Collagen: why the supplement is good for health and helps in sports –

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If you want more beautiful skin, less pounds or just take care of your bone health, there is a supplement that needs to be included in your diet: collagen, a protein that can be naturally produced by the body and is essential to form the fibers that support the skin. Therefore, hair, nails and cartilage (tissues that cushion the joints) are also benefited. That is, he ensures that the body works well on the inside and looks beautiful on the outside. Check out other advantages of including more collagen in your diet:

1. Firmer and more beautiful skin
Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of collagen supplements on the skin. Research carried out in 2013 revealed that consumption of the substance is able to reduce the signs of aging and significantly improve elasticity.

2. Extra protection for bones and joints
A 2008 study showed that collagen can improve common aches and pains in athletes. In addition, the substance can also help patients with osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that happens when the flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down. Other research, which looked at the bones of growing mice, concluded that collagen does indeed increase bone mass. Good news, right?

3. Improve performance in sports
Collagen is a protein. This means that your muscles will recover faster if you include extra doses of the substance in the menu. One more reason to bet on the supplement: a German study with 100 athletes, from 15 to 80 years old, showed that the consumption of hydrolyzed collagen brings an important improvement in the joints. After 12 weeks of consuming 10 grams of the supplement per day, 79% of participants had greater mobility in their knees and hips.

4. Helps control bowels
American naturopathic physician Dr. Josh Machado claims that collagen can help resolve conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome – a medical condition that causes the bowel to function irregularly. However, further research must still be carried out to prove the effectiveness of the supplement in treating the problem.