Before diving into the benefits of collagen, let’s refresh on what collagen is: Collagen is the vital building block of our bodies. It represents almost 30 percent of human protein.
Much like a scaffolding for our joints and tissues, it is comprised of three chains wound together in a tight, triple helix. Each chain is composed of amino acids including glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are what make collagen a unique type of protein.
When it comes to our organs, keeping their connective tissue in-place is very important for our health. Most organs have a submucosal lining made of connective tissue that gives them support. The primary function of connective tissue is to “glue” other tissues together and support their structure. Collagen ensures this function by aggregating with other collagen molecules to form a triple helix structure called a fibril.
Collagen fibrils are strong enough to help connective tissue bind other tissues together, keep organs in place, and give them a fibrous “skeleton” for support. It is therefore very beneficial then to support and maintain healthy collagen levels. Unfortunately, we lose collagen as we age. Signs of collagen loss include sagging skin, weak ligaments or joints, thinning hair or loss of muscle mass. To help avoid this, it’s important to include collagen in your diet and/or supplementation routine.
How does Collagen work?
Collagen supplementation can help benefit the body in many ways, however the two most important include: It supplies the body with essential amino acids which come with a variety of benefits such as supporting our gut intestinal lining, to promoting more youthful looking skin. The second is due to collagen’s bioactivity. Like messengers to our cells, collagen steers the synthesis and reorganization of new collagen fibers, therefore supporting skin, bone and tissues.
With consumption of collagen then, you are ensuring your body reaps its key benefits, and you are supporting your body with important building blocks.
What are the benefits of taking Collagen?
There are two important reasons why adding collagen peptides to our diet can be beneficial for our health:
First and foremost, as we age, we lose the ability to produce collagen. It’s believed this decline in collagen production begins at around the age of 25.
The second reason is due to the fact our dietary patterns have changed over the years. Centuries ago, humans used to eat a diet which included the most collagen-rich parts of animal protein such as the bones, organs and tendons, broths and so-forth. As the majority of us no longer consume these collagen-rich components of animal proteins and/or have shifted to be more plant-based, our diet doesn’t contain much in the way of collagen, thereby making collagen supplementation an easy way to reap its healthy benefits.
Signs of collagen depletion include increased lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, joint issues and decline in mobility. Which is why adding a collagen supplement can be so beneficial for our health today, and years to come.
The different types of Collagen
Research has shown there’s at least 16 different types of collagen within the human body. These include collagen types 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10. The vast majority of collagen – between 80 to 90 percent consist of types 1, 2 and 3. Depending on the source of collagen, whether animal such bovine or chicken or marine, the benefits will vary, but include supporting joints and ligaments, skin and nails, as well as a stronger gut barrier lining.
When it comes to the sources of collagen we get from our diets, the main sources include beef, chicken, fish and egg shell membranes. Inside our Collagen+ MCT Oil we included grass-fed, hormone-free Bovine Collagen.
Why did we include this type of Collagen?
Bovine collagen comes from cows, specifically from their skin, bones and muscles. It’s made of mostly types 1 and 3 collagen, among the most abundant types created and found in the human body. Bovine collagen provides a rich supply of glycine and proline, and can be useful for creatine production, building and maintaining muscle, as well as helping the body make its own collagen.
Why adding a Collagen supplement is a smart choice
As outlined earlier, we naturally lose collagen as we age. Because of its important role in maintaining the ‘glue’ which supports our tissues, as well as how it benefits our skin, joints and gut among others, getting adequate collagen is important for our health and longevity.
Due to our changing dietary patterns, many of us fall short of consuming adequate collagen which makes supplementation a wise choice. By simply adding 1 or 2 servings of collagen daily, you can reap its benefits without having to purchase or prepare animal skin, bones or muscles into a broth for example– but rather enjoy an easy-to-consume collagen powder which can be added to any liquid such as coffee or tea, as well as in foods such as yogurt or baking.
Collagen for any lifestyle
Whether you are following a Paleo or Keto diet or want to avoid consuming common allergens such as dairy, gluten or corn, our Collagen+ MCT Oil formula fits all of the above! The collagen we use is bovine, grass-fed sourced with no added hormones. Our formula is also free of any suspect fillers and contains no gluten, dairy or corn.
To provide ease of use, our Collagen+ MCT Oil is also easy to blend into any liquid, yogurt or baking. The powder can be mixed using a spoon or frother and dissolves nicely without requiring a blender. And because our collagenhas been enhanced with MCT and Coconut Milk powder, you get a creamy tasty and texture too – with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Is it safe to take Collagen every day?
At feed that brain, our mission is to help you elevate your health with ease and zero complication. Any formula we make, you can trust is going to be safe and effective. This includes our Collagen+ MCT Oil powders. They are designed for daily usage with the purest of functional ingredients so you can enjoy with ease, knowing you are supporting your health with nutrients that feed your brain – and body - the very best.
Now that you have all the intel on collagen, why not try adding it to your daily regime today to see and feel its benefits?!
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended for use as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplement.
By: Feed That Brain