Firm, vibrant, beautiful skin – it’s something we take for granted when we’re young. As we get older, skin elasticity starts to decline, resulting in more wrinkles and sagging skin. While these changes are normal signs of aging, they are not always welcomed. That leaves many people asking– what does younger skin have that older skin doesn’t? Collagen!
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein. In fact, it is the most abundant protein in the body. Think of collagen as the strong and flexible glue that holds your body together. It plays a big role in supporting the structure of healthy skin. In youth, a steady production of collagen provide skin with a spring-like bounce. As we age, however, collagen synthesis declines. That decline in collagen contributes to those recognizable signs of aging that many are fighting to prevent. Many are turning to collagen supplements to help.
Where Is Collagen Found In The Body?
Collagen is more than just the beautiful skin protein. It’s is a major component of many body tissues, including bones, skin, tendons and ligaments and cartilage. A small amount is even found in muscles. There are many types of collagen in our bodies, but 80-90% of them are Type I, II or III, with the majority being Type I collagen.
Learn more about the different types of Collagen.
What Foods Contain Collagen?
Your body makes collagen by combining specific amino acids found in protein-rich foods. Animal proteins, the kind found in meats, fish, eggs and dairy, are considered complete proteins. These foods contain all of the essential amino acids your body can use to make collagen.
Another popular food source of collagen is bone broth. Bone broth is made by simmering bones in water. This allows the collagen to be drawn out of beef, chicken and fish bones, leaving a flavorful liquid that can be drunk alone or combined with other foods for flavor.
Why Take A Collagen Supplement?
While it’s possible to get all of the nutrients you need to make collagen from food, taking a collagen supplement is incredibly convenient. They’re available in capsules, chews and hydrolyzed collagen powder, which can be dissolved easily into water, smoothies and soups. It can even be incorporated into other foods and beverages, like this Lavender Citrus Mocktail!
