Collagen is the new “it” supplement. I’ve seen this stuff everywhere. Supermodels are calling it their secret supplement, bloggers are raving about it, and health professionals are using it in their practice. So… whats the sitch with this “in” supplement.
I was scrolling through my insta feed the other day and saw a post from the Balanced Blonde. She had a picture of her coffee with collagen mixed in. Powder in coffee…?? I was immediately intrigued so I did some research on this supplement.
Collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein that accounts for one third of our body. It is a MAJOR “building block” of our bones, connective tissue, skin, nails and joints. It provides structural support, strength, and elasticity. In fact, the Greek work “kólla” means glue. The Greeks know whats up. Because it provides that “glue” for our skin, its important to keep our collagen quantity and quality in tact to avoid deficiency effects like wrinkling.
Collagen can also reduce cellulite and stretch marks – when you lose elasticity, you visibly see more cellulite; thinner skin makes cellulite more evident. But heres the thing, with age, our body’s collagen levels decline and can lead to skin sagging, i.e. wrinking. At younger ages, bodies produce collagen consistently but collagen synthesis declines around age 20. The decline is even more evident for women going through menopause.
Brb while I shed a tear. I’m turning 20 in a week, does this mean I am going to start to get wrinkly?!
As a twenty year old, I wouldn’t think to worry about wrinkling and aging signs. However, as a dietetics major, I have learned about the importance of prevention. Lifestyle habits can be beneficial or harmful for your long term health. Starting healthy habits young can prevent negative external and internal effects, like wrinkling or joint degradation. Don’t we all want to stay forever young like Betty White?? She is a straight up savage!
External factors also influence our collagen levels. High sugar consumption interferes with collagen’s ability to repair itself, smoking chemicals damage collagen and elasticity of the skin, and sunlight damages collagen too. Rigorous workouts also break down collagen so its extra important to replenish collagen through our diets. These are factors that can be controlled by lifestyle choices.
The simplest and most efficient way to boost collagen levels is to eat it. After ingesting collagen, it is absorbed in the small intestine and it goes to our skin via blood stream. By strengthening our collagen, we have better elasticity and hold on to water better.
Score.
Good sources of collagen include: chicken or pork skin, bone broth, and a powder form. The powder form is very popular because it can be easily added to a beverage, smoothie, cereal, baked goods, etc. S/O to the Jordan Younger from the Balanced Blonde who inspired me to try collagen peptides in my morning coffee. Collagen peptides dissolve easily in liquid and you CAN’T taste it! It does add a little consistency to liquids, but nothing really noticeable.
Now, I enjoy a scoop of collagen peptides in my morning coffee.
Two scoops a day keeps the wrinkles away 😉
You can find collagen HERE!
How do you eat your collagen?
xx hails