Does Bacon Have Collagen? Unlocking the Nutrition

Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is a staple of American breakfasts and burgers. But beyond just being delicious, does bacon offer any nutritional benefits? Specifically, does eating bacon provide collagen to support skin, joint, and gut health?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It provides the structural framework that holds our tissues and organs together. Collagen production slows as we age leading to common signs of aging like wrinkles and joint stiffness. Consuming foods containing collagen may help counteract this decline.

So let’s explore whether bacon contains this vital protein and how it fits into a collagen-rich diet.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is made up of three wound-together proteins that form strong rope-like fibers. This unique structure gives collagen extraordinary strength and flexibility to support and connect tissues throughout the body.

The many roles of collagen include

• Giving skin elasticity and youthful fullness
• Cushioning joints and strengthening bones
• Providing structural integrity to organs
• Forming connective tissue like tendons and ligaments
• Aiding digestion in the gut lining

Our bodies produce collagen from amino acids. But starting in our 20s, collagen production drops steadily year after year. Eating foods high in collagen may help counter this decline.

Do Animal Products Like Bacon Contain Collagen?

Yes, certain animal-based foods contain significant collagen, including:

• Bone broth
• Organ meats like liver
• Eggshell membranes
• Skin, cartilage, bones from poultry and meat

This makes sense because collagen forms connective tissues in animals. For example, chicken skin is high in collagen because that’s what makes the skin strong yet flexible.

How Much Collagen is in Bacon?

Bacon does provide collagen, but not as much as some other animal foods. The collagen content of bacon comes from:

• Pork skin – This forms the outer layer of bacon. Skin is composed of connective tissue made mostly of collagen.

• Fat layers – Collagen also resides in the fat marbling.

• Smoking – The smoking process may slightly increase collagen content.

However, most of the protein in bacon comes from muscle meat, which is low in collagen. Estimates suggest bacon contains only around 2-5% collagen.

So while bacon isn’t the richest collagen source, it does provide a small collagen boost. Think of it as a tasty way to add a little extra collagen into your diet.

Which Type of Collagen is in Bacon?

There are at least 16 different collagen types in the human body, but about 90% belong to types I, II, and III. The collagen in bacon mainly consists of:

Type I – Forms skin, tendons, organs and bone. It provides structure and strength.

Type III – Supports the elasticity of organs and skin. Also found in muscles and blood vessels.

So the collagen from pork skin and fat in bacon helps maintain the integrity and flexibility of our own bodily tissues and organs.

Other Nutrients Found in Bacon

Aside from some collagen, bacon provides:

• Protein – High quality protein builds and repairs tissues. 2-3 ounces of bacon offers 6-8g protein.

• B Vitamins – Important for energy production and red blood cell health. Plus small amounts of zinc, potassium and magnesium.

• Monounsaturated fat – From pork fat, the type of fat associated with heart health.

Of course, bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, so enjoy in moderation. But the nutrients it provides do complement its collagen content.

How to Get More Collagen from Bacon

To maximize the collagen you receive from bacon when cooking it at home:

• Use thick-cut bacon – More pork skin equals more collagen. Thin slices remove some of the skin.

• Cook low and slow – This allows more collagen to render into the bacon grease.

• Leave bacon grease in – Cooking other foods like eggs in the collagen-rich bacon grease boosts intake.

• Add bacon to soups and stews – The long simmering time extracts collagen from the skin and fat.

• Make bacon bone broth – Simmering smoked pork bones draws out their collagen content.

Other Ways to Eat More Collagen

While bacon provides some, make sure to also eat these other collagen-rich foods:

• Bone broth – 10-12g collagen per cup from animal bones.

• Chicken skin – Up to 5g collagen per skin when eating poultry.

• Egg shells – Use shells to make collagen supplements or broth.

• Organ meats – Liver, heart and kidneys are packed with collagen.

• Fish skin and bones – Contains skin, scales, fins and cartilage.

Collagen Supplements

If getting enough collagen from diet alone seems difficult, high quality supplements can fill the gap. Multi-collagen supplements like those from Further Food and Vital Proteins contain types I, II, III, V and X collagens sourced from all the foods mentioned above.

Just 10-15g per day provides the clinically studied benefits for skin, joints, muscles, hair, nails and more. Powders easily mix into coffee, smoothies or food.

Bacon Can Be Part of a Collagen-Rich Diet

While not the absolute best source, bacon does offer a tasty way to add small amounts of collagen to your meals. Focus on buying high quality, thick-cut bacon and cooking it properly to extract the most collagen from the pork skin.

Then combine bacon with other more collagen-dense foods like bone broth, egg shells, and chicken skin. A multi-collagen supplement covers all the bases for this important protein. With the right diet and supplementation, you can help maintain collagen levels for youthful looking skin and strong joints.