researchers noticed that HDL, more commonly known as good cholesterol, increased too.

Since hair is mostly protein, and collagen is a protein, your hair will get longer and look fabulous as you take collagen supplements.

Whether you decide to introduce collagen supplements for your health or to have healthier skin, hair, and nails, it will be safe to take. Most people do not have any side effects when taking the amounts that manufacturers recommend. While there are not many known side effects associated with taking collagen supplements, people sometimes report having issues with:

• Feelings of fullness
• Heartburn
• Bad breath

If you have food allergies, you should carefully read the ingredients, as some supplements contain eggs, fish, and shellfish. By reading the label, you can avoid all allergens and reap the benefits of additional collagen in your body.