FITNESS & BEAUTY · NOVEMBER 2018
THE PROVEN
BENEFITS OF
I
n recent years, amino acids have
become all the rage. They've raked
in millions for businesses, but
more important, they've proven
to be good for you too. One such
amino acid that has received accolades
is collagen. Whether you're taking a
supplement as part of your regular diet,
following a doctor-approved diet, or
jumping on the Keto diet train, collagen
supplements are an essential part of a
healthy diet.
Our bodies need amino acids to function
properly. They build muscles, bones,
cartilage, skin, and hair, to name a few. The
amino acids are varied, but the kind found
in collagen is by far the most abundant
throughout the body. It plays a key role in
forming connective tissues and skin. It's
even more important because your body's
collagen production decreases as you age.
Therefore, adding collagen to your diet is a
smart idea.
COLLAGEN
Known Benefits of
Collagen
- It helps to protect the brain against
disease. Studies have shown that it may
prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease
by preventing the growth of amyloid-beta
proteins—the amino acids that are known
to clump together in people diagnosed
with Alzheimer's disease.
- By increasing your collagen intake,
you can directly attack the amyloid-beta
proteins that attack the brain's neurons
and cause Alzheimer's.
- Collagen may prevent and/or help
treat heart disease. In one recent study,
participants were given collagen twice
daily for a period of six months. The
study found that there were reductions
in cholesterol levels and a decrease of
plaque in their arteries.
When choosing a collagen supplement,
always consult with your healthcare
provider first. Here are some tips for
choosing a supplement that's right for you:
avoid flavored supplements, choose ones
with easy-to-read ingredients. If you can't
pronounce them, it's probably best to avoid
them. Because the FDA doesn't regulate
collagen supplements, look for third-party
certification and read reviews. Ask people
you know which brand they take. Check
with your doctor to see if there is a brand
he or she recommends. Don't go all-in. Buy
a small bottle to see how it works for you
because, as with any other supplement,
you may have an unpleasant reaction. Take
the recommended dose. More doesn't
necessarily mean better. Keep track of any
changes, positive or negative, you may
experience. They could be important.
- It may help heal leaky gut syndrome, a
condition in which toxic substances leak into
the bloodstream instead of being funneled
out of the body as they should be.
- Collagen has shown promise in
easing knee and joint pain
- as well as chronic back pain.
- It promotes skin elasticity
- and nail growth, and
helps to treat or
prevent brittle
nails.
This valuable amino
acid can be found in
many foods including
- chia seeds
- garlic
- berries
- leafy green vegetables
like kale and spinach
- eggs
- avocados and peanuts.
36 HEALTHY MAGAZINE
By Carolina Martinez