This Popular Supplement for Skin, Bone, and Joint Health May Also Help With Weight Loss
Collagen has become all the rage over the last few years due to its numerous purported beauty and health advantages. But now, there’s even more reason to consider giving it a second look: It could be helpful when it comes to helping you shed a few extra pounds.
How does collagen help you lose weight?
Before diving into collagen’s potential weight loss benefits, what exactly is it, and why has it gained traction in recent years? Collagen is what’s known as a structural protein, and it’s the main building block for roughly 25 to 30 percent of all of your body’s proteins. Outside of weight loss, promising research has shown that supplement collagen may improve skin elasticity, reduce and relieve joint pain, slow and even prevent bone loss, and strengthen hair and nails.
On the weight loss front, while scientists are quick to point out that their work on the subject is still ongoing, early research has discovered that collagen could increase satiety between and during meals while decreasing hunger, improve muscle mass (which is key for long-term weight loss and weight management), and potentially manage fat accumulation over time.
What are its side effects?
Generally side effects of taking supplemental collagen are mild and include an upset stomach and a bad taste in your mouth. Anyone with a shellfish, egg, or fish allergy should avoid consuming it since different formulas could contain ingredients from one or all three groups.
Dosage-wise, most studies has used roughly 2.5 to 10 grams per day of collagen without harmful side effects, but as with any addition to your diet or supplement regimen, talk to your doctor first before starting anything new.
How should you take it?
Supplemental collagen comes in a number of forms, but the most common and popular ones are powders, which you can mix into smoothies, soups, and beverages (Buy on Amazon, $27.95), as well as oral capsules (Buy on Amazon, $22.95). It may be worth trying out! Just be sure to have a chat with your doctor first.
