What is collagen and is it good for you?
The word “collagen” is derived from the Greek word “kolla”, which literally means glue. Collagen holds us together and makes up a large portion of the protein content in the body. It makes up our digestive lining, skin, and connective tissues including joints and bones. Collagen is vitally important for structure and maintenance throughout the body, but unfortunately as we age our collagen production starts to decline. From around our mid-twenties, we lose collagen at a rate of around 1% per year and it continues to decline as we grow older, which is why we may notice a difference in our skin or joints as we age. Our primal ancestors would have consumed a collagen-rich diet by using all parts of the animals they hunted and making nutrient-rich bone broths. Unfortunately, our modern-day diets are lacking in this key source of nutrition, but supplementing with a quality source of collagen peptides can provide the solution.
Types of collagen supplements you can use/find.
The main collagen products you will find on the market are Bovine (mostly Type 1 with a little type 3), and Marine (Type 1). There is very little difference between the two so choices tend to made based on dietary and lifestyle preferences. There are actually over 30 different types of collagen, though it is mainly type 1 that we find throughout the body including in the skin, which bovine and marine collagen provide in abundance. Collagen can be taken in capsule/tablet form, but in order to get a good dose you would need to take handfuls at a time, and they tend to be bulked out with added ingredients. Our Collagen powder range is an easy, convenient way to consume a high dose of highly absorbable hydrolysed collagen.
Collagen and body production.
Collagen rich foods were abundant in the diets of our ancestors, who would use all parts of an animal to make nutrient rich bone broths. Many of us simply don’t have the time to make bone broth nowadays, which is why collagen supplements can come in handy. We recommend adding 1-2 servings of collagen powder to your diet per day to see and feel collagen benefits. If you are new to collagen, it’s best to start slowly and build up your dose gradually. You can split the dose throughout the day, or take it all at once. It’s easy to incorporate collagen into your daily routine. You can add it to your morning coffee/tea, or smoothie to have a protein packed start to the day, supporting blood sugar balance, and providing satiation. Taking it after a workout should support recovery, and taking it before bed will aid recovery and repair overnight. Collagen powder at any time of day is going to be beneficial, as long as you are consistent with its use.
6 Collagen benefits for women's health:
#1 Skin Health
Collagen is a major component of the skin, it’s important for the strength and elasticity of skin as well as hydration. As we age, and make less collagen, we can suffer from dry skin and wrinkles may start to form. Studies have shown beneficial anti-aging effects of collagen, with increased skin hydration and elasticity.
#2 Bone Health
Did you know that your bones are mostly made of collagen? This helps to give them structure and keep them strong. Studies have shown supplementing with collagen may help to inhibit the bone breakdown that leads to osteoporosis, and improve bone mineral density. Collagen is particularly important post menopause when females lose the protective effect of oestrogen on bone health and are more likely to suffer bone deterioration which can lead to osteoporosis and frequent fractures.
#3 Blood Sugar Balance
Collagen is packed with protein that can help with satiation- or the feeling of fullness after we eat-and stabilise blood sugar levels which makes it easier to stick to a healthy diet. Collagen is rich in glycine which studies have found in consistently low circulating levels in type 2 diabetics. Glycine is highly anti-inflammatory which is key as chronic inflammation is a key driver in numerous chronic conditions that may affect us later in life.
#4 Post-Workout Recovery
Collagen supplements can help to strengthen connective tissues and support tissue recovery after a workout. It helps to support elasticity in the tendons and ligaments, supporting the muscles to recover more efficiently after workouts and helping with injury prevention. Collagen is also anti-inflammatory which makes it an ideal choice for recovery and protecting joints and bones during and after high impact exercise
#5 Gut Health
Bone broths and collagen have long been recommended as part of digestive support protocols for their rich source of nourishment, as well as anti-inflammatory amino acid content which helps to soothe the digestive lining, support its structure and overall function. Just like our outer skin our inner tissues also depend on collagen as a major structural protein. Damage to our intestinal lining is implicated in many inflammatory conditions so it’s important to provide the body with the nutrients that can support the health of the gut.