Collagen is a protein known for providing structure in bones, cartilage, and tissue. It makes up a third of your body’s proteins and has 28 different types. Collagen is also a popular ingredient for many beauty products, whitening treatments, and food supplements. And while collagen is most notable for its glow-up benefits, it has other benefits for your overall health.

Here are five health benefits of collagen that may convince you to add this protein to your diet and daily food supplement intake.

Helps Strengthen Bones

Your bones are partly made of collagen. They give your bones their structure and also keeps them healthy. As you age, you lose bone mass, and your collagen levels deteriorate, making you prone to osteoporosis. Bone density also decreases after menopause. Taking five grams of collagen and calcium supplements a day may increase bone density and replenish your bones’ collagen levels. Several studies have shown that an intake of collagen supplements daily significantly improves bone health and lowers protein levels that promote bone breakdown.

Promotes Skin Health

The collagen that gives your bones structure is the same one that promotes elasticity in your skin. Collagen production usually slows down by age 25, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Drinking collagen supplements have been proven to improve skin elasticity and increase hydration. People living in colder climates, such as the residents of houses in Tagaytay, may add collagen to their diets to improve their skin’s hydration. If you live in sunny spots, intaking collagen and applying sunscreen may also help reduce the formation of wrinkles and dark spots on your face.

Aids in Relieving Joint Pain

Taking collagen food supplements may also help in relieving joint pains. Since collagen helps replace lost bone mass, it may also replenish the loss of cartilage tissue between your joints. Athletes and older adults suffering from osteoarthritis may add collagen into their meals and maintenance to improve their joint health. A study in 2008 showed that 73 athletes who took 10 grams of collagen daily for 24 weeks experienced a significant reduction in joint pain. Another study featuring adults revealed that after taking two grams of collagen daily for 70 days, they also experienced a significant joint pain reduction.

Boosts Heart Health

Collagen isn’t just beneficial for beauty and bone health. Adding collagen to your drinks and meals, or taking collagen pills may help reduce heart-related diseases. Collagen provides the structure for your arteries. These are the blood vessels that transport blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Intaking collagen may help strengthen your arteries and ensure a smooth and healthy blood flow. Healthy arteries also mean reduced risks of atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, stroke, and heart attack.

Improves Mood and Sleep Quality

If you are having trouble sleeping, taking collagen pills or supplements may improve your mood and sleep. Most collagen supplements are packed with glycine, a chemical that decreases core body temperature and inhibits muscle activity during Rapid-Eye-Movement (REM) sleep. As your body temperature decreases, you get to sleep faster and better.

And because collagen helps improve your sleep quality, it may also boost mood and brain function. Having adequate sleep every day allows you to feel good and energized throughout the day. You’ll also feel less stressed and tired when working.

Overall, the health benefits of collagen go beyond beauty and whitening. It helps improve sleep quality, promotes heart and bone health, relieves joint pain, and enhances skin elasticity and hydration. You might want to add collagen to your new diet to achieve a healthier and more beautiful glow.