Collagen protein supplementation provides some interesting benefits with regard to skin health and weight loss.  Primally Inspired does a wonderful job of explaining these benefits and how and why you should be taking collagen protein supplements.  Studies may show that collagen peptides have a positive effect on skin elasticity and skin moisture leading to an overall more youthful appearance.  To learn more click here.

Gelatin, which is cooked collagen, is a true superfood! I’ve been singing the praises of collagen and gelatin protein for years. I think it’s one of the best things you can incorporate in your diet. The benefits range from reducing wrinkles, healing your gut, building strong bones, helping joint pain and so much more.

Do I Need Collagen Supplementation?

As we age, the amount of collagen in our body decreases. By age 25, collagen levels are decreased at a rate of 1.5% a year. By age 40, collagen is depleted faster than it is produced! And by age 60, over half of the body’s collagen has been depleted.

And collagen is what holds us together! It’s found in skin, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, muscles, bone tissue, blood vessels, intervertebral discs, gastrointestinal tract, and even in the cornea of the eye.

Collagen is one of the few supplements I believe everyone should add to their diet. From more youthful looking skin to reducing inflammation and healing your gut, collagen is a true nutritional powerhouse.

6 Benefits of Collagen Supplementation

1. Digestive Aid

Collagen soothes and heals the digestive tract and helps repair the mucous lining. It also helps break down the protein and fat from foods, making them easier for the body to digest.

To help with digestion, before meals, add 1 scoop of collagen peptides  to your beverage. Doing so will increase protein absorption and hydrochloric acid production. It will also help heal your digestive tract.

2. Skin Health

Some doctors refer to collagen as the new anti-aging product of the century and I have to agree! It ensures cohesion, elasticity, and regeneration of the skin. Collagen is primarily composed of the amino acids glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxyproline. These particular amino acids are shown to reduce the signs of aging. Clinical research has shown that Vital Protein’s Collagen promotes younger looking skin, improves skin moisture level, improves skin smoothness, improves the signs of deep wrinkles and improves skin suppleness.(source)

To maximize skin benefits, drink this green tea frappuccino and add in 1-2 scoops of collagen peptides. Drink at least 3-4 times a week. I drink this daily for maximum skin benefits!

3. Weight Loss 

Collagen is a great source of protein and provides 18 grams of protein per 2 scoops! Studies show that collagen peptides consumed at breakfast are 40% more satiating than other proteins (such as whey or soy) and correlate to a 20% reduction of food intake at lunch. (source)

4. Joint and Bone Health 

The amino acids in collagen, gylcine and proline, repair tissue, lessen inflammation and provide relief from joint pain, similar to taking cortisone or ibuprofen. The glycine also speeds wound healing, helps stiff joints and promotes recovery. Another more recent study assessed the efficiency of collagen peptides in a randomized, double blind, controlled multicenter trial, in which 250 subjects with primary osteoarthritis of the knee were given 10g of collagen peptides daily. The results showed a significant improvement in knee joint comfort, and again subjects with the greatest joint deterioration benefited most. (source)

Several studies also show that supplementing with collagen builds bone density. Collagen peptides stimulate osteoblasts, which are the cells responsible for bone formation. (source)

The specific amino acids, primarily glycine and proline help repair tissue, lessen inflammation, shortens recovery after exercise and helps with sports related injuries.Supplementation with collagen peptides showed a reduction of risk for injuries on muscle, tendons, and ligaments in athletes.  Also the glycine and arginine content in collagen aids athletic performance and help maintain and restore muscle mass. Arginine stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, which is known to increase muscle mass and that may explain the performance gains. (source)

 6. Sleep Tonic

Glycine plays an important role in the neurotransmitters within the brain. Recent research shows that glycine improves sleep quality who have difficulty sleeping. Ingesting collagen improves sleep quality but it also helps reduce daytime sleepiness and helps improve memory during waking hours.

If you could use some help getting better sleep, try this bed time sleep tonic: Mix 1 tablespoon collagen peptides with chamomile tea an hour before bed. Chamomile further helps sleep and relaxation, so this bedtime tonic works extremely well!

Credits:

Vital Proteins

Primally Inspired

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