Collagen powders are everywhere. They promise glowing skin, strong nails, shiny hair, and better joints — and they’re not cheap.
But there’s one traditional food packed with collagen that’s often overlooked, especially by women trying to improve their health and appearance naturally. It’s affordable, nutrient-rich, and rooted in generations of African and global heritage cooking: chicken feet.
Yes, you read that right. And if you’re not already using them, you might be missing out on one of the most powerful natural sources of collagen out there!
Why Collagen Matters — Especially for Women
After age 25, collagen production starts to slow down. By 40, it’s dropping fast — which can lead to:
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Dry, thinning skin
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Brittle nails and hair
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Joint stiffness
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Slower recovery and gut issues
Many women turn to expensive supplements to replace it — but traditional foods like chicken feet offer a real, whole-food source your body can recognize and use.
What Makes Chicken Feet So Collagen-Rich?
Chicken feet are made almost entirely of connective tissue, skin, and cartilage — the exact parts that produce type I and II collagen when slow-cooked.
When simmered into broth or stew, they release:
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Collagen
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Gelatin
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Amino acids like glycine and proline
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Trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus
This isn’t just about beauty — it’s nourishment that supports your skin, joints, bones, and digestion all at once.
Skin, Hair, Nails — The Beauty Benefits Are Real
Many women who regularly drink chicken feet broth or include them in their meals report:
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Smoother, plumper skin
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Stronger nails that don’t peel or crack
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Fuller, healthier-looking hair
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Less dryness or flakiness
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Fewer fine lines over time
These changes don’t happen overnight — but consistent use can bring noticeable improvements, often more naturally than supplements.
Supports Gut Health & Joint Comfort Too
The gelatin released from chicken feet coats and soothes the digestive tract. That’s especially helpful if you deal with:
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Bloating
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IBS
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Constipation
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Food sensitivities
And because gelatin helps reduce inflammation and lubricate joints, some people feel less stiffness, especially in the knees, hips, and fingers.
Chicken Feet Have Been Used for Generations
In many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, chicken feet are nothing new. They’re used in traditional dishes like:
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Pepper soup
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Chicken foot stew
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Bone broth and brothy soups
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Snacks (crispy or braised)
This isn’t about “weird food” — it’s about ancestral nutrition that should be used to keep our bodies healthy.
Not Sure How to Cook Them? It’s Easier Than You Think
You don’t have to eat them whole ( though I do 😋). Here's how to get started:
🥣 Chicken Foot Broth (collagen-rich soup base):
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Wash and trim the feet (optional: blanch first)
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Simmer slowly with onion, garlic, ginger, and herbs for 4–6 hours
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Strain the liquid and drink like tea or use as soup base
🔥 Crispy Chicken Feet:
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After boiling, season and bake or fry until golden and crispy
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Great as a high-collagen snack (one of my favourites)
Related reading: The Ancient Grain Women Over 40 Are Swearing By for Health and Vitality
Don’t feel pressured to eat them whole. You can simply drink the broth to get the benefits. Let me know if you’ve used chicken feet in your kitchen or share this post with someone who needs to see this!