Our fascial system is a saran-wrap like tissue that exists beneath our skin. Three of the important roles it plays in our health are:  an irrigation system that helps deliver water to all the parts of our body that need it. A communication system that helps deliver our brains electric signals throughout our body. And a waste collection system that helps collect and remove the waste produced by our cells. Having healthy and hydrated fascia is a vital aspect of our overall health.

Fascial tissue is made up almost entirely of collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body. Our body’s production of collagen starts to slow around the age of 25, which is when our skin can become less elastic and fine lines may begin to form. As we age, this decreasing collagen can also impact our fascial system, impacting those three systems mentioned above.  Aside from the obvious physical signs of aging, if we have decreased collagen and our fascial system is impaired, our brain’s messages transmit slower throughout our body. This is what a loss of mental acuity can look like as we age.

While a healthy, plant-based diet and regular movement are vital to keeping this tissue healthy throughout your life, one way to curb this decrease in collagen production as we age is to take collagen in powder form. Not only does this benefit your collagen production and fascial tissue, you’ll also see an improvement in your hair, skin, and nails.

My personal recommendation is the unflavored Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. This flavorless powder can be stirred into coffee, smoothies, green juice, or my Hydration Potion recipe. My second favorite is their Lavender-Lemon flavor, which is great by itself over ice, or stirred into a smoothie or agua fresca. Click here and a $10 discount will be applied to your order automatically (this isn’t sponsored and this link doesn’t really benefit me in any way….it gives me $10 off my next order but I can only use one at a time so this isn’t exactly a money-making scheme, just sharing something I really love and use).

Here are a couple of my favorite recipes for using Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (unflavored):

Strawberry Agua Fresca with Collagen Peptides
Collagen Smoothie Bowl
Maple Collagen Latte
Cold Brew Coffee with Collagen

I love knowing that collagen is helping me maintain a strong and healthy fascial system, but what motivates me to keep taking it is the benefits I see in my skin. When people ask me for my skincare routine or favorite makeup I am always happy to share those products (they’re all at WhatDaniLikes.com if you’re curious) but I also make sure to tell them that I really think collagen is the secret weapon they are looking for. Here are some other health benefits of collagen:

• Support for a strong and healthy fascial system
• Healthier hair, skin, and nails
• Improved skin elasticity
• Reduce pain associated with arthritis and joint injuries
• Can help increase muscle tone and mass
• Healthy digestion (collagen lines our entire digestive tract)
• Supports weight management
• Supports heart health
• Supports strong bones

(see more about collagen health benefits over at Amy Myers MD.)