The benefits of collagen are endless.  The skin, hair, nails, and joints all can benefit from regular use of collagen.  It contains an abundance of amino acids that are essential for good health.

In fact, the most abundant protein found in the human body is collagen.  It’s for these reasons that taking a collagen supplements daily, or consuming homemade bone broths, are so beneficial for the human body.

As we age we begin to produce less and less collagen.  As a result, our skin begins to wrinkle, our joints begin to ache and an overall degeneration of the body begins to occur.  Luckily, taking a quality collagen supplement can help slow and sometimes even reverse this process.

Below are the top 5 reasons for adding collagen into your diet

Collagen Improves Skin Elasticity

Decreased collagen levels in the body often results in loss of elasticity of skin.  By increasing levels in the body, the skin is able to regain its elasticity and reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles.  One study found that giving 2.5-5 grams of collagen hydrolystate to women between the ages of 35-55 daily for 8 weeks significantly improved skin elasticity and skin moisture (1).

Improves Joint Pain

Collagen significantly reduces joint pain and inflammation in the body. This is due to the fact that all ligaments and joints require collagen to be able to move freely without pain.  When there is lack of collagen in the body, joints and ligaments naturally begin to stiffen up.  Numerous studies have found that it helps the joints move more freely, reduces pain and protects against the deterioration of joints (2)(3).

Helps Seal the Digestive Lining

Collagen is an excellent option for those with digestive disorders.   Its gel like forming properties is perfect for sealing the gut lining and reducing inflammation in the gut. Those with leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders often lack the protective digestive lining that’s needed for good health.  One study revealed that patients with inflammatory bowel disease had extremely low collagen levels (4).

Supports Dopamine Levels

Collagen is a powerhouse of essential amino acids required for good health. Although it contains 20 amino acids that are essential for good health, it contains one very important amino acid called Tyrosine.   Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine and is essential in order to produce dopamine in the body.  Those with low dopamine levels often experience depression, anxiety, lack of motivation and fatigue.  One study showed that tyrosine was extremely effective at reducing the effects of stress in the body (5).

Excellent Source of Protein

Collagen contains an extremely high amount of protein by weight.  This makes a great option for those looking for an all-natural source of bio available protein.  The protein found in it can help build muscle mass and increase lean body mass.   It goes great in both smoothies and shakes and can be used in place of dangerous protein powders.

Where to Buy Collagen Supplements

The best way to get collagen into the diet is by making your own bone broths from organic bones.   This would be the most natural way to boost levels in the body.  However, this is not always an option due to lack of organic bones/parts sold in most grocery stores.  Luckily, we have found that this product by Sports Research to be a very good collagen supplement and it does not contain any synthetic ingredients.  It comes from grass fed cattle and the powder dissolves extremely easy in water or your favorite smoothie.