Hello beauties!  We’re going to talk about collagen benefits today! This is a popular nutrient and supplement that gets a lot of buzz!  Probably because of it’s many benefits that it provides for our bodies– and of course for our beauty.  There are different types of collagen that help in different areas of our body.  There are also foods and supplements that can help our bodies produce collagen or strengthen it.  Let’s get to it…

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body.  It is in our blood, bones, joints, tissue, cartilage, ligaments, skin– it is key to keeping our bodies together and flexible. Over the years our body will start to produce less of this protein– which can show up in different symptoms like dry tough skin, wrinkles, poor digestion, pain, arthritis and other fun aging challenges.

Here’s why collagen is awesome:

• Promotes skin elasticity
• Holds together your bones and muscles
• Protects your organs
• Provides structure to joints and tendons

There are 16 different types of collagen in the body.  About 80-90% of our collagen consists of type I, II and III.

Type I: Most abundant of the different types, this collagen is responsible for wound healing and tissue elasticity. It can be found in our GI tract and also helps forms bones.

Type II: This type helps build cartilage.  This is a great type to help repair weak or damaged joints and tendons.  Can be beneficial for anyone experiencing arthritis.

Type III: This type is found in conjunction with type 1 collagen– located in the organs and skin.  It helps with preserving skin elasticity and it also forms blood vessels and tissue within the heart.

Now you can understand how essential collagen benefits our body.  Here are a few outlined benefits:

• Helps prevent and lessen wrinkles, stretch marks, and cellulite
• Aids in keeping the skin looking healthy, strengthened, and moisturized
• Supports and restores the health of the internal tissues of your entire GI tract (great for any type of digestive issues like acid reflux, IBS, or leaky gut)
• Assists with muscle recovery and soreness after exercising
• Can help boost metabolism and help with weight loss
• Helps strengthen and grow hair and nails
• Strengthens bones and joints and can help reduce pain and inflammation due to arthritis
• Supports and can increase the health of the cardiovascular system

Because collagen is made up of proteins/amino acids, it is found in most meats such as chicken, beef or fish.  Also, Vitamin C can help boost the effects and production of collagen in our bodies.  That being said, vegans and vegetarians can increase collagen production by eating foods high in Vitamin C such as– lemons, oranges, broccoli, kale, etc.

You can find collagen supplements in tablets, capsules, liquid and powder.  In it’s powdered form it has little to no flavor and can easily mix with water, juice or coffee (to help avoid a dreaded caffeine crash). You can also make your own bone broth or try a bone broth supplement to help boost overall health with this nutrient dense and collagen rich food!

Now go get some collagen and get beautified from the inside out!

As always, do what you feel is best for YOUR body– if you aren’t sure, ask your doctor.  We are health ENTHUSIASTS not licensed practitioners.