Spirulina vs Collagen
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Gone are the days when people used to follow specific diet plans with boring and tasteless food to achieve their health goals. Thanks to dietary supplements, now you can meet all your targets with minimal effort in minimal time.
Among a wide range of dietary supplements available in the market, spirulina and collagen are the two famous ones. They are beneficial for your skin, bones, and heart and may help you manage different health conditions too.
Follow the article below to learn more about spirulina and collagen and how they can benefit your overall health.
SPIRULINA
Spirulina belongs to the family of blue-green algae and is believed to be one of the oldest forms of life to exist on earth. It is considered as a superfood owing to its nutrient profile and potent antioxidant properties.
You can consume spirulina by mixing it with yogurt, juices, smoothies, and other food items, but if you do not have the time to do so and want a hassle-free experience, then spirulina supplements are the way to go.
Spirulina is good for your heart, eyes, and immune system. It can also provide relief from different kinds of allergies and has demonstrated anti-cancer properties as well.
Below is a detailed explanation of health benefits that can be availed by regular consumption of spirulina supplements:
PROTECTS HEART
One of the common risk factors for heart disease is high cholesterol and triglycerides in your body. Spirulina contains a protein that lowers the absorption of cholesterol and ultimately reduces cholesterol levels in the blood.
It also brings down the level of triglyceride and, together with low levels of cholesterol, prevents the hardening and blocking of arteries that could lead to heart disease and stroke.
SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
Spirulina is a rich source of different vitamins and minerals required for the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C, B6, and E are some of those nutrients found in spirulina that support your immune system.
White blood cells and antibodies are two crucial components of the immune system, and spirulina consumption can boost the production of both these components and enable your body to fight viruses and bacteria effectively.
PROMOTE EYE AND ORAL HEALTH
Spirulina contains a plant pigment known as zeaxanthin which reduces the risk of cataracts in your eyes and also prevents age-related loss of vision.
The antibacterial properties of spirulina benefit your oral health by reducing the risk of gingivitis and oral cancer and fighting dental plaques as well.
COMBATS ALLERGIES
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of spirulina help you fight symptoms of allergies such as congestion, sneezing, and itching. Hence it can be used as an alternative treatment for allergies from pollen, dust, animal hair, etc.
POTENTIAL ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES
Spirulina is a natural antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties that fight chronic inflammation, which can contribute to cancer and other diseases.
Phycocyanin is a plant pigment found in spirulina which is responsible for its distinctive blue-green color and has the potential to block tumor growth and kill cancer cells.
COLLAGEN
Collagen is the most abundant of proteins found inside your body and serves as one of the main structural components of skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.
There are 28 different types of collagen known to date, among which collagen type I, II, III, IV, and V are the most important ones.
Collagen improves your skin health, relieves joint pain, boosts muscle mass, and has cardioprotective effects as well.
Below is a brief description of different health benefits provided by regular collagen consumption:
GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS
Collagen is an essential component of your skin, but unfortunately, the production of collagen decreases with age, and your skin begins to lose its natural strength and shine.
To boost your collagen levels, you can opt for collagen supplements that will strengthen your skin, maintain its elasticity, and will keep it hydrated. Regular collagen consumption will also visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles and will give you a more youthful look.
Research has also demonstrated that collagen supplementation increases the strength of your nails and prevents brittle nails. Collagen may also benefit those struggling with hair loss as it can also support hair growth in a long run.
PREVENTS BONE LOSS
Collagen levels take a dip when you grow older, and this can lead to a reduction in bone mass as collagen is a structural component of your bones and gives them strength.
Decreased bone mass may result in osteoporosis which is a condition characterized by poor bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
Collagen supplements increase the amount of collagen present in your body, consequently improving bone mineral density and preventing loss of bone mass.
SUPPORTS MUSCLE GROWTH
Skeletal muscles contain collagen as of their key structural component. When collagen levels go down with age, you also lose your muscle mass. This can be prevented by regularly consuming collagen supplements.
Collagen supplements are also beneficial to gym freaks as they promote the synthesis of muscle proteins and stimulate the growth of muscles after exercise.
TO CONCLUDE
Spirulina and collagen are two of the most well-known dietary supplements in the consumer market. They are easily accessible, provide numerous health benefits, and generally do not exhibit any adverse effects.
Collagen being a component of different types of connective tissue, come in handy in the management of conditions that affect your skin, bones, joints, and muscles.
Spirulina is beneficial for your heart and helps to uplift the eye and oral health. It can also boost your immune system activity and may relieve symptoms of different types of allergies.
It is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider before starting spirulina or collagen supplementation, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for any underlying health conditions.
Here you can check out Vorst’s Salmon Collagen 200mg plus Vitamin C 90 Capsules Type 1 and 3 and Matcha plus Organic Spirulina & Chlorella Powder 600G Unsweetened.
RESOURCES
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.21.21265199v1.full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34371830/