We all have collagen; it is an abundant protein found in the human body (making up about 25-30% of our total protein content). It is found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments & teeth. It is essential for keeping the body healthy & functioning properly.
The (very basic) science is, collagen is made up of three polypeptide chains which are intertwined to form a triple helix. It is the most abundant protein found in the extracellular matrix, providing structure & strength to tissues. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity & strength. It helps to heal wounds & keep the skin hydrated. It also helps to keep bones strong & healthy & is important for the maintenance of connective tissue.
We start to noticeably lose collagen from around 30 years of age. This is a natural shift. However, it is exasperated by pollution, diet, pollution & habits such as smoking.
The good news is, collagen can be added into to body. It’s found in many foods, such as beef, fish, poultry & eggs, as well as in supplements. Add a collagen powder to your smoothies for easy consumption, but never heat it.