Collagen is a protein that makes up as much as 30% of all the protein in our bodies and is one of the major building blocks in our bones, muscles, skin, tendons and ligaments. You could say it is the glue that holds our whole body together, keeping our skin healthy and elastic and keeping our joints and tendons strong and flexible. Collagen is also found in the connective tissues of animal foods such as chicken and pork but also in their bones. Collagen can also be found in fish skin, which we know as marine collagen, and is said to be the most bioavailable source of collagen supplements. Collagen supplement from animal skin usually comes in the form of a white powder called hydrolyzed collagen which means the amino acids has been broken down to shorter units which is supposed to be easier for the body to absorb and it also makes it dissolve easier in hot and cold drinks. There are about 16 types of collagen but type 1, 2 and 3 are the most common with type 1 constituting 90% of the total collagen in our bodies.

As we age the body’s own production of collagen decreases and we break it down faster than we can replace it. According to scientists we begin to lose about 1% of our collagen per year in our mid-20s and lose as much as 30% during the first 5 years of menopause in women. Supplementing with collagen can improve skin, hair and nails. But also support bone density, flexible joints and ligaments, ease arthritis symptoms and promote wound healing among other things. Since collagen builds up our connective tissue and works as a protective lining on delicate organs some medicine practitioners also advocate using collagen supplements to treat leaky gut syndrome since it helps to strengthen the gut wall which is crucial for a healthy gut.

One recommended serving size is 15g (3 scoops) per day to get optimal results. The fastest way to consume it is to blend it with a little bit of water and sweep.