Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, playing a crucial role in maintaining the structure and elasticity of our skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues.
As we age, our body’s collagen production decreases, which can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, joint pain, and other signs of aging. But don’t worry, there are natural ways to boost your collagen levels and keep your skin looking youthful and your joints functioning well.
Let’s dive into what collagen is, the causes of collagen loss, and practical steps you can take to maintain healthy collagen levels. Women need collagen to look and feel younger. By replenishing collagen, women can maintain smooth skin, strong joints, and overall vitality, even as they age.
What is Collagen and Why is It Important?
Collagen is a protein that acts as a building block in various parts of the body. It provides strength, structure, and elasticity to tissues, making it essential for our overall health. Collagen is particularly crucial for maintaining firm and smooth skin, strong bones, and healthy joints.
Types of Collagen: There are 28 different types of collagen in the body, but the five main types include:
Type I: This makes up 90% of the collagen in your body. It is found in the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments, providing structure and support.
Type II: Found in elastic cartilage, which supports joints.
Type III: Present in muscles, arteries, and organs, contributing to their structure.
Type IV: Located in the layers of the skin, helping it maintain its form.
Type V: Found in the cornea of the eyes, some layers of the skin, hair, and placenta tissue.
Each type of collagen plays a vital role in supporting different tissues and ensuring proper body function.
What Causes Collagen Loss?
Collagen production naturally decreases as we age, but other factors can also contribute to collagen loss. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes.
Ageing - As we get older, our body produces less collagen, and the existing collagen begins to break down more quickly. This can lead to visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Women experience a significant reduction in collagen production after menopause, which is when skin changes become even more noticeable.
Smoking - reduces collagen production and damages the existing collagen in your skin and tissues. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes break down collagen and elastin, which results in wrinkles and a loss of skin firmness.
Sun Exposure - Too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays accelerates the breakdown of collagen. UV rays can cause collagen fibres to weaken and break down, leading to premature aging and skin damage.
Excessive Sugar Intake - When you consume too much sugar, it attaches to proteins in your body, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds can cause collagen to become weak, brittle, and prone to breaking down.
Poor Diet - A diet that lacks the essential nutrients required for collagen production—such as protein, vitamin C, and copper—can hinder the body’s ability to produce collagen efficiently. Without these nutrients, your skin and joints may suffer.
How to Boost Collagen Levels Naturally
Now that we know the causes of collagen loss, let’s explore some ways to naturally boost your collagen production and maintain healthy skin, bones, and joints.
1. Consume Collagen-Rich Foods
Eating foods that naturally support collagen production is a great way to keep your collagen levels high. Collagen-rich foods include:
Bone broth: A fantastic source of collagen that supports skin and joint health.
Chicken: A rich source of collagen due to the connective tissue in poultry.
Fish: Especially fish skin, which is packed with collagen.
Specialised Supplements: Our Whey Better with Collagen and H20 Protein Water are delicious and convenient ways to meet your collagen needs. High in protein and collagen, these products are designed to boost your muscle, bone and joint health as well as your hair, skin and nails
2. Consume Vitamin C-Rich Foods Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, as it helps the body produce and maintain collagen. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include:
Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits
Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
Bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens
3. Bone Broth for Collagen Synthesis
Bone broth is a natural and easily accessible source of collagen. It helps improve collagen production and can promote healthy skin and joints. You can easily add bone broth to soups, stews, or drink it on its own as a nourishing beverage.
4. Wear Sunscreen Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial for maintaining collagen levels. Regularly wearing sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection will help prevent UV-induced collagen breakdown and keep your skin youthful for longer.
Collagen is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin, strong bones, and flexible joints. While collagen production naturally declines with age, you can help slow down this process by taking simple steps such as eating a balanced diet, protecting your skin from sun damage, and using collagen-rich foods like bone broth. Women need collagen to look and feel younger, so it’s crucial to make lifestyle changes that support healthy collagen levels as you age.
