Collagen for weight loss? Yes! Collagen is a protein found in animals’ skin, bones, and connective tissues. It’s also one of the most abundant proteins in our body. Our body will make its collagen when we’re young, but as we age, production slows down, leading to health issues like low immune function, cardiovascular disease, and joint pain.
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body (1). It gives structure and strength to our skin, bones, joints, muscles, and other tissues, thus facilitating movement. Collagen is essential for maintaining the structure of the body. It’s also critical to maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Benefits of Collagen
Benefits of CollagenIt’s crucial for anyone who wants to lose weight to improve their metabolism, which is critical to burning fat. This is why collagen is so popular among those trying to lose weight fast.
1. It’s not a quick fix
Have you ever noticed a lot of hype around collagen products? Of course, it’s no secret that several celebrities swear by collagen, from Kim Kardashian to Oprah Winfrey. Tons of people are buying into the hype, but does it work? Is collagen indeed something we should look into for beauty and health reasons?
The truth is that collagen won’t work overnight. It will take some time for a person using collagen supplements to see any results. If you’re using collagen regularly, at least give it a few weeks before deciding whether it’s working for you. Here’s why: Collagen takes time to digest.
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Collagen peptides are not absorbed through the stomach. Instead, they must be broken down in the small intestine before assimilating into the body. This means that if you’re taking pills or powder orally, your body isn’t going to react right away—it will take some time for the process to finish.
When choosing a collagen supplement, it’s essential to understand that not all brands operate similarly. For example, some collagen products use hydrolyzed collagen, breaking down rapidly and is easily digestible. Hydrolyzed collagen doesn’t need as much time to digest, making it perfect for people who want faster results.
2. Aids in weight loss by helping you feel fuller longer
Collagen is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and are necessary for the proper growth, maintenance, and repair of your body’s tissues. Amino acids also help your body absorb calcium, which can be helpful if you’re trying to build or maintain a healthy bone structure.
In addition to aiding in protein absorption and supporting your skeletal system, collagen may help in weight loss by helping you feel fuller longer. It can take up to 20 minutes for our stomachs to let the brain know we’re full after eating (2). This process may get sped up with collagen supplements, increasing feelings of fullness. In turn, this could lead to eating less.
3. Prevents weight gain by keeping inflammation at bay
Inflammation is one of the leading causes of obesity, and losing weight is often tricky because inflammation increases our cravings for foods. However, scientists from Michigan State University discovered that high collagen levels in the diet could prevent obesity by reducing inflammation in fat cells.
Obese people have excessive inflammation because their immune systems constantly fight off pathogens that enter fat tissue through injury or disease. Unfortunately, the excessive inflammatory response creates a vicious cycle where fat tissue increases when there is too much inflammation in the body.
4. Increases your metabolism
Metabolism is the process by which food is converted into energy. It occurs in every cell and is regulated by hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals that help convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into glucose.
Collagen contains glycine and proline amino acids, which create energy within our bodies. When we take collagen, these amino acids are absorbed into the body and converted into glucose for energy. This raises our metabolism, thereby facilitating weight loss.
5. Decreases cravings
The good news is you can increase your body’s collagen production by consuming more collagen. And research shows collagen supplementation may decrease cravings for sugary foods and alcohol.
This happens because collagen is a protein. A clinical study showed that proteins could curve one’s cravings, thus influencing a person’s satiety levels (3). That influence can lead one to eat less, leading to weight loss.
Other benefits of Collagen:
1. Collagen is the main component of all connective tissue, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As we age, collagen production decreases, causing our skin to wrinkle and the bones to become brittle.
Collagen supplements can help slow the aging process by increasing collagen formation in the body.
2. Collagen supplements improve skin elasticity by increasing hyaluronic acid levels. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our bodies, and it functions as a lubricant between joints and tissues, helping them glide smoothly over each other.
3. Collagen peptides may help treat osteoarthritis (OA) by restoring damaged cartilage and reducing joint swelling and pain. OA is a joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration that cushions the ends of bones in joints. It causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of movement.
4. Collagen supplementation may also effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), another autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide. In RA, your body’s immune system attacks your joints, resulting in pain and swelling that may lead to joint deformities or disability.
Foods that are high in collagen:
Some foods are high in collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes skin elastic and supple, so it is not surprising that food contains this protein. Collagen is the main element in the skin and connective tissue. It is present in bones, teeth, nails, cartilage, and tendons. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Fish
Fish like tuna, salmon, and halibut are some of the best foods for increasing collagen production. They are also great for fighting inflammation and preventing signs of aging.
2. Leafy Greens
Green vegetables like kale, collards, and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin C, an essential vitamin for boosting collagen in the skin. These vegetables are also high in vitamin K, which the body uses to create bone density.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great way to start your morning because it is rich in antioxidants, potassium, and fiber, which help balance hormones naturally, regulate blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. This breakfast staple also helps boost collagen production because it contains vitamin C and copper, which help promote healthy skin and hair growth.
4. Dill Pickles
This may seem weird, but pickles contain collagen, which is good for your hair, skin, and nails. These pickles will help reduce cellulite and fight inflammation throughout your body due to their high content of vitamin A, calcium, iron, potassium, and B vitamins.
Collagen for weight loss might be the most important supplement, and the health benefits are almost endless. You not only lose weight, but you get better skin too! Combining collagen supplements with a healthy diet and exercise routine is best if you want to lose weight with collagen supplements. Your body will thank you for it! However, please consult your medical practitioner before embracing collagen supplements.
