Human bodies need collagen! The dictionary defines collagen as the “main structural protein found in skin & connective tissues”. Since our bodies need collagen to keep us together, we’ll look at 10 Ways Your Body Benefits from Collagen.
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One way to incorporate collagen in your diet is to add it to baked goods. Grain Free Blueberry Collagen Muffins are not only nutritious but high in protein.
Collagen is found in joints, intestinal tissues, hair, nails, teeth, and even in the fibers surrounding our muscles.
Collagen is what makes our bodies feel younger and function optimally. The most noticeable area is our skin, the more collagen we have the more subtle and firm skin.
How Do you Lose Collagen?
1. We lose collagen by living! Each year we age, we naturally lose this important protein that keeps our bodies functioning at it’s best. The reason we lose collagen is due to our exposure to free radicals. Free radicals such as pollution, tobacco smoke and over exposure to sun can speed the process of aging at a cellular level, decreasing collagen.
2. Disease is a contributing factor to losing collagen.
3. Another factor is when our bodies become nutrient deficient. Our cells need quality protein and vegetables in our diet to retain collagen.
Our bodies show signs of losing this important protein by the wrinkles in our skin, the clicking/pain in our joints, hair loss and decreased circulation.
Sources of Natural Collagen
Thankfully many foods that we eat every day encourage the retention and production of collagen.
- Berries – blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Fish – wild caught salmon, tuna, cod
- Green veggies – kale, broccoli, bok choy, brussel sprouts
- Free Range Eggs
- Citrus Fruits – grapefruits, oranges
- Onions & Garlic – the sulfur content helps rebuild collagen
- Homemade Bone Broth – chicken, beef, venison, fish
The most essential vitamin needed for making collagen is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is also high in antioxidants. Chewable Vitamin C – 500 mg.
10 Ways Your Body Benefits from Collagen
- Strengthens our Nails. The building block for our nails is collagen!
- Repair Joints. This is the main reason I desired to supplement with collagen. I like to think of collagen as lubricants for our joints, making them more flexible.
- Improves your skin and hair health. Collagen repairs those fine lines and it a key component in hair growth.
- Repairs gut issues. Collagen heals the lining of the digestive tract.
- Aids in preventing bone loss. Collagen stimulates the cells to re-create bone collagen.
- Reduce cellulite and stretch marks. When our bodies have too much fat and too little collagen, our skin will dimple. Adding collagen to our diet holds everything together.
- Supports healthy teeth and gums. Collagen is essential to our teeth and gums as it provides the structure for our teeth and supports the tissues surrounding our teeth.
- Gives our metabolism a boost. An amino acid found in collagen, called glycine, boosts our metabolism, which aids in weight loss.
- Detoxes the liver. Collagen naturally cleanses our liver reducing liver damage and disease.
- Improves cardiovascular health. Our arteries are mostly made of collagen.
Collagen Supplementation
Although I eat many of the foods that reduce collagen loss from my body, I was still feeling the affects in my joints. I even consumed homemade chicken broth several times a week, although it made me feel healthier it wasn’t addressing my joint issue.
The motivation behind waiting to take a collagen supplement is to hike and exercise without pain and survive the endless Michigan winters with better circulation.
Hydrolyzed collagen protein is a unique combination of amino acids in concentrated levels that quickly get absorbed into the digestive tract. This quick absorption allows for our body to heal naturally.
Recommended Hydrolyzed Collagen
As Collagen Hydrolysate grows in popularity, so will the market for collagen. You DO NOT want just any collagen! It’s important to know where it’s sourced!
One reputable company is the Great Lakes Gelatin Company, they have been in business since 1922. You can read the company’s mission statement and find more information at www.greatlakesgelatin.com. It’s important to know the source of protein. Great Lakes source their products from pasture-raised and grass-fed cows in Brazil and Venezuela.
Best online price or Great Lakes: Great Lakes Hydrolysate Collagen 16 oz.
Ancient Nutrition is another reputable collagen that has many options. Personally, I like the powdered multi-collagen, due to the fact it has five different sources of collagen. Many people like the vanilla or chocolate flavored collagen. Ancient Nutrition Collagen Powder Protein with Vitamin C.
Vital Proteins
Vital Proteins is another reputable company. They source their beef collagen from pasture raised cows in Brazil and New Zealand. The company also sells fish collagen that is sourced from fish from Hawaii. Vital Proteins offers a wider variety of collagen products.
Amazon link: Vital Proteins Collagen Protein Powder Supplement – 10.2oz
Adding Collagen to Your Life
It’s simple! One – two tablespoons a day in my hot tea, warm broth, a cup of soup, or even cold water.
It’s taste-less and sugar free. I would recommend you begin with a smaller dose and work up to 2 tablespoons, to let your body adjust.
The numerous health benefits of taking a collagen hydrolysate is well worth it! My digestive system has already shown improvement, which increases the motivation to continue making this part of my day.
Recently I tried a Grain Free Chocolate Banana Muffin recipe, and it included a 1/2 cup of collagen! The muffins had a nice rise and wonderful texture!
What would be your motivation for supplementing with collagen?
Pursing Better Health Together,
Ashley says
I’ve been hearing a lot lately about collagen and have wanted to incorporate it into my diet but wasn’t exactly sure how to do it. Thanks for the recommendations!