5 Reasons Why Taking Collagen May be Right for You
Collagen is a hot topic in today’s nutrition discussion. This protein supplement is popular all over the world– but what is collagen, and why should you consider taking it?
Today, we’re going to share the benefits of drinking collagen and talk about some of the best ways to take it.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein and makes up most of the underlying structure of your body. Our bodies rely on collagen for many different functions, but as we age, collagen production slows. By the time we’re in our mid-twenties to our early thirties, collagen production begins to slow and we start to lose our natural collagen.
Fortunately, collagen is highly bioavailable, meaning that our bodies can absorb and use collagen from outside sources. We can take supplemental collagen in many forms, including liquids, capsules, tablets, and powders. Of all of these, powdered collagen peptides dissolved in food and drinks are the easiest for the body to absorb and use. Virtually all of the collagen powder available today is hydrolyzed, meaning your body will find it easy to absorb, as the collagen has been broken down into a usable form.
Benefits of Collagen
Here are just a few of the most important benefits that drinking collagen can offer!
Joint Health
The cartilage and tendons of your joints are primarily made of collagen. Commonly injured joints like knees, shoulders, and hips are affected by the gradual reduction of your body’s ability to produce collagen. Collagen supplements can improve long-term joint health.
Bone Retention
Our bones are more than just the structure that holds the body up– our bones produce blood cells, anchor tendons, and muscles, and are an important part of the immune system. Bones do deteriorate over time, and bone loss is a common part of aging. Collagen supplements can minimize bone loss and help your bones stay strong.
Heart Health
Collagen contains an amino acid called proline, which can minimize the depositing of fat in your arteries and repair the tissues within them.
Vascular Elasticity
Collagen is present in large quantities in blood vessels and in arteries. These can become thinner and more fragile as you age. Thinner blood vessels are a contributing factor to heart attacks and strokes, and collagen supplements can help improve the condition of your arteries and veins.
Skin and Nail Health
Collagen is one of the primary components of your skin, holding your skin cells together. Collagen loss causes the skin to dry out, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and other issues. The same is true for your nails and hair. Studies have shown that collagen improves skin elasticity and hydration, helping you look and feel healthier.
Best Ways to Drink Collagen
Because collagen can dissolve into hot and cold liquids, you can drink it however you like. Here are some of our favorite ways to drink collagen.
As A Pre-made Drink
For some people, a pre-made collagen drink is the easiest way to get their collagen. These are usually more expensive than buying collagen powder and mixing your own drinks, but many people like the convenience and flavor.
In A Smoothie
Smoothies are a delicious and versatile way to get specific nutrients into your diet. You can add virtually anything to a smoothie, including collagen powder or liquid collagen. While there are thousands of smoothie recipes out there, we recommend personalizing this basic set of ingredients:- 1 to 1½ cups dairy or plant-based milk
- ½ cup thickener (yogurt, banana, nut butter)
- 2-3 cups of fruit or vegetables (frozen or fresh berries, cherries, chopped apples, pineapple, spinach, or other leafy greens… anything goes!)
Add your collagen before blending and drink up! For a colder smoothie, you can add ice cubes or frozen fruit.
In Your Coffee
If you enjoy hot beverages like coffee, tea, or cocoa, good news: it’s so, so easy to add collagen to these drinks! Add the powder slowly and stir.
As A Latte
If you have a blender, you can get fancy with your collagen drinks and turn your daily coffee into a collagen latte. Here’s how to make a delicious cinnamon latte with your daily dose of collagen!
Ingredients
- 1 heaping scoop of your favorite unflavored collagen peptide powder
- 8-12 ounces of brewed coffee
- ¼ cup of dairy or plant-based milk
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 4-8 drops liquid stevia or sweetener of your choice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender and blend for 10-20 seconds.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon before drinking.
In Water
Collagen peptides are water-soluble, so you can just dissolve them in a glass of water and drink it. Quality collagen powder is odorless and flavorless, so you won’t even notice it’s there.
We hope this article was a helpful introduction to drinking collagen!
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