Collagen

Collagen is a bit of a buzz word in the nutrition and beauty world right now.

Collagen is actually the most abundant protein in the body and is found in connective tissue so foods such as chicken skin, pork skin, beef and fish are all common sources. Foods that contain gelatin, such as bone broth, also provide collagen because gelatin is a protein derived from cooked collagen.

It is not yet proven if eating collagen-rich foods actually helps increase collagen in your body.

Collagen found naturally in food is broken down into individual amino acids and peptides by digestive enzymes.

Collagen in Foods

The collagen in supplements has already been broken down which is why it is thought to be absorbed more efficiently than the collagen in foods.

However, since some supplements are made from common food allergens, such as fish, shellfish and eggs, people with these allergies should be careful.

Taking collagen supplements may improve skin health by reducing wrinkles and dryness. They may also help increase muscle mass, prevent bone loss and relieve joint pain.

People also take collagen to improve –

* Hair and nails – by reducing nail brittleness and encouraging hair growth.
* Gut health – to improve intestinal permeability (leaky gut).
* Brain health – may improve mood and reduce anxiety.

As always, I would propose you encourage your body to optimise it’s own natural collagen production through a diet rich in protein and vitamin C which are the building blocks used to produce it.

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