When I joined the blogging world, I noticed one trend that I wasn’t quite sure about - collagen. Everyone I saw on Instagram was posting about this stuff and I had no clue what the heck it was. I finally caved and tried it one day and now I use it in my smoothies and I’m exploring other ways to incorporate it into my diet, too.

Vital Proteins seemingly made collagen popular. It’s everywhere online and a cornerstone in the blogging world. I chatted with them to learn more about collagen and why we should be adding it to our daily lives.

1) What is collagen?

Collagen is the main structural protein in the extracellular space in the various connective tissues in animal bodies. As the main component of connective tissue, it is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up from 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. Depending upon the degree of mineralization, collagen tissues may be rigid (bone), compliant (tendon), or have a gradient from rigid to compliant (cartilage). Collagen, in the form of elongated fibrils, is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendons, ligaments and skin. It is also abundant in corneas, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, the gut, intervertebral discs and the dentin in teeth.] In muscle tissue, it serves as a major component of the endomysium. Collagen constitutes one to two percent of muscle tissue, and accounts for 6% of the weight of strong, tendinous muscles. The fibroblast is the most common cell that creates collagen.

2) What are the benefits of collagen?

Collagen benefits your hair, skin, and nails as well as bones, joints, and tendons!

3) What are the best ways to incorporate collagen into your daily routine?

Mix our Collagen Peptides into your coffee, tea, smoothies, soups, oatmeal etc!

4) Who should take collagen supplements?

Literally anyone! Once we hit age 25 our bodies start producing less and less collagen.

5) What should someone know about collagen before taking it?

There is no Vegan form of Collagen. Collagen is a protein.

6) Any precautions to be aware of?

Always consult your physician if you have questions or concerns regarding collagen.

Green Smoothie + Vital Proteins Collagen

Here’s my classic green smoothie recipe that I’ve been adding collagen too.

• 1 frozen banana (frozen banana eliminates the need for ice cubs to make it cold)

• 1-2 handfuls of kale/spinach

• 1 cup pineapple

• 1/2 cup milk of choice

• 1 scoop Vital Protein Collagen