Collagen has been one of the biggest buzzwords in the health and wellness world lately—and for good reason. Whether it’s in your morning matcha, smoothie, or just stirred into a glass of water, collagen supplements are gaining popularity for their impressive health benefits. But what exactly is collagen, and why are more and more people turning to drinkable forms to support their wellness goals?

At Shuswap Health Foods, we believe in holistic, sustainable solutions that support the body from the inside out. In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind collagen, explore the many benefits of drinking it daily, and offer tips for choosing the right supplement for your needs.

What Is Collagen, and Why Do We Need It?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of our total protein content. It’s a key structural component in our skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and even the lining of our gut. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together—without it, our tissues lose elasticity, hydration, and strength.

Unfortunately, collagen production starts to decline in our mid-20s and decreases by about 1% each year. Factors like UV exposure, smoking, poor diet, stress, and pollution can accelerate this process, leading to wrinkles, joint pain, digestive issues, and brittle hair or nails.

This is where drinking collagen supplements comes in. By replenishing your body’s natural collagen stores, you can help slow down the signs of aging, support mobility, and promote overall health from the inside out.

1. Skin Health & Natural Beauty Boost

Improved Skin Elasticity & Hydration

One of the most well-documented benefits of collagen is its ability to improve skin texture and elasticity. Clinical studies have shown that hydrolyzed collagen peptides, when taken daily, can increase skin moisture, reduce dryness, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

• A 2019 randomized controlled trial published in Nutrients found that women aged 35–55 who took 2.5–5g of collagen daily for 8 weeks had significantly improved skin elasticity and hydration compared to a placebo group.

Support for Wound Healing & Skin Repair

Collagen also plays a key role in tissue regeneration and wound healing, making it beneficial for those with acne scars, sun damage, or post-surgical recovery.

Stronger Hair and Nails

Thinning hair or brittle nails? Collagen may help. It contains amino acids like proline and glycine, which are essential for keratin production. Over time, many users report less hair breakage and stronger, faster-growing nails.

2. Joint Health & Mobility

As we age, cartilage—the rubbery tissue that cushions joints—begins to break down. Collagen makes up a large portion of cartilage, and without it, we’re more prone to stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain.

Relief from Joint Pain

A study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion found that athletes who supplemented with collagen hydrolysate experienced reduced joint pain during activity.

Protection Against Osteoarthritis

Daily collagen supplementation may also help those with age-related joint issues, including osteoarthritis. Research shows that collagen can stimulate extracellular matrix production in cartilage tissue, improving flexibility and comfort.

3. Gut Health Support

Less talked about but equally important is collagen’s role in gut health. The amino acids in collagen—especially glutamine—are known to support the integrity of the gut lining.

Healing Leaky Gut

Conditions like “leaky gut” or intestinal permeability can lead to chronic inflammation, food sensitivities, and autoimmune flare-ups. Collagen helps by repairing the intestinal lining, reducing inflammation and improving nutrient absorption.

Easier Digestion

Collagen is gentle on the stomach and can aid digestion, making it an excellent choice for those with IBS or sensitive digestive systems. Some users report fewer bloating episodes and better regularity after adding collagen to their routine.

4. Muscle Recovery & Metabolism

Because collagen is a protein, it also plays a part in muscle maintenance and metabolism—especially when paired with resistance training.

Support for Muscle Mass

Collagen is rich in glycine, an amino acid that promotes the synthesis of creatine, which helps fuel muscle contractions. It’s especially useful for older adults looking to preserve lean muscle mass as they age.

Boosting Satiety

Adding collagen to your drinks or smoothies may help you feel fuller longer, making it a great addition to a weight management or fitness-focused lifestyle.

5. Bone Strength & Density

Collagen is a crucial component of our bones, working hand-in-hand with calcium and other minerals to keep them strong.

Slowing Bone Loss

As we age, we naturally lose bone mass, leading to conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis. Supplementing with collagen has been shown to increase bone mineral density and stimulate bone-forming cells.

A 12-month study published in Nutrients found that postmenopausal women who took a daily collagen peptide supplement had significant increases in bone mineral density compared to a control group.

6. Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing

We’re not just about personal wellness—we’re also passionate about planet-friendly solutions.

Choosing Ethical Collagen

At Shuswap Health Foods, we carry collagen powders and drinks sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows or wild-caught fish. Many of our options are third-party tested for heavy metals, hormones, and pesticides.

 Reducing Waste with Byproducts

Collagen is typically sourced from parts of animals that would otherwise go unused—like bones, hides, or fish skins—making it a sustainable way to reduce food waste and utilize the whole animal in line with eco-conscious values.

Choosing the Right Collagen for You

There are three main types of collagen:

• Type I: Found in skin, hair, bones, and ligaments
• Type II: Found in cartilage and joints
• Type III: Found in skin and blood vessels

For beauty benefits, look for a Type I and III blend (often bovine or marine sourced). For joint support, Type II (typically from chicken sternum cartilage) is your best bet.

We recommend hydrolyzed collagen peptides (collagen hydrolysate) for optimal absorption. These have been broken down into smaller particles for easier digestion and better bioavailability.

How to Add Collagen to Your Routine

Easy Ways to Drink It:

• Stir it into your morning coffee or tea—it’s heat stable and virtually tasteless
• Blend into your smoothie or green juice
• Mix with warm almond milk and cinnamon for a cozy evening drink
• Try our pre-blended collagen elixirs stocked in-store for convenience

Aim for 5–10 grams per day for general health, or up to 15 grams for joint or skin concerns. Consistency is key—most people notice benefits after 4 to 8 weeks of daily use.

Sip Your Way to Stronger Health

Collagen is more than just a trend—it’s a science-backed, sustainable tool for supporting your body at every stage of life. From radiant skin to stronger joints, a happy gut to better recovery, collagen works holistically to keep you feeling your best. And when you choose ethically sourced collagen from Shuswap Health Foods, you’re nourishing not just yourself—but also our planet and community.