Why collagen mattered to our ancestors

I’m sure you’ve heard of using collagen for skin, hair, and anti-aging, but does collagen really work? It does, but in more ways than you think! Find out about the real benefit of collagen you’ve probably never heard about. Learn more about collagen absorption to maximize the benefits!

0:00 Introduction: Collagen benefits

1:04 What is collagen?

2:45 More benefits of collagen

4:10 Collagen peptides

7:58 The best collagen sources

9:22 Improving collagen absorption and function

Collagen is often used for hair, skin, nails, and joints. It’s been used to prevent wrinkles and as a beauty product, but the real benefit of collagen has nothing to do with beauty!

Our ancestors ate animals nose to tail. This means they included organ meats, bone marrow, cartilage, and skin as vital parts of their diet.

Around 30% of the protein in your body is collagen. It makes up the connective tissue of the body. Your tendons, ligaments, cartilage, fascia, and even a portion of your bones are made of collagen.

In modern times, most of our meat doesn’t contain much collagen. Only 1% to 3% of the protein we eat is collagen. This can lead to deficiencies in glycine, a key amino acid.

When you’re 17, you have the most collagen of your entire life. As we age, we lose a significant amount of collagen, leading to skin sagging, wrinkles, joint issues, and increased overall fragility.

Here are some of the surprising benefits of collagen:

•Antioxidant properties

•Helps increase glutathione

•Gut lining repair

•Glycine for sleep and detoxification

Most of the collagen from the diet breaks down into amino acids. Only 10% remains as collagen peptide chains.

Peptides are signaling molecules that tell the body to repair and rebuild connective tissue. These peptides trigger specific genes that activate the fibroblast cells in the body to produce collagen and elastin.

When you consume muscle meat, eggs, and whey protein, you’re only getting amino acids, not the signaling molecules for repairing and rebuilding. To increase your collagen intake, you can try a collagen supplement. You can also consume collagen-rich foods, such as the skin on chicken or fish. You can use bones, joints, and cartilage to make a variety of stews and soups. Bone marrow is an excellent source of collagen!

Grass-fed, grass-finished beef has more collagen than conventional beef. You can even try mixing collagen powder in your coffee!

Don’t forget the cofactors, vitamin C, biotin, and trace minerals, which are vital for collagen absorption and function.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:

Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.