How This Nourishes Your Body

Everyone seems to be talking about collagen, the question is, is it just a fad or truly good for you?

Let’s explore and find out:

Benefits of Collagen Powder

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It’s found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. It’s what helps give our skin strength and elasticity, along with replacing dead skin cells. When it comes to our joints and tendons, in simplest terms, it’s the “glue” that helps hold the body together.

Collagen features bioavailable amino acids that many are not getting through our diet that assist in cellular rejuvenation and provide the building blocks necessary for hormones and neurotransmitters.

It has been shown to support healthy skin, hair, nails, digestion, and joints.

Different Types of Collagen

This is what most people don’t know. There are different types of collagen, types I, II, III, V, X

The different types of collagen come from different sources:

• Bovine (cow or beef) collagen: Bovine collagen comes from cows.  It’s made of mostly types 1 and 3 collagen, which is a good fit considering these are the most abundant types created and found in the human body. It’s a rich supply of glycine and proline, and therefore useful for creatine production, building muscle and also helping the body make its own collagen.
• Chicken collagen: The type of collagen most abundant in chicken collagen is type 2, which is best for building cartilage. This makes it beneficial for joint health, especially since this source also provides chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate — both of which have anti-aging effects.
• Fish collagen: Collagen derived from fish has been found to be easily absorbed and provide mostly type 1 collagen, with the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline known for its anti-aging effects.
• Eggshell membrane collagen: Egg collagen, found in the shells and whites of eggs, contains mostly type 1 collagen. It provides glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and various amino acids.

MOST collagen supplements on the market contain only one type of collagen from one source, most often Bovine.

Where to Buy Collagen

When looking for a collagen supplement to take, quality and source really matter. These are the collagen supplements I have come to love.

There are different options depending on what your goals are.

Multi Collagen Protein

This is my go-to for the most effective and therapeutic collagen. If you are looking for real results with your hair/gut, I would take this. Most collagen supplements only contain collagen from one source, usually cow. This specific collagen contains 5 types of collagen (from fish, chicken, cow, and egg) which provide the body a therapeutic treatment of collagen. This stuff is GOLD, trust me.

If you are looking to therapeutically treat your hair, joints, and gut, this is for you. This is the only collagen source I have found so far that contains 5 different types of collagen AND is sourced and produced properly.

You can fun this Multi-collagen here.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

A well-sourced and processed brand of collagen. They also just came out with different flavors which are delicious. This is a great source of type I and III collagen from bovine that will benefit your hair, skin, and joints.

If you are looking for collagen that is flavored as well as fun things like collagen beauty water, collagen coconut milk creamer, or collagen mixed with other powders, this is for you.

You can find Vital Proteins Collagen here.

Great Lakes Collagen

This is the most affordable source of collagen that is still high quality. It’s just like vital proteins, sourced from quality bovine. I like to have a large can of this on hand for the collagen I throw into recipes as it is inexpensive.

The only difference between this and Vital Proteins is that Great Lakes is just pure collagen, nothing added. No fun flavors/other nutritional add-ins.

This is for you if you just want pure quality collagen to put in your coffee or smoothie each morning without any other flavorings.

You can find Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate Beef Here.

Worth the Hype?

Although collagen is super trendy right now, it’s because it works.

If nothing else, it is an excellent protein to keep on hand that will provide you with easy to digest amino acids that aid in the production of neurotransmitters and hormones.

I personally have noticed a huge difference in my hair, skin, nails, and muscle tone since consuming collagen every day.

 Remember, you want to get multiple sources of collagen to experience the most benefits!

How to Use Collagen

What I love about collagen is how easy it is to add to ANYTHING for an instant nutritional boost.

Really. I throw it in everything.

• smoothies/shakes
• water
• homemade gummy bears
• soups
• oatmeal
• bread, cookies, muffins
• chocolate

Kids and Collagen

Collagen is a life saver for getting an easily digestible protein that promotes gut health in my daughter.

• I throw it in her smoothies/veggie blends
• I make a veggie flatbread
• I make healthy gummies/smoothie bites

Smoothie Bites Mentioned in Video

I don’t measure anything, and I change the ingredients up each time, but here is an estimate. Type A people, you are not going to like this description;) You can’t really mess it up though so just experiment.

• 1.5 – 2 cups fruit (I like apples and berries)
• a handful or two of sprouted seeds (hemp, chia, sunflower, pumpkin)
• 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil or coconut butter
• 2 cups water
• 4 tablespoons gelatin (collagen that makes things gel)

1. Blend all together
2. Pour in pot
3. Sprinkle gelatin over mixture
4. Let sit for 3-5 minutes
5. Dissolve gelatin over low heat until mixture has no chunks in it
6. Pour mixture into ice cube molds
7. Let sit in refrigerate until set

Flat Bread Mentioned in Video

I will work on getting a recipe for this as I never measure anything, so again, an estimate:

• 1 large cup bananas (2-3 small), cooked sweet potato, pumpkin, or squash
• 1 medium zucchini
• large handful of mixed greens
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee
• handful seeds (hemp, chia, sunflower, pumpkin)
• 2 large tablespoons coconut flour
• 2 tablespoons collagen

1. Blend all ingredients together
2. Spread batter onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper
3. Cook at 350 for about 10 minutes (this is an estimate, keep watching to make sure it does not burn)

Check out the recipes I have using collagen —>