7 Collagen Health Benefits
Collagen is everyone’s favorite supplement right now — in fact, you might already have some in your supplement cabinet. But do you really know why you’re taking it? Knowing what to expect from your supplements isn’t just about being informed — it’s also about being able to track your progress.
Luckily, we happen to know a lot about collagen, seeing as it’s one of the main ingredients in all of our mushroom blends. Read on to learn more about the benefits of collagen, how to choose the best supplement, and how to use your collagen powder.
7 Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Collagen is naturally produced in our bodies, so why should we take extra collagen supplements on top of that? Here are seven reasons.
1. Supports Skin Elasticity
No supplement will give you Photoshop skin overnight, but collagen might be the closest thing science has to a real-life skin filter. Multiple clinical studies have shown that hydrolyzed collagen can significantly support skin elasticity, opens in a new tab, hydration, and even minimize wrinkles after eight to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Essentially, collagen peptides can support your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, which helps your skin, opens in a new tab look bouncy and firm. And while you still need to wear sunscreen, collagen supplements can also help with premature signs of skin aging.
2. Bolsters Bone Density
You might not think about your bones much — that is, until you stub a toe or start creaking like an old rocking chair. However, collagen plays a major role in bone structure, making up about 90% of your bones' protein content, opens in a new tab.
As we age, collagen levels dip, and so does bone density, which can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures, opens in a new tab and osteoporosis. Luckily, one study suggests that collagen supplementation can help support bone mineral density, opens in a new tab, especially in postmenopausal women.
3. Supports Strength Building
Collagen isn’t just for yogis and skincare lovers — it’s also a solid supplement that belongs in any gym rat’s cabinet. Since muscle tissue is partly composed of collagen, it makes sense that supplementing with it can support your gains.
In fact, one study suggested that men who took collagen peptides while doing resistance training experienced greater increases in muscle mass and strength than those who didn’t. It won’t replace your protein shake, but with so many benefits, collagen is a valuable part of any workout routine.
4. Encourages Nail and Hair Health
If you’re dreaming of nails that don’t chip and hair that doesn’t break off, opens in a new tab, collagen might be your fairy god-supplement. Research suggests collagen peptides may support nail strength, reduce brittleness, and even support the rate of nail growth, opens in a new tab after just a few months.
It also contains amino acids like proline and glycine, which are the building blocks of keratin (the protein that makes up your hair). Because of this, collagen can also support strong and full hair, opens in a new tab.
5. Supports Gut Health
Collagen can help reinforce the gut lining because it contains the amino acid glycine, which supports the health of the intestinal wall. This lining acts as a barrier, helping your body absorb nutrients while keeping toxins out of your system.
Because it can support the gut lining, collagen can also help reduce digestive discomfort, opens in a new tab. It’s not a magic fix, but if you’re dealing with bloating, food sensitivities, or digestive upset, collagen might be worth a try (or two).
6. Supports Heart Health
Collagen might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about heart health, but maybe it should be. Your arteries rely on collagen for structure and elasticity, and a lack of it can lead to stiffness and reduced circulation. However, collagen may be able to help with artery stiffness, opens in a new tab and support balanced levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol).
7. Encourages Strong Joints
If your knees sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies every time you stand up, it might be time to get some collagen. Type II collagen is like WD-40 for your joints. It keeps things smooth, cushioned, and mobile.
Because of this, collagen supplementation can reduce joint pain, opens in a new tab. Many studies have been done with athletes and older adults, but this benefit can help anyone who needs a little more joint support. It’s especially promising for people with joint degeneration, as it can help ease irritation and support range of motion.
How To Choose the Best Collagen Supplement
Not all collagen powders are created equal, and unfortunately, some are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. To know if you have the good stuff, just look at the label. You want to look for collagen that is hydrolyzed, grass-fed, and, if you’re feeling fancy, Brazilian-sourced (and, of course, our collagen is all three).
You may also want to avoid supplements loaded with fillers, sugars, or artificial flavors. Sure, sprinkle-flavored collagen might taste delicious, but the added sugars and flavors can start to add up over time.
How To Use Collagen
Here’s the good news: taking collagen doesn’t have to mean choking down a chalky shake while silently questioning your life choices. You can actually enjoy this stuff — no, really! Collagen peptides are generally flavorless and dissolve extremely quickly, which means you can sneak them into almost anything.
You can mix collagen into your morning coffee for a little bit of extra protein or blend it into collagen smoothies, opens in a new tab with berries and almond butter. Or, mix it into pancake batter for a protein-packed brunch. You can even bake it into cookies and pretend they’re a health food.
Or, if you’d rather skip a step or two in your morning routine, opt for our Mushroom Coffee+. Each serving contains 4g of bovine collagen protein already mixed in, as well as lion’s mane mushroom, chaga mushroom, L-theanine, and coffee extract. Each serving is low-caf so that you can enjoy a focused mind and extra motivation without feeling like the Energizer bunny.
Plus, there’s no need to mix, grind, or brew anything — simply add some water to our coffee blend and enjoy an instant cup of protein goodness. Of course, you don’t have to opt for plain mushroom coffee. You can always use it to make a latte, mocha, or smoothie.
The Bottom Line
Collagen might not be new, but its benefits are definitely trending — and for good reason. From strong bones to smooth skin and even a happy gut, this protein proves it’s more than just a beauty booster.
Whether you add it to a smoothie or opt for a delicious cup of our collagen-packed mushroom coffee, the key is consistency. Check out our collection of mushroom blends, opens in a new tab today to find a flavor you’re almost guaranteed to remember every morning.
Sources:
What is the benefit of collagen in your diet? | Gundersen Health System, opens in a new tab
Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans | PMC, opens in a new tab
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