There’s no doubt that you’ve heard word of Collagen. It has recently had a wave of popularity, but this is not just some passing fad.

What is Collagen & Why Should You Care?

Collagen is a type of protein that is found in our connective tissue, cartilage, and bones. Our bodies naturally produce it, however as we age the production levels dramatically decrease. This leads to inevitable wrinkles, and weaker joints. If you increase you intake of collagen, you are helping make up for that loss in your bodies natural production.

So what does that mean? Collagen  plays a major role in strengthening skin, providing the elasticity that keeps skin looking plump and youthful. It also helps maintain the strength of our joints , which as we age become more stiff and brittle. Similarly, it strengthens nails and hair, keeps bones strong, and has even been linked to improving heart health.

Can’t You Just Eat It?

There are some foods that naturally contain collagen. Bone broth is a common contender, made by simmering animal bones in water to extract the protein from the gelatin in the joints. Read our post “The Power of Bone Broth here. Similarly, chicken is an excellent way to consume collagen naturally as it contains a lot of connective tissue. You can also enjoy foods that aid in our bodies production itself, such as egg whites (which contain proline) and fruits high in Vitamin c. Garlic

The Perks of Supplementation

One major way people are ensuring they are getting enough collagen in their diet to make a positive change in their lives. Although most powders are made with chicken or eggs, some are made with marine life like shellfish, which many claim to be more easily absorbed. Generally, dosage has been suggested between 2.5 to 15 grams per day to see health benefits. The most common way of supplementation is through powder, which is mixed into smoothies or coffee. There are also capsules, though they are less popular due to their typical lower dosage. Even more so, there are remade coffee creamers, protein bars, and more with collagen inside to help supplement.

At Organic Roots, we have dozens of options for Collagen, from powders to bars to coffee creamers. Look through some options here!