Walk into a health food store these days, and you'll notice collagen supplements take up quite a lot of space on those shelves. Collagen, which is usually sold as hydrolyzed collagen, has taken the health world by storm. But what are the benefits of these supplements? Take a look.

1. Firmer, less wrinkly skin

One of the primary reasons why people develop wrinkles as they age is the reduction in collagen in their skin. Collagen makes skin firm and supple. Without collagen, the skin starts sagging and wrinkles form. Collagen supplements can help encourage your skin to remain firmer and less wrinkled as you age, and they may even reduce your reliance on topical products like moisturizers and serums.

2. Less painful joints

Arthritis often has to do with a loss of collagen in the joints. It becomes progressively worse over time, and once your arthritis has progressed to a certain level, it's really hard to make any improvements. Collagen supplements can help slow the progression of arthritis or even prevent arthritis in general. This may help you stay more active, which is better for your health overall. Collagen supplements are really popular with athletes for this reason; they protect the joints through hard exercise.

3. Reduced risk of fractures and osteoporosis

While loss of collagen is not the hallmark feature of osteoporosis, it is a contributing factor. Your bones contain a lot of collagen, and if that collagen starts breaking down, your bones weaken and become more prone to fractures. If you begin taking collagen supplements early on, you may be able to avoid osteoporosis and fractures as you age. This is especially the case in women who care prone to osteoporosis as they approach menopause.

4. Better artery health

The arteries are the thick, muscular blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart towards your body's tissues. The walls of these arteries contain a lot of collagen. Taking collagen supplements can therefore strengthen your arteries, which helps protect against issues like atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can lead to strokes and heart attacks, so by protecting against this issue, collagen supplements can, in turn, help protect against heart attacks and strokes.

Collagen supplements are popular for a reason; they can be quite beneficial to your overall health. If you are looking into these supplements and trying to find one that is right for you, talk to your local health food store representative or physician.