WHY WE NEED COLLAGEN

The word collagen is derived from the Greek word “kolla” meaning glue. So basically collagen is the “glue” that holds the entire body together.

It’s a protein produced in the human body and is naturally found in our bones, tendons, muscles and skin, the cornea of the eyes, blood vessels, gut lining, teeth, and nails.

Our collagen is in abundance when young, but unfortunately production starts to decline at about age 25, and continues to decrease even more in women after menopause. Other factors such as smoking, sugar and ultraviolet rays speed up this decline which ultimately leads to wrinkles, sagging skin and a myriad of physical issues.

With its gel-like, smooth structure covering and holding our bones together, collagen allows us to glide and move without pain and relieve the pain associated with joint stiffness. When we lose collagen, our tendons and ligaments start moving with less ease, leading to stiffness, swollen joints, leaving us feeling stiff or in pain when we move.

Collagen supports the growth of new cartilage to keep joints flexible and mobile. This absence of pain and inflammation of joints and tendons allows us to live an active and enjoyable life.

It even helps keep your immune system strong so your body can fight off viruses. The biggest digestive benefit of consuming more collagen is that it helps form connective tissue which “seals and heals” the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Many illnesses can actually be traced back to inflammation or irritation stemming from an unhealthy gut.

So, if you’re looking to detox your body of harmful substances, improve blood flow and keep your heart young, collagen is extremely helpful to heal your gut and improve overall immune function.

It has to be broken down by the stomach just like ever

Collagen is found in the connective tissues of animal foods. For example, it’s found in large amounts in chicken and pork skin. One particularly rich source is

bone broth, which is made by boiling the bones of chicken and other animals. Gelatin is basically cooked collagen, so it’s very high in the amino acids needed to produce it. When you eat protein, it’s broken down into amino acids and then reassembled, so the collagen you eat wouldn’t translate directly into higher levels in your body.

A supplement is ESSENTIAL if you are over 40 and cant always eat a collagen producing diet. Two types of supplements are gaining popularity — hydrolyzed collagen (collagen hydrolysate) and gelatin. Gelatin is created when collagen is cooked. These have already broken the large protein down into smaller peptides, which are more easily absorbed in the body.

Taking your collagen supplements along with a good protein rich diet and your hair, skin, nails, and body will love you.