The Literal Glue for Your Wellness
What if I told you one of the most important nutrients in your body is something most people only talk about when it comes to skincare? Yup, I’m talking about collagen. You’ve probably seen collagen protein powders, heard a friend mention their latest supplement routine, or noticed it listed in a fancy smoothie menu. But what is it, really, and do we actually need it?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. And it’s kind of a big deal. It helps make up your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and hair. It even gives your skin that structure and bounce we’re all chasing. The word collagen comes from the Greek word “kolla” which means glue, and that makes sense because it’s basically what holds our bodies together.
What makes collagen unique is its structure. It’s a complex protein made of long chains of amino acids, one of which is hydroxyproline. This amino acid is specific to collagen and is used throughout the body. And here’s the cool part. Your body can actually make collagen on its own as long as it has the right building blocks. That means getting enough of the right nutrients from your food. Yes, your plate is part of your skincare routine. Collagen is found all over the body, including skin, joints, muscles, bones, and even blood vessels. It supports the structure of our arteries and helps move blood efficiently from the heart to the rest of the body. But as we age, our bodies start making less of it. That’s when we start noticing less joint flexibility, changes in skin texture, and even artery stiffness. Supporting collagen production is a key part of healthy aging, and it starts with what we eat.
Let’s talk about food first. To make collagen, your body needs a few key ingredients. You’ll need proline, glycine, vitamin C, and zinc. You’ll find proline in egg whites, dairy, cabbage, mushrooms, and asparagus. Glycine comes from pork and chicken skin, gelatin, and bone broth—which, if you want to learn more about this brothy goodness, you can find in my article. Vitamin C is in your citrus fruits and bell peppers. Zinc can be found in beef, lamb, pork, shellfish, chickpeas, lentils, beans, milk, cheese, seeds, and nuts. Consider this your collagen-building grocery list. You’re welcome.
Now let’s get into supplements. Because even with the best diet, some of us need an extra boost. Collagen supplements come in powders, capsules, and even liquids. If you’re shopping for one, I recommend choosing a product with Type I and Type III hydrolyzed collagen concentrate from non-GMO sources. These two types make up more than 70% of the collagen that supports healthy skin and connective tissue. That’s a lot.
Hydrolyzed collagen, also called collagen peptides, means the collagen has been broken down into smaller chains of amino acids. These smaller pieces are easier for your body to absorb, which means you’re more likely to actually use what you’re taking. Think of it as giving your body the raw materials it needs in a form it can actually work with. So whether it’s from your diet or a thoughtfully chosen supplement, collagen matters. It plays a major role in keeping your skin smooth, your joints flexible, and your circulatory system working properly. And it doesn’t require anything extreme or complicated. You don’t need to go down a rabbit hole of internet advice or spend a fortune. Just give your body what it needs to support its own natural systems.
Like everything we talk about here, your best strategy depends on your body, your goals, and your taste buds. You can absolutely support your structure and function with simple shifts to your routine. That’s what we’re all about, living life, feeling great, and yes, keeping that skin glow going while you’re at it.