It’s interesting how we often come full circle when it comes to health. Every so often we find ourselves revisiting old remedies or traditional eating habits, only to discover that our grandparents may have been onto something all along.

Some time ago, I was prompted to do a bit of research into the therapeutic benefits of collagen after a customer shared her experience with me. She had been struggling with severe joint pain and was relying on around eight painkillers a day just to get through. After adding collagen to her daily routine, she happily reported that she had reduced that to just two. As you can imagine, I found it quite remarkable that something as simple as a food-based supplement could have such a noticeable impact.

Collagen plays an important role in the body, particularly when it comes to joints and connective tissue. It is the main structural protein used to build cartilage - the cushioning tissue that covers the ends of our bones in the joints. When we consume collagen, the body breaks it down into amino acids and peptides which can then be used as building blocks for repairing and maintaining cartilage and other connective tissues.

Rebuilding cartilage is naturally a slow process, so improvements in joint structure take time. However, many people report that the anti-inflammatory benefits and reduction in discomfort can occur much sooner. Collagen contains key amino acids such as glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxyproline, which are known for their role in supporting connective tissue health and helping to calm inflammation. The result for many people is improved flexibility, easier movement and joints that feel a little less like rusty hinges.

Collagen also happens to be an impressive source of protein. Hydrolysed collagen peptides are about 90-96% protein, making them a useful addition to the diet for maintaining muscle mass. As we get older, building and preserving muscle becomes more challenging, so adding an easily absorbed protein source can be particularly helpful - whether you’re exercising regularly or simply trying to stay strong and active.

Bone health is another area where collagen may offer support. Our bones are living tissue that constantly remodels itself and relies on a steady supply of nutrients to remain strong. Collagen provides the structural framework that minerals such as calcium bind to, and it may also assist the body in utilising bone-supporting nutrients including vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium, zinc and calcium. Without these nutrients and the structural support that collagen provides, bones can gradually weaken over time.

Interestingly, traditional diets naturally contained far more collagen than most modern diets do today. In the past, people regularly consumed cuts of meat rich in connective tissue including skin, tendons, cartilage and slow-cooked bones. Today we tend to favour lean muscle meats, which are high in protein but relatively low in collagen. In other words, we’ve kept the steak but left behind the bits that quietly supported our joints and bones.

This is one reason bone broth has made such a strong comeback. When bones and connective tissues are slowly simmered, the collagen they contain breaks down into gelatin and collagen peptides that dissolve into the broth. The result is a nourishing, collagen-rich food that has been part of traditional diets for centuries.

Of course, not everyone has the time or the patience to keep a pot of bones simmering on the stove all day. That’s where ready-made bone broth or collagen powders can be a convenient alternative.

Collagen powders are easy to add to the diet and can be mixed into smoothies, juices, coffee or other beverages. Hydrolysed collagen (also known as collagen peptides) has been broken down into smaller molecules, which makes it easier for the body to absorb. Good quality collagen powders are typically unflavoured and dissolve well in both hot and cold liquids.

There are also different sources of collagen available. Bovine collagen, derived from beef, is rich in the types of collagen that support skin, joints and bones, while marine collagen sourced from fish, has a particularly low molecular weight and is often valued for its high bioavailability.

So, while collagen may sound like the latest wellness trend, in many ways it’s simply a return to something that used to be a natural part of everyday eating.

For more information on the benefits of hydrolysed collagen, drop into Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North Street, Batemans Bay. You can also call us on (02) 4472 9737 or visit us online at www.govitabatemansbay.com.au. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita’s Nutritionist Sofia chat about health and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.