Want to learn more about collagen and why it’s so popular among health enthusiasts? We’re breaking it down for you today by answering the following questions: What is collagen, what does collagen do and should you be taking it…
Collagen seems to be everywhere in the health world. So what is it and what does it actually do? Great questions, let’s get to it!
First things first, collagen is a protein. It is a major component of bones, skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons. It provides structure and support throughout your body. It’s known as the ‘glue’ that holds your body together. Your body makes it, but as you age it produces less and less quality collagen.
There are four key nutrients that help increase collagen production: vitamin C, proline, glycine, and copper. Let’s break these down:
Simply eating high-quality protein also helps with collagen production — it gives your body the amino acids it needs to make new proteins (like collagen!).
There are a few things that can hurt collagen production. Number one on this list is sugar. Is sugar good for anything? I’ll let you be the judge. Sugar interferes with collagen’s ability to repair itself. Red flag! The sun is second on the list of damaging factors. It can reduce collagen production within your body, so don’t forget your daily SPF! The last thing is smoking, which can also reduce collagen production.
So now you might be wondering how you can get more if your body is producing less. There are some natural food sources of collagen, however there is some speculation around whether consuming collagen-rich foods increases the collagen levels in your body. Basic science lesson for you: when you eat protein, it’s broken down into amino acids during the digestive process and then reassembled into the proteins your body needs. SO eating collagen doesn’t necessarily mean that your body is going to make collagen (and use it to help your beautiful skin). Just an FYI.
I’m fond of the following brands: Bulletproof, Vital Proteins, Primal Kitchen and Further Food.
I usually buy my Primal Kitchen products from Thrive Market. If you haven’t tried Thrive Market yet, it’s like Costco but for natural products, and it’s all online. I have a deal for 25% off your first order + a free 30 day trial.
There aren’t many studies on collagen supplements, but the ones that exist do show benefits! Collagen supplements are proteins broken down into smaller peptides, which are more easily absorbed. Here are some of the benefits that people have noticed:
If you change nothing else in your routine and just start taking collagen, no it will not help you lose weight. If you’re looking to support your joints and bones so you can be more active and healthy, incorporating collagen can help! In turn, if you’re more active and making healthier decisions all around, yes you’ll see weight loss. Does that make sense?
Some people experience upset stomach or feeling “full” after taking collagen supplements but there haven’t been many other reported negative side effects.
I’ve been hearing the buzz about collagen for quite some time now, and it seemed like everyone was slinging collagen at Expo East last year. I’ve made and enjoyed bone broth occasionally and added the hydrolyzed collagen in my coffee here and there, but this month I’m committed to having at least 2 Tablespoons of collagen powder every day — either in my coffee, water or a recipe. (I recently made some collagen protein balls, which I’ll be sharing the recipe for soon.) Overall, I’m excited about this little experiment because it’s an easy thing to add into my daily routine, and even if I don’t see any amazing skin/health benefits, at least I know I’m getting in a little extra protein each day. There’s really nothing to lose! Plus blending collagen protein powder into my morning coffee makes for such a frothy and delicious cup of joe.
If you’re just getting started with using collagen adding it to your coffee, water or smoothie is a great place to start because it’s tasteless and blends easily into hot or cold beverages!
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Which of your recipes use the collagen peptides? I notice that it is unflavored.
I don’t have a ton of collagen-specific recipes, but I do have these pumpkin collagen bites. You can also swap in collagen for any recipe that calls for protein powder.
Great Post !! Big thanks for sharing this post and providing in details information. Some more information I described in my blog post https://lornemarrfitafter45.ca/top-ten-collagen-protein-brands-reviewed-2020/
Is the Thrive deal expired? I clicked the link but it doesn’t look like anything special is being offered through it. Thank you.
I think that link was out of date! Just emailed you and updated the link.
Hi, My husband is going vegan. I think he would benefit from added collagen, However, how do you convince vegans that it is ok? Thanks,
I am having a question that is What happen if I drink collagen too much ?