WHAT IS COLLAGEN?: AN OVERVIEW

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein and helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons. Thanks to collagen, we're better able to move, bend and stretch. Collagen is also behind helping hair shine, skin glow and nails stay strong.**

So, what is collagen made of? Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine — all of which help our body's connective tissue, skin, hair and nails stay as healthy as possible.**

As we age, and the more stress we put on our body, the greater the impact on collagen production. Adding ingestible collagen to a balanced diet can help our bodies regenerate what's been lost or broken down.**

Collagen protein is different than whey and casein protein because of these high levels of amino acids. Muscular growth, joint health and an overall glowing appearance can be partially attributed to the amino acid blend in collagen.**

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN?

So, what are the benefits of collagen? Collagen is an important building block for the skin as it makes up 70% of it. The dermis, which provides the foundation for the skin, is closely involved in the skin's elasticity and flexibility and is the main source of collagen in the skin.

Collagen is important for the skin in a number of ways. When it comes to aging skin, collagen keeps it firm, plump, hydrated and supple.** As we age, our body's natural collagen production begins to decline, which may lead to the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. In the skin tissue, collagen adds firmness and elasticity.

COLLAGEN IN OUR BODY

Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise and including collagen-rich foods — like bone broth, berries, citrus fruits, cashews and gelatin — in your diet are a few ways to help keep these important parts of our bodies well-oiled and strong.

Take this registered dietitian's word for it. Red bell peppers, specifically, "are rich in vitamin C which is an antioxidant that can help with skin regeneration [and] is also great for the immune system," Ilyse Schapiro, RD, tells Lively.

That being said, nutrient-rich foods don't provide enough of the amino acids needed for the body to naturally produce collagen. (But adding them to your recipes can't hurt!) Supplementing your diet with ingestible collagen, however, can increase your collagen intake and help to support your wellness goals.

COLLAGEN FOR JOINT HEALTH

Ligaments, joints and tendons are all part of the intricate matrix in our body largely consisting of collagen.

Ligaments and tendons are a type of connective tissue that attaches two bones and muscles, holding them together. These tissues — bones, ligaments, tendons and the skeletal muscles — are made up of proteins, including collagen.

As important as exercise is to our lives, strenuous and continuous exertion can put a strain on our bodies, especially on muscles, joints and ligaments. Incorporating ingestible collagen (aka hydrolyzed collagen) into your diet can help support joint health.** Generally speaking, the more hydrolyzed collagen is, the more soluble, digestible and absorbable it is.

Our wide variety of products replace what modern food processing has removed from our diets by restoring and promoting collagen production, which is the key to muscle and ligament health.