What is Collagen?
Collagen makes up bout 30% of the structural protein in the body. It is the fundamental building block of our connective tissues, including bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and the skin. As the key structural protein that ensures cohesion, elasticity and regeneration of the above body parts, Collagen is the flexible mortar that holds all the bricks together.
Here’s the most important fact about Collagen: Our bodies naturally make it from amino acids, vitamins and minerals we ingest. The issue is - our bodies natural collagen production consistently declines as we age. What does that mean? Well, it can mean a lot of things – creaky, achy joints, thinning cartilage, slower muscle recovery/building, leaky gut syndrome, wrinkles, sag and maybe even cellulite – are all some of the usual suspects.
There are many different types of Collagen – Type I, II or III make up close to 90% of the total Collagen in our body. Type I Collagen is by far the most abundant and is identified by its incredible tensile strength – the resistance of a material to breaking under tension.
Clearly, Collagen is not just a substance used in cosmetics. It received notoriety because it was used to rejuvenate skin and promote a youthful appearance. It should be pretty clear now that it is far more than that! It is one of, if not THE, most important structural proteins in the body.