The Easiest & Most Effective Way To Add Collagen To Your Routine

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it’s certainly having a moment in the wellness world. Noted for its range of health benefits, you’ve likely noticed collagen cropping up on tons of different food, beverage, and supplement labels—but it can be hard to find easy and delicious ways to make it part of your everyday routine so you can actually reap all those great benefits!

Collagen is the protein exclusively found in animals—including humans—that holds everything in the body together (think of it as the "glue"). It has a smooth, gel-like consistency and covers and holds your bones in place. Basically, it’s what allows us to move1 without pain from our bones rubbing against one other or against joints. Collagen makes up about 30 to 40 percent of all of the protein in the human body, and it’s found in bones, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues, and skin. It’s also a crucial element of skin’s elasticity.

Ingesting collagen has been touted for providing major hair, skin, and nail benefits. It’s often recommended to improve skin elasticity2 and firmness3, and research has shown that collagen supplementation also has potential as a treatment for individuals with osteoarthritis and other joint conditions4. Collagen has also been noted for its role in supporting strong nails, skin, and teeth5 because of its high-protein and amino acid content, and it even plays a vital role in supporting muscle building and maintenance of muscle mass6, which is key for keeping your metabolism fired up.

Collagen has also been studied for its potential in healing a compromised digestive tract. It’s been shown, for example, that collagen levels are low7 in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, so many integrative practitioners encourage supplementing with collagen-containing foods or products to help heal the gut. On a simpler note, supplementing with collagen is also a great way to increase your protein intake.

We know the amazing benefits of having collagen in the body for everything from youthful skin to prime gut health. But because collagen production naturally declines as we age, reducing the structural integrity of the skin and instigating the weakening of cartilage in joints, it’s important to supplement with this vital protein. Other factors like sun exposure, diet (high intake of refined sugar and nutrient deficiencies, for example, have been shown to impair collagen production), digestive problems that interfere with collagen production, and diseases that impact collagen may lead to reduced levels. Supplementing helps you boost your collagen levels to keep your body functioning optimally.

If you want an even easier way to make sure you get your daily dose of collagen, these tasty collagen bars from Primal Kitchen are just what the doctor ordered. You can take them absolutely anywhere, anytime with no mess—making them perfect for busy people on the go, or great for travel—and they come in incredible flavor combos like Coconut Cashew, Macadamia Sea Salt, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Dark Chocolate Almond. The best part? They’re made with real food ingredients you can feel good about consuming, and they clock in at 15 grams of protein per bar with only 3 grams of sugar, making them an objectively super-healthy snack.

Convinced you have to add collagen to your routine? Shop Primal Kitchen’s suite of paleo-friendly products here to find the collagen product that’s perfect for you.