Mar
Collagen is a natural structural protein found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. In recent years, collagen supplements have gained much attention for their amazing nutritional benefits. But, can collagen help promote weight loss?
The unique amino acids profile of collagen may help suppress appetite by enhancing the feeling of fulness, thus aiding weight loss.
Continue reading to understand how collagen supplements can help you lose weight directly or indirectly.
How Can Collagen Help Reduce Weight?
Most vital roles of collagen that can directly or indirectly induce weight loss are:
Improves Digestion
Improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract may prevent you from losing weight. Health experts recommend collagen because of its capacity to heal, protect, and repair the digestive system. Villi, the lining in the intestinal walls, are made of collagen proteins. So, collagen intake can boost gut health by increasing the efficiency of the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, better digestion leads to losing unhealthy weight.
Improves Satiation
A study suggests that taking protein diets and supplements such as collagen can increase satiety while reducing the muscle’s protein breakdown. It means that collagen can help reduce hunger and calories intake, which in turn help lose weight.
However, take collagen with other protein-rich foods as collagen alone may not provide essential amino acids required to fulfill the body’s protein needs.
Helps Reduce Fat Deposition
Studies suggest that collagen may help reduce the development of adipocytes (fat cells). Research indicates that oral ingestion of collagen derived from skate skin helps combat fat accumulation in the body without posing any health risks during the fat-burning phase.
Improves Stamina for Exercising
Physical activity is important when you’re on a journey of losing weight. It helps burn and reduces the number of calories you eat, thus aiding weight loss. However, excess weight can put stress on the joints, specifically the knees, which may keep you exercising, running, or performing other physical activities.
Taking supplements rich in collagen can significantly reduce joint or muscles problems by improving your flexibility and movement. A study demonstrates that collagen peptides may act as therapeutic agents to improve joint fitness that in turn leads to a more active life and thus weight loss.
Helps Retain Muscle Mass
Building muscles is an essential part of losing weight, and collagen intake are highly beneficial to get stronger muscles. That’s because muscle burns more calories during rest, resulting in a higher overall calorie-burning process.
Research conducted on participants with sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) showed that collagen peptides enhanced muscle mass and body composition when combined with resistance training, causing weight loss.
To Wrap it Up
Though collagen has a significant role in helping reduce weight, it isn’t a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. You should follow a dietician-approved comprehensive plan if you want to take collagen supplements for weight loss. For a healthy weight loss, you should combine collagen intake with healthy food, exercise, and quality sleep. Moreover, consult your physician to ensure that the collagen supplements you are going to take are safe for you.
