Should You Supplement With Collagen? A Nutritionist's Review

If you were to ask me what one of my favourite supplements would be, as a nutritionist, I couldn't look past collagen. Collagen is a perfect all rounder to add into your supplement routine, not only for fitness and beauty, but for overall health. Let’s get into the nitty gritty of Collagen!

SO, WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body, and is an essential component of connective tissue. Connective tissue is found in:

• skin
• hair
• nails
• gut
• bones 
• muscles
• tendons
• cartilage

Did you know that the body’s collagen levels naturally decline with age? The body’s collagen production slows down over time, decreasing by 1% a year beginning in your 20’s. So to keep your body tissues supple and healthy, prevent wrinkling, prevent aching joints, and to support muscle mass - you should top up your body’s collagen supply with collagen rich foods and a collagen supplement.

Some factors that may cause collagen stores to decline quicker include a lack of sleep, smoking, drinking alcohol, sun exposure, nutrient deficiencies and exposure to environmental pollution. 

There are many different ways you can increase collagen in your diet such as collagen intake through food or supplements, and foods that support your body’s own production of collagen. 

FOODS HIGHEST IN COLLAGEN

• Beef - especially tougher cuts like brisket which are best slow cooked
• Bone broth
• Skin on chicken
• Fish (with the bones and scales, like sardines)

FOODS TO SUPPORT YOUR COLLAGEN SUPPLY

Vitamin C is necessary to support your body’s own production of collagen. Vitamin C rich foods include citrus, broccoli, berries and capsicum. Zinc is also necessary for collagen synthesis in the body. Zinc rich foods include beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, nuts and oysters. It can be hard to get massive amounts of collagen through the diet, and this is where collagen supplements can come in handy. 

Consider Naked Harvest's Collagen the ultimate companion to your overall wellness routine. Collagen Beauty Elixir contains hydrolysed Collagen, which is a broken down form of Collagen for easy absorption helping you to reap all of the health benefits and glow from the inside out!

We have two flavours on offer:

• Pure and non-flavoured - making it easy to add into any smoothies, juices, or even use it in your baking. 
• Pine Coconut which tastes so delicious on its own! 

LOOKING FOR A DELICIOUS WAY TO TOP UP YOUR COLLAGEN LEVELS?

Our limited edition Naked Harvest x Dedikated Lychee Collagen Jelly contains 23.7g of protein per serve and tastes like your favourite exotic fruit, which is a delicious way to nourish your body from the inside out!