Your body has many cells, parts, and systems and many of them are held together with collagen. The most abundant protein in your body is all about connection and strength. That’s because collagen’s adhesive qualities are only matched by its ability to provide structure and strength.
This impressive protein deserves a lot of discussion. From collagen and skin to its production process, what follows are all the facts you need to know about collagen. Thirty to be exact. (It’s so important, a list of 10 or even 25 just wouldn’t do.)
- You’re made of a lot of protein. And you already know collagen is the most common. But about 30 percent of your body’s proteins are one type of collagen or another. (Patience! You’ll read all about the different types in number 19.)
- Collagen isn’t just important for humans. Your animal friends rely on it just as much. That makes collagen the top dog of proteins in the animal kingdom.
- The roots of the word “collagen” go back to the Greek word kólla, which means glue. And now all that talk about connections and adhesive effects starts to make a little bit more sense.
- Saying collagen is found throughout your body is kind of an understatement. It’s a structural element of bones, muscles, tendon, and ligaments. Collagen and skin are always talked about together, because it’s a major component of your largest organ. But that’s just the start. Collagen is also found in:
