Collagen is a type of protein that is found in our muscles, joints, skin, and blood vessels. Our bodies consist of a large amount of collagen in our bodies since it has the role of sustaining our structural integrity. Although we have ample amounts of collagen, we only produce a very small percentage, this is why collagen supplements are created to give us enough supply for our bodies. Fish collagen is a type of collagen that is essential for our bodies, so what exactly do we get from them? In this article, we’ll be discussing the benefits and side effects of marine and fish collagen in our bodies.
What is fish collagen?
Fish collagen is usually made from the skin and scales of fish such as cod and snappers. The collagen protein is removed and collected from these parts, broken down into smaller proteins (collagen peptides) through a procedure called hydrolysis so that these smaller collagen proteins can easily be mixed and dissolved in liquids.
Benefits of fish collagen
- Helps you sleep better
Glycine is the most abundant amino acid found in marine collagen, it provides good sleep support. Glycine can also help maintain our core body temperature, which is usually associated with better sleep.
- Supports hair and nail growth
F collagen is known to promote healthy nail growth, making it the perfect solution for strong, long nails. In fact, it can even improve some of the most fragile nails, significantly reducing the frequency of broken nails.
- Helps you heal faster
Generally, collagen is often used to help support wound healing. When you replenish your body’s collagen reserves, your body begins to heal and recover faster, promoting a faster healing process.
- Keeps your bones stronger
Marine collagen can help support the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals into the body. Osteoblasts in our body are also responsible for secreting collagen to form the unmineralized part of the bone.
- Promotes weight loss
Fish collagen might be your solution if you’re trying to lose some extra pounds. When you consume fish collagen regularly, your appetite could possibly decrease because you might feel full quicker.
- Makes your skin healthier
Fish collagen helps the process of making your skin look and feel healthy by keeping your skin moisturized. Fish collagen also fights off early signs of aging and maintains the level of collagen we have in our bodies. Fish collagen reduces blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, and creases as well.
- Help show the results of your workout
Fish collagen is a concentrated source of the amino acid glycine, which helps your body produce creatine. Creatine has been shown to help support muscle mass and athletic performance. It’s also a great source of proline, which acts as an antioxidant and helps monitor cellular damage that can lead to post-workout pain.
Side effects of fish collagen
When consuming fish collagen on a regular basis, there are some side effects to be aware of. While most of these side effects are not major issues, some do experience the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Minor bloating and disruption in the digestive system
- Allergic reactions to fish
- Heartburn
