Many people are now looking for natural sources of collagen so they can reap its benefits and the benefits are many! As the most abundant protein in our body, collagen is important for:
- Fighting signs of ageing like wrinkles
- Improving joint health
- Healing Leaky Gut Syndrome
- Boosting metabolism
- Improving mental health
- Reducing the appearance of cellulite
- Strengthening hair and nails
WHAT IS COLLAGEN?
In the body, collagen is mostly found in the skin, bones, and joints. It also is found in the lining of the gut. We now know that gut health is incredibly important for overall health!
Collagen in the body is made up of amino acids which wrap together to make a triple-helix structure. The helix structure is why collagen is so strong.
The amino acids that make up collagen are:
Glycine: Makes up about 33% of collagen
Proline: Makes up about 10% of collagen
Hydroxyproline: Makes up about 10% of collagen
Hydroxylysine: Makes up about 1% of collagen
WHY YOU NEED COLLAGEN?
Our bodies can make collagen out of the amino acids we consume through food. However, as we age, our bodies can’t produce collagen as well. Thus, around the age of 30, collagen production begins to diminish by about 1% to 2% yearly. By the age of 40, we have lost 10% to 20% of our collagen!
Don’t forget that our bodies first need to have amino acids to produce collagen. If you are eating a diet that is lacking in those crucial amino acids, your body won’t be able to produce enough collagen!
To make things worse, naturally occurring enzymes in our bodies also break down collagen. Environmental factors like pollution, free radicals, and the sun can also break down collagen.
#1: BONE BROTH
Bone broth is made by boiling down the bones and connective tissues of animals. When these tissues are boiled, the collagen is released into the water. That is why bone broth will gel.
Making bone broth is very easy and cheap! I like to sip on a hot mug of bone broth each morning.
#2: EGG WHITES
Egg whites are very rich in the amino acids glycine and proline, which are the main components of collagen. By eating egg whites, you’ll give your body the amino acids it needs to build collagen.
#3: SPIRULINA
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae which is popular as a health supplement. In addition to containing lots of iron, a single teaspoon of spirulina contains more glycine and proline than a large egg white
Spirulina is also a good source of copper, and copper is one of the minerals important for forming collagen.
#4: COD
Cod, as well as other types of white fish, are loaded with glycine and proline. Even if you aren’t worried about getting more natural sources of collagen into your life, you should still be eating more cod.
It has a great Omega 3:6 ratio – something important for reducing inflammation in the body.
#5: CITRUS FRUITS
While citrus fruits like grapefruits and lemons don’t contain glycine or proline, they do contain high amounts of vitamin C.
Our bodies need vitamin C to produce collagen. According to dermatologist Dr Dimitry Palceski, the antioxidant properties of vitamin C also prevent enzymes and free radicals from breaking down collagen.
#6: SULPHUR FOODS
Sulphur is a trace mineral which is important for collagen synthesis. Studies have shown that animals fed a sulphur-deficient diet produced less collagen. The scary thing is that many people are likely deficient in sulphur, yet the mineral gets hardly any attention.
Animal foods like beef, eggs, poultry, and dairy are all good sources of sulphur for collagen production. However, it is also important to eat vegetable sources of sulphur. As Mark Sisson notes, vegetable sources of sulphur contain potent organosulfur which animal foods do not. Good vegetable sources of sulphur include:
Garlic (which also contains allicin – a potent natural antibacterial)
Onions
Broccoli
Cabbage
Brussels sprouts
CONCLUSION
There are many ways to get collagen supplements. You can find them in powder, capsule, or liquid form. You can also get collagen from food sources, such as bone broth, chicken, and fish.
If you are looking for a collagen supplement that is both effective and affordable, I recommend Byherbs Collagen Gold Vitamin C. This supplement contains 100% hydrolyzed marine collagen, which is easily absorbed by the body. It also contains vitamin C, which helps to boost collagen production as well as the immune system.
Byherbs Collagen Gold Vitamin C is a great way to improve your skin health, joint health, and overall well-being. If you are looking for a natural way to boost your collagen levels, I encourage you to try this supplement.