The Body Care Journal: The Effects of Collagen on the Heart

We all know that collagen has positive benefits for your skin and bones but, what are its other benefits? Well, research shows that it can also increase heart health! Approximately 16.3 million Americans suffer from heart disease. Today, we will dive deep into one unique way to help improve that statistic. 

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

– Jim Rohn

First, let’s understand heart disease and its types. Heart disease is any condition that affects the structure or function of the heart. Some of the most common types are:

1. Coronary artery disease: Damage or disease in the heart’s major blood vessels.
2. High blood pressure: A condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.
3. Cardiac arrest: Sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness.
4. Congestive heart failure: A chronic condition in which the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should.
5. Arrhythmia: Improper heart beating, whether irregular, fast, or slow.
6. Peripheral artery disease: A circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs.
7. Stroke: Damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply.
8. Congenital heart disease: An abnormality in the heart that develops before birth.

Of course, things such as eating healthier, not smoking, exercising, and more can reduce the chances of getting heart disease. However, I recently learned about the benefits that collagen has on the heart. Collagen can help reduce heart disease risk in several ways, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels and connective tissues. Here’s how collagen can contribute to heart health:

1. Strengthening Arteries: Collagen is a key component of the arterial walls. A lack of collagen can lead to stiff, weak arteries, which may result in conditions like atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup). By maintaining healthy collagen levels, the structural integrity and elasticity of blood vessels improve, reducing the risk of heart disease.
2. Supporting Blood Vessel Flexibility: Collagen helps keep blood vessels flexible, allowing them to expand and contract as needed for proper blood flow. This flexibility is crucial for preventing high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
3. Reducing Plaque Formation: Some studies suggest that collagen supplements may help reduce the deposition of lipids (fats) in the arteries, potentially lowering the risk of plaque buildup. This can reduce the risk of blockages, strokes, and heart attacks.
4. Improving Lipid Profiles: Early research indicates that collagen peptides might help improve cholesterol levels, specifically by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and potentially increasing HDL (good cholesterol). This can reduce the likelihood of heart disease.

There are many ways to intake collagen supplements. Some examples include, pills, powder, chewables, etc. Collagen is a structural protein that forms the connective tissue in various parts of the body, including the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It is the most abundant protein in mammals, accounting for about 30% of the body’s total protein content.

Key Functions of Collagen:

1. Structural Support: Collagen provides strength and support to tissues, keeping them firm and elastic.
2. Skin Elasticity: It helps maintain skin’s firmness and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and sagging as we age.
3. Bone and Joint Health: Collagen is a key component of bones and cartilage, helping maintain bone density and cushioning joints.
4. Tissue Repair: It plays a critical role in wound healing by forming a framework for new tissue growth.
5. Blood Vessel Integrity: Collagen helps keep arteries and blood vessels strong and flexible, which is important for heart health.

Types of Collagen:

There are at least 28 known types of collagen, but the most common ones in the body are:

• Type I: Found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
• Type II: Found in cartilage and important for joint health.
• Type III: Present in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs.

As we age, the body’s natural collagen production decreases, leading to signs of aging like wrinkles, joint pain, and weakened cartilage. This decline is why collagen supplements are often used to support skin health, joint function, and overall tissue repair.

The effects of collagen on heart health typically take time to manifest, as collagen works gradually to improve blood vessel elasticity, support arterial strength, and possibly improve cholesterol levels. Here’s a general timeline for when you might begin to notice improvements:

1. Early Stage (4-6 Weeks):

• Improved Blood Vessel Elasticity: Some early studies suggest that within a few weeks, collagen supplements may start improving the elasticity of blood vessels, which could help reduce blood pressure and improve circulation.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Collagen may also have anti-inflammatory properties that start benefiting cardiovascular health within this time frame.

2. Mid Stage (8-12 Weeks):

• Reduction in Arterial Stiffness: Consistent collagen intake could begin reducing arterial stiffness, improving blood flow and lowering the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), which is a major factor in heart disease.
• Improved Cholesterol Levels: Some studies show that collagen might help improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol), though this may require 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

3. Long Term (3-6 Months and Beyond):

• Decreased Risk of Atherosclerosis: Over time, collagen may support the integrity of arterial walls, reducing the risk of plaque formation, and arterial blockages, and thus lowering the risk of heart disease.
• Sustained Cardiovascular Support: Long-term collagen use could contribute to better heart health by maintaining healthier arteries and possibly lowering blood pressure. This may result in reduced overall cardiovascular risk when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

For meaningful, long-lasting effects, consistent collagen supplementation along with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise are important. As with any supplement, it is best to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it’s suitable for your individual health needs.

By Jazmine Jamal

Founder of @521wellness

You Start Dying When You Stop Dreaming.