5 surprising benefits of collagen and how to take it for best results.

You are in the right place to learn about the benefits of collagen and how to easily incorporate this beauty into your lifestyle!

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and forms the basis for all of the body’s connective tissues, including skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, cartilage, and joints. The body can produce collagen on its own, but as we age, our collagen production slows. This is one of the reasons that aging coincides with the loss of elasticity in the skin and the weakening of bones and joints.

As promised here are the 5 surprising benefits that collagen can have on your life:

1) Weight management

It is very common for people wanting to build that "lean muscle". This can be an extremely difficult result to achieve, however, collagen does make it easier! The stronger and leaner your muscles are, the more calories you can burn during a 24 hour period so by adding in some collagen you can safely naturally boost your metabolism. 

2) Muscle development 

Arginine is found in collagen and this will aid in muscle development. How? It will improve the blood flow in your body. Think of it as a way to relax and widen your blood vessels. Because of this, larger amounts of oxygen and other nutrients can reach your muscles helping them grow and recover.

3) Healthy gut

There are a number of ways that collagen promotes a healthy gut. Digestion is just one of the areas collagen assists with. When you ingest collage it surrounds itself with water and stomach acid. When it moves through the GI tract now the breakdown of other proteins and carbohydrates in the intestines is assisted. In addition this that, when you hold water in your intestine, collagen will assist that food move through more smoothly. 

4) Encourages sleep

This may be one of the BEST benefits that collagen can have in your life. Who doesn't love sleep? So many of us feel like we are forever "catching up" on sleep so if we can improve the quality of those zzz's we are getting that is a win! Glycine found in collagen improves your sleep quality AND it reduces the daytime sleepiness. Studies have also shown that it help to improve your memory. 

TIP: Mix 1 tbsp of Vital Proteins collagen peptides with chamomile tea for the ultimate sleep tonic! 

5) Joint and bone health 

Let me ask you this. Have you ever taken ibuprofen or similar pain medications because you feel sore? Cue collagen! Adding collagen into your lifestyle can repair tissue, lessen inflammation and provide that relief from pain. For most people, their "knees" give them grief. By adding in collagen people notice a significant improvement in knee joint comfort. 

So, here you have 5 surprising benefits of collagen. Vital Proteins is where I recommend purchasing your products from, for a NUMBER of reasons. One of the best ones would be that they offer an unflavoured powder to add to smoothie recipes like this, coffee or even in your pasta sauce. If you aren't into the powder, take a capsule and notice the same benefits!

I cannot wait for you to try collagen and see the results for yourself. 

What are your favorite ways to take your collagen? Share with us on twitter @dunnebells or Instagram @dunnebells_

If you haven’t signed up for my Facebook group yet, you can sign up here.