The collagen conversation began in earnest a few years ago, with easy-to-use powders arriving on the scene and lots of talk about collagen-enhancing foods (hello, bone broth!) The chatter continues—and the excitement grows—as a steady stream of evidence soundly backs the impressive health benefits of collagen.
So what exactly is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant, vital protein naturally produced by your body, accounting for about 30% of your body’s protein makeup. It’s like a glue that holds the body together, and is found in the connective tissue that maintains the structure and integrity of skin, muscle tissue, bones, and tendons. It’s also found in the hair, nails, and intestinal tissue. Ninety percent of your sclera, the white part of your eye, is made up of collagen!
Collagen is a critical messenger, sending out important signals to your cells to help combat inflammation and repair damage. It is rich in antioxidants, keeps blood pressure in check, and improves bone density. And collagen is a marvel at helping to seal a leaky gut.
To add to its impressive resume, this powerful protein is responsible for skin’s elasticity and may be best known for keeping skin looking youthful and radiant. Good-bye, fine lines and wrinkles!
Collagen production slows with age
You may start to notice signs of collagen deficiency as you get older—like sagging skin, aching joints, and gut issues. The list drones on with cracking fingernails, dull hair, and the fading of your once-youthful glow.
While natural aging slows down the synthesis of collagen, other causes play a role too:
- High-sugar diet – sugars render collagen unusable in the body
- Nutrient deficiency – especially a low intake of collagen-forming nutrients like vitamin C and copper
- Smoking – causes early wrinkling and decreases wound-healing
- Excessive sun exposure – UV radiation shuts down new collagen production
- Air pollution – absorption through lungs and skin breaks down collagen
Nutrition to the rescue
Good news: a healthy diet based on natural, whole foods will help your body get the necessary building blocks for collagen production!
Here are 5 foods to support and give your collagen production a boost:
- Bone broth – one of the rare foods that actually contains a bioavailable form of collagen that your body can use right away
- Wild salmon – contains the trace mineral zinc, which helps activate collagen-producing proteins
- Leafy greens – provide chlorophyll, which may increase the precursor to collagen in the skin
- Berries – contain ellagic acid, which helps prevent collagen breakdown from UV damage, and vitamin C, which links amino acids together for collagen production
- Avocados – provide vitamin E, which also helps prevent collagen breakdown
Supplements with incredible results
Collagen protein and gelatin powders are all the rage—and they work! These convenient, bioavailable powders are easily dissolved in cold or hot water, and can be added to smoothies, soups, stews, and salad dressings.
- Bovine Collagen – is great for deeper connective tissues, joints, and bone health.
- Marine Collagen – is great for skin, hair, nails, and skins elasticity.
- Collagen Boosters – plant-based ingredients that help stimulate and support the production of collagen.
Are you ready for a healthy, youthful boost? Collagen can take years off your body, inside and out!
