But collagen isnt anything new.
Youve been making it your whole life.
So, why the need to promote collagen on store shelves?
Hoxton / Sam Edwards / Getty Images
Is it something you should be buying?
First, consider if your body is already making enough collagen on its own.
As you age, your body naturally makes less collagen.
The slow-down can start in your mid-to-late 20s.
That causes a variety of conditions that we usually accept as part of getting older.
How Your Body Makes Collagen
To make collagenor any proteinyour body combines amino acids.
You may consume plenty of them naturally in the foods you eat.
Good recipes are plentiful.
You want to minimize the residue of pesticides, antibiotics and other contaminants in your broth.
Like collagen, gelatin is another great foodto boost your bodys ability to make collagen.
When to Take Collagen Supplements
Getting nutrients from eating fresh, organic foods is best.
Its what your body is made to consume and digest naturally.
But collagen supplements are second best, according to Harvards School of Public Health.
If you want to take a collagen supplement, opt for thepowder form.
But dont forget that your skin is your bodys largest organ.
And a proven way to keep your organs healthy is with good nutrition.
Note, however, that the number one cause of skin damage isnt lack of collagen.
Replenishing collagen may not be able to undo years of sun damage.
The surest way to help your body produce collagen is by feeding it enough protein and other nutrients.
Dr. Bradley is the Medical Director of the Center for Functional Medicine at Cleveland Clinic.
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