The Scoop On Collagen

Finally addressing the most popular question I’m asked: What is collagen and why should I take it?

Although collagen peptides are currently blowing up not only the health and fitness industry, but the beauty industry as well, they aren’t just a fad. The benefits of taking collagen are extensive, but I will address the primary reasons why I take it and what it has done for me. But first let’s nerd out on what collagen actually is…

WHAT IS COLLAGEN? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons. Unfortunately, as you age your body’s collagen production slows down – which leads to….. GETTING OLD AND SAGGY! Wrinkles, saggy skin, joint stiffness, weaker bones, and all of the joys of aging. Supplementing collagen in your daily routine can help improve your body’s collagen levels. Which takes me to my next question…

WHY DO YOU TAKE COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS? The main “selling points” of collagen supplements are weight loss, healthier hair, skin, and nails, stronger bones, and gut health. The list goes on, but here’s why I take it and what it has done for me.

1. Collagen as a protein supplement. 95% of the time I don’t eat enough protein from the foods I eat. I used to use a flavored protein powder to add to my smoothies in the morning, but I soon realized that if I didn’t make a smoothie I wasn’t getting enough protein in a day. I love collagen peptides because I can add it to my water and sip on it throughout the day. It’s also a great appetite suppressant for those 3 pm/pre-dinner hunger pangs.
2. Hair growth. I recently lost a good amount of my hair from taking a hormone supplement that was wrongfully prescribed to me. After discontinuing the medication and taking collagen peptides daily, my hair started sprouting out from all directions. My baby hairs are now almost normal length and my hair has grown more in the past 4 months than it has in 3 years! It’s thick and doesn’t fall out nearly as much. Not to mention my nails are stronger too!
3. Glowy skin! One of my goals for 2018 was to take better care of my skin and collagen happens to be the main component of the dermis (the part of our skin that helps our skin with elasticity and flexibility). Benefits of supplementing collagen daily include decreased wrinkles, hydrated skin, increase in skin elasticity, reduced effects of sun damage on the skin, and it can even help reduce cellulite (yes please!). I’ve noticed clearer, hydrated, glow-y skin since taking collagen.

WHAT KIND OF COLLAGEN PEPTIDES DO YOU LIKE? I’ve tried my fair share of collagen peptides – different brands, different flavors, different packages. I love Further Food collagen peptides (unflavored hydrolyzed collagen protein powder) because I can add it to my water and sip on it throughout the day. It’s one of the few that I’ve tried that is truly odorless and tasteless (some other brands smell/taste like sweat – IT’S NOT OK). It also easily dissolves, unlike some other ones I’ve tried that gel up and turn into a giant slime ball (doesn’t feel nice going down the throat). They offer regular grass fed bovine collagen peptides in a jar or stick packs for your purse. They also offer marine collagen made from wild caught Alaskan cod. I add it to everything from water or tea to adding it to my favorite soup recipes! Use my code “BROCC15” for 15% off your order!

CAN I GET COLLAGEN NATURALLY THROUGH MY DIET? Yes, you can totally get collagen from your diet! However, most foods that we eat now may not fulfill your bodies needs in order to see the benefits collagen offers. In food, collagen is found mostly in the “odd bits” and tougher cuts of beef that contain connective tissue. You might recognize these as the parts of the animals that our ancestors ate, but we usually throw away today. Foods that may be more appealing than “odd bits” and have great sources of collagen are bone broth, leafy greens, eggs, berries, tomatoes, citrus, avocado, chia seeds, and garlic.