Aging is a natural process that everyone goes through, and although there is no real way to stop the aging process, there are steps that can be taken today to help preserve youthfulness tomorrow. You most likely have heard of collagen peptides – also known as collagen hydrolysate – especially since the hype around these supplements has increased in popularity in recent years. Reviews often praise collagen for its many benefits, but the question remains, do collagen supplements actually work?
One of the most important things to remember is that collagen is more than just a beauty supplement; it is a fibrous, supportive protein that is naturally produced in your body. However, as we age, collagen production slows down tremendously, especially in a person’s 30s or 40s. The decreasing production of this naturally occurring protein is why collagen supplements have become one of the most sought-after supplements. Although collagen peptides are widely recognized and marketed for their anti-aging benefits, there have been plenty of studies that indicate their effectiveness for a wide range of bodily functions.
Collagen Hydrolysate vs. Collagen Peptides
There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the collagen supplements being marketed or branded as different names when it comes to supplements. You might see “collagen peptides” from one brand and “collagen hydrolysate” from another. Still, as we mentioned before, the two names are entirely interchangeable and are simply two ways to refer to hydrolyzed collagen. There is, however, a difference between the collagen that our body naturally produces and the collagen found in supplements. The collagen found in powder or capsule form – peptides, hydrolysate – has been broken down into smaller parts to make it easier for your body to digest. The chemical process responsible for breaking down the collagen proteins into peptides or amino acids is called hydrolysis – this is why we call the supplements either collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysate.
5 Benefits from Collagen Supplements
- Promotes Healthy Skin
The relationship between collagen supplements and skin health, including anti-aging, is one of the most-researched benefits to date. But skin health stretches far beyond wrinkles and fine lines associated with aging; skin health also refers to wound healing, overall hydration & elasticity, and even the appearance of cellulite. Can collagen hydrolysate really help improve the appearance of all these things? One study suggests that daily use of oral collagen supplements did, in fact, increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. The study also indicated that the preliminary results were “promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging.”
- Joint Health
Another broadly recognized and widely researched benefit of collagen revolves around the connection between collagen peptides and joint health. As we age, the cartilage that protects our joints begins to wear down, which starts to happen at around 30 years of age, a lot earlier than some people would assume. According to some studies, beginning a daily oral collagen supplement may be the key to improved joint health. One particular study tested the effects of collagen hydrolysate supplementation on athletes with sports or activity-related joint pain. After the 24-week study, the results indicated that “athletes consuming collagen hydrolysate can reduce parameters (such as pain) that have a negative impact on athletic performance.”
- Beauty Benefits
We already know that collagen has been shown to improve overall skin health, but healthier-looking skin is only one part of the beauty benefits associated with collagen supplementation. Incorporating collagen peptides into your daily diet may also help to promote healthy and strong nails and hair.
Healthy nails and hair have some key components in common: namely keratin and collagen, which are both structural proteins that are naturally found in your skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. Supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen are packed with the amino acids that your body naturally uses to form keratin. The increase of keratinized cells can help reduce the brittleness of nails while also promoting shine to the hair. It might even improve your dental health. If you want whiter teeth, consider teeth bleaching by a Dentist in Sacramento.
- Workout Recovery
When we exercise or exert any amount of energy through physical activity, our muscles are fueled by glycogen stores, a natural reserve that the body saves from the consumption of carbohydrates. As your body uses glycogen as fuel, your muscles are simultaneously being depleted of the same source. This is where the protein from collagen comes in to help. Consuming adequate amounts of protein after exercise ensures that you have the proper building blocks to repair muscle tissue for a quicker recovery.
- Gut Health
Gut health is essential to overall health. Maintaining proper gut health isn’t always easy though, this is where supplementation of oral collagen can help, according to some studies. Connective tissues found in your colon and gastrointestinal tract contain collagen and there have been indications that increasing collagen can directly affect gut health. It acts as a digestive aid by helping to break down the food that travels through the GI tract, which supports digestion and gut health.
Collagen Hydrolysate is by no means a miracle-cure-all supplement, but consistent supplementation has been proven to have a number of health benefits. It’s important to remember that you should speak to your physician before starting collagen supplements or any supplements. The benefits of collagen hydrolysate are far too great to ignore, which is why it continues to be one of the most popular supplements on the market.