Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body; it’s the glue that holds us together! Our hair, skin, nails, teeth, tendons, bones, ligaments, and joints all rely on collagen for strength and elasticity. Collagen makes up approximately 90% of our connective tissue and at least 70% of our skin.

Collagen is responsible for the youthfulness of our skin and for slowing down visible signs of ageing. Collagen also helps keep our joints moving smoothly. As we get older, collagen production slowly starts to decrease. This leads to symptoms like wrinkles, joint pain, and decrease in cartilage. 

There is a variety of lifestyle factors that can interfere with collagen production, including smoking, overexposure to the sun, lack of physical activity and a poor diet.

There are plenty of ways we can help boost our collagen levels naturally. Implementing a collagen supplement is the easiest and most effective way to kick up our collagen levels, but consuming a variety of foods that boost our collagen production helps as well. Foods high in collagen include pumpkin seeds, almonds, carrots, leafy greens, garlic, strawberries, citrus fruits, and raw dark chocolate.

The benefits of boosting collagen include an overall improvement in:

• Skin health: increased elasticity and hydration, wrinkle preventative 
• Hair health: prevents early hair loss, thinning, and graying
• Nails: nail growth
• Muscles: muscle growth and regeneration
• Tissue repair: maintains integrity of ligaments and tendons
• Eye health: helps maintain the pigmented layer of your retina

There is an abundance of options to choose from when looking for collagen supplements. From collagen powders, to pills and infused beverages, finding the right collagen supplement for your body is key. The most used collagen supplements are collagen peptide powders and collagen capsules.

Collagen peptide powder is extremely versatile, simple to use, and easy for the body to absorb. Collagen powders are neutral in taste, smell, and texture which allows them to effortlessly dissolve in just about any hot or cold liquid. The collagen powder can even be added into baked recipes, oatmeal, yogurt, and so much more. Collagen pills are a good option for those wanting a quick and easy way to consume it. Both collagen powders and pills are an amazing addition to any daily healthcare routine!