Best supplements: The daily supplement that could lower your risk of heart conditions
SUPPLEMENTS are a popular feature of our winter diet. People take them to boost their immune systems through the cold winter months. Some supplements, however, can be taken not just when the temperature starts to drop, but can be used to reduce our risk of developing dangerous conditions.
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Taking collagen supplements can have multiple health benefits.
This includes improving the health of your heart.
According to a 2017 study by Kanazawa Medical University, collagen can contribute, ‘to the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis in healthy humans’.
Atherosclerosis is a condition where your arteries narrow.
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This can lead to a stroke or a heart attack; both are potentially life threatening.
Collagen plays a role in structuring your arteries.
If you don’t have enough collagen in your system, then your arteries will become less effective at carrying your blood.
Collagen supplements can reduce your risk of heart attack in another way.
They can increase your levels of HDL (good) cholesterol by up six percent according to the same study Kanazawa study from 2017.
Collagen has other benefits outside of your heart.
It can increase muscle mass too.
Some studies suggest that it can boost strength if taken in the right dosage.
Furthermore, collagen can also prevent bone loss.
This is because the protein adds strength and structure to your bones.
This is useful when combating the onset of conditions such as osteoporosis in old age.
However, as with other studies more research is needed to officially confirm this link.
Other uses of collage include:
• Improving skin health
• Relieving joint pain
• Weight loss
• Brain health
• Improving hair and nails
• Gut health
Whilst collagen is a useful supplement it is just that and should be taken along with a balanced diet and regular exercise.