Be it animal or plant-based, protein is an essential part of the diet. However, some types of protein are more valuable than others for the human body. For example, collagen protein is one such type that your body cannot do without. In fact, collagen protein makes up for one-third of all the protein content in your body. Therefore, the benefits of collagen protein may very well surpass those of any other kind of protein in your diet.
What is Collagen Protein?
Collagen is a hard, insoluble and fibrous type of protein. Collagen protein molecules are arranged in long thin fibril shapes. There are 4 types of collagen protein present in your body. These are:
Type I: Present in all connective tissues (skin, tendon and bone tissues)
Type II: Present in cartilages of joints and backbone
Type III: Present in reticular fibers along with type 1 collagen
Type IV: Present in basement membrane
Type V: Present on cell surfaces, hair, and placenta
While these are some of the varied uses of collagen, their primary function is to support and anchor cells to each other. Hence, collagen protein imparts strength and flexibility to skin and muscle cells in your body. For example, your skin is strong and elastic in certain places only because of collagen protein. This means there are certain obvious health benefits of collagen when added to your regular diet.
1. Anti-Ageing Effects
Your skin is one of the most collagen-dense parts of the body. However, the collagen content of your skin reduces as you age. This calls for increased consumption of collagen protein to help replenish your skin. You can add collagen protein powder to your diet to achieve this. Collagen powder benefits people who are looking to slow down their ageing process and look youthful.
2. Supports Joint Health
As you age, the number of collagen fibers present in your joint decreases. This can lead to degenerative joint diseases. Studies have shown that people who consume collagen protein supplements have better health outcomes when it comes to joint diseases like osteoarthritis. Moreover, collagen powder benefits people by helping reduce joint pain as well.
3. Maintains Bone Mineral Density
Collagen protein is also an essential part of your bone structure. It helps maintain bone density and collagen protein supplements can also prevent osteoporosis. This is because the benefits of collagen protein include increased Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Therefore, you should definitely consider adding collagen powder to your daily diet if you wish to maintain strong bones.
4. Promotes Muscle Growth
Apart from all of the above mentioned, collagen protein benefits your musculature as well. Specifically, it is the skeletal muscles in your body that are most benefited from this type of protein. Studies have also proven that if you consume about 15 grams of collagen protein and exercise daily, you can gain a significant amount of muscle mass.
5. Maintains Cardiac Health
Since the benefits of collagen proteins include strengthening your arteries and blood vessels, they are vital to maintaining cardiac health. Without enough collagen protein in your body, you may develop atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of arteries (which can lead to stroke/heart attacks). Hence, adding the recommended amount of collagen protein to your daily diet can promote cardiac health.
Conclusion
With so many benefits of collagen, it is obvious that this nutrient is an indispensable part of a balanced diet. However, simply consuming collagen protein supplements may not be enough to avail all these health benefits. You also need to consume all the necessary vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats that are present in a balanced diet. Moreover, you need to add an exercise plan to your daily routine to keep your body fit and active.
