Estimated read time: 3 mins, 1 sec
By now, you’ve probably heard about the incredible benefits of collagen from health experts, beauty bloggers and maybe even your mother. It’s a powerful building block for the health of your hair, skin, nails and joints, and has also been known to benefit your digestive health. Due to its restorative power, many consider collagen to be a Fountain of Youth, which is why numerous beauty and skincare brands have started promoting collagen in their products.
This year alone, U.S. consumers are expected to spend $122 million on collagen products. That’s up 30% from last year, according to market research firm Nutrition Business Journal.
IT’S NOT A MIRACLE, IT’S SCIENCE
It seems like everyone is on the collagen craze, but what does it realistically do for your body, and how can you obtain more of it in your diet?
1. HELPS TO HEAL LEAKY GUT SYNDROME
Having a healthy stomach is crucial to your overall health. According to Health24, nearly 70-80% of your immune system is housed in your gut. Toxins, food particles and infections can pass through your intestinal wall and into your bloodstream, causing inflammation. It’s no wonder that people who suffer from IBS or a leaky gut experience uncomfortable side effects like bloating, fatigue, upset stomach and constipation. The amino acids within collagen help to heal the damaged cells within your intestinal wall and build new tissue, making it the perfect supplement to improve your stomach issues.
2. STRENGTHENS HAIR, SKIN AND NAILS
One of the biggest complaints you hear as we age is that our skin loses elasticity. Wrinkles start to set in and you lose the smooth and supple complexion you once had. That’s because the natural production of collagen decreases as we age. One way to combat this is by increasing your collagen intake—it can help strengthen your hair and nails, as well as improve the overall appearance of your skin.
3. EASES JOINT AND KNEE PAIN
The body produces natural collagen, but over time that production decreases. When this occurs, we can experience stiff and achy joints. Upping the amount of collagen you digest could help to reduce inflammation and alleviate some of these symptoms. The amino acids in collagen also help to increase joint mobility.
4. BUILDS MUSCLE, BURNS FAT
Glycine, an amino acid found in collagen, is a building block for protein. It contributes to muscle formation by converting glucose into energy. The increase in muscle mass helps you burn more calories, even in your sleep. This is why collagen can be extremely helpful when controlling your weight.
5. HELPS PROTECT YOUR HEART
Another important amino acid found in collagen is proline, which may help prevent or reduce the buildup of plaque that contributes to clogged arteries and prevents blood from flowing to other organs. Collagen may also lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.
BEST SOURCES OF COLLAGEN
The human body produces its own supply of collagen, but as we age, we produce less and less. Luckily, there are many different ways to increase your collagen intake, including adding some of these foods to your diet:
Collagen-rich Foods
• Wild salmon
• Cod
• Tuna
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Avocados
• Leafy greens like kale and spinach
• Berries
• Garlic
• Chia seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
Another option is taking a collagen supplement. Usually found in powder or capsule form, you can add this to your daily routine for easy consumption.
DRINK LIMU LEAN BURN
One of the primary sources of protein in LIMU LEAN BURN® is hydrolyzed collagen. Each can is supercharged with our proprietary, Fucoidan-rich limu seaweed extract, 20g of premium collagen-based protein, 7 grams of soluble fiber, plus 100mg of natural caffeine to promote sustained energy and suppress hunger cravings. It contains no artificial colors or flavors and no high-fructose corn syrup, making it the perfect way to get your daily dose of collagen.
*This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
RELATED: LIMU LEAN BURN Wins People’s Choice Award for Best New Consumer Product
SOURCES
Axe, J., Dr., & Cobb, C. (2018, February 15). How Collagen Can Boost Your Body’s Skin, Muscle, and Gut [Web log post]. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/health/collagen-powder-benefits
Bello AE, & Oesser S. (2006, November 22). Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: A review of the literature. [Web log post]. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17076983
Elliott, B. (2018, April 6). Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements [Web log post]. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits
Glycine: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage and Warnings [Web log post]. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1072/glycine
Kassel, G. (2018, January 25). Will Collagen Supplements Really Make You Any Healthier? [Web log post]. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19995031/collagen-supplements/
Lotter, E. (2017, October 5). Your gut is the cornerstone of your immune system [Web log post]. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from https://www.heath24.com/Medical/Flu/Preventing-flu/your-gut-is-the-cornerstone-of-your-immune-system-20160318
Marshall, L. (2018, March 8). Collagen: ‘Fountain of Youth’ or Edible Hoax? [Web log post]. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20180308/collagen-supplements-what-the-research-shows
