Collagen Powder: Easy To Take + Big Benefits
This is a winning formula.
The question here isnt how do I take collagen powder? Its, how do you not take collagen powder? Its too easy.
As weve detailed here, collagen powder can go in pretty much everything and collagens benefits are undeniable.
Wed even love to see a microbrewery seriously attempt a Collagen Beer now THAT would be pretty awesome .
Play around with collagen powder and experiment collagen is versatile. Your health will thank you for it!
When Should I Take Collagen Morning Or Night
Timing for collagen supplements depends on the reason you are taking them. If you have experienced gases or gut issues with these supplements, it is best to have them in the morning blended in with your smoothies or in a cup of coffee. If you want a good night sleep, you can take it at night with a glass of milk.
How Do I Get More Collagen
The major caveat is that all collagen and gelatin come from animal sources, so unfortunately it is not vegan friendly. Bone broth powder is the best way to get collagen in its whole food form. It is full of collagen protein and electrolytes.
With that out of the way, Id recommend getting collagen from food sources first, supplements second. You get maximum health benefits from collagen in whole food form. For food sources you need to think about eating nose to tail. It is the way nature intended us to consume animals.
Bone broth, skin, bones of small fish and organ meats are great collagen sources. Skin and organ meats may sound weird to you. That is okay.
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Who Should Take Collagen Protein
Compared to other dietary proteins even high-quality, complete protein sources like whey protein collagen protein offers unique benefits.
Based on current scientific research, here are the best reasons to consider taking hydrolyzed collagen:
If youre still on the fence as to whether collagen protein powder is right for you, or want to learn more about how it might benefit you, check out What Is Hydrolyzed Collagen? Plus 7 Proven Benefits
When Should I Consider Taking More Vs Less Collagen
You may want to consider taking more if you notice that your skin and nails arent looking as strong and lustrous they used to. You can also combine higher amounts of collagen with whey protein if youre trying to build muscle, or if youre working out extra hard and want to keep the inflammation in your joints at bay.
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What Are The Benefits Of Collagen
The potential benefits of collagen include:
Collagen For Blood Sugar Control And Heart Health
Approximately 8% of Canadians suffer from diagnosed diabetes. 90% of that is type 2. Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle and environmental factors .
Research suggests that glycine taken with meals can help control insulin and blood sugar .
Whats cool is that when you have high glycine levels in your body, you are less likely to be obese or have insulin resistance .
Glycine also helps you stabilize blood sugar. Taking one serving of collagen in the morning stabilizes blood sugar .
Glycine seems to make our bodies more efficient with glucose. It does this by releasing gut hormone to help digest glucose more efficiently.
Also, collagen and glycine helps to balance out methionine intake. Muscle meats like steak and chicken breast are high in methionine.
Methionine is inflammatory and expedites aging .
Glycine helps to reduce the inflammatory effects of methionine . The more animal protein you eat, the more collagen you need to balance out methionine.
For more on controlling blood sugar, read about apple cider vinegar.
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Collagen Peptides: How Much Should I Take Per Day
How much collagen should you take per day? The answer depends on your goals. For a glowing complexion, strengthening joints and bone, or reducing cellulite, a simple 11-gram scoop once a day will do the trick. For building muscle, 1 1/2 scoops per day is a great place to start.
Read on to find out more your optimal dose, the best times to take collagen, and who should avoid it.
In this article you will learn:
At What Age Should You Take Collagen
What age should you take collagen supplements? Collagen can be helpful at any age. But since aging effects start to show later in life, it is recommended that collagen is supplemented starting in early the 20s. If you have a demanding lifestyle, you may find that the signs of aging can catch up with you more rapidly.
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Diversify How You Take Collagen Powder
Rather than debating which option is best, you should instead focus on diversity.
If youre taking 2-4 scoops daily , then youll probably need a few different ways to ensure youre hitting your awesome collagen powder quota. Diversity will help you be consistent with your collagen consumption.
If you enjoy taking your collagen powder, youll probably continue to take it!Captain Obvious
Also, remember that you can cook with collagen without losing its nutritional value So, youre limited here by your culinary skills.
Better Nutritions Insider Supplement Tips On Collagen
We interviewed a few experts in the field of collagen and collagen boosters and heres what they had to say:
- Most forms of collagen sold in supplements are relatively the same, with slight variations in amino acid profiles. The most common forms used in supplements are types 1, 2, and 3. However, proprietary forms of collagen are different in that they contain a patented combination of nutrients. For example, BioCell Collagen is a blend of hydrolyzed collagen type 2, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid.
- For optimal absorption, use 100% hydrolyzed collagen, not partially hydrolyzed. Non-hydrolyzed collagen can be effective as well, but appears to work in a different way than hydrolyzed forms. UC-II is a form of non-hydrolyzed collagen that has been clinically shown to improve joint health and joint mobility.
- Its often recommended to take collagen on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. However, researchers we spoke to believe collagen is equally effective when taken with food, and positive clinical studies support this.
- There are no known side effects of collagen, and it can be safely combined with other nutrients and drugs. One caveat: People on a low-protein diet for medical reasons may want to avoid collagen supplements or at least speak with their physicians before taking collagen.
- Use supplements that support your bodys synthesis of collagen: Vitamin C, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, biotin, and silicon .
Nicole Brechka
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Benefits Of Collagen That Will Change Your Perspective
For years naysayers disregarded collagens nutritional merit, citing its poor amino acid profile. In reality, there are many unique health benefits of collagen that no one is talking about.
Some still think collagen is a low quality protein source with little upside. Incomplete proteins lack the balance of amino acids needed to make them complete, leaving them less effective for building muscle.
If youre interested in building muscle, this article are not for you. However, if you care living a long, pain free and productive life, read because these collagen benefits are fascinating.
Ill explain how conventional thinking about protein misses the point with respect to collagen.
Benefits Of Taking Collagen
There are so many benefits of taking collagen from shiny hair, strong nails, glowing skin, and strong joints. Experts also suggest that taking collagen regularly can relieve any joint pain, boost muscle mass, and prevent bone loss. Additionally, taking collagen promotes heart, gut, and brain health and it can aid in weight loss. Some people who take collage reported improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxieties.
There are so many reasons to start taking collagen, from overall physical health to glowing skin and strong nails.
The easiest thing is that most collagen products on the market can be added to all kinds of beverages and foods. It can be taken with water, coffee, or any food. Some collagen products can be taken with hot or cold beverages while others can be taken only with hot beverages. The best thing is to check the packaging and instructions to see how the collagen supplement of your choice can be taken.
Should I Take Collagen on an Empty Stomach
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Can You Take Too Much Collagen
Collagen peptides are extremely safe and you should feel comfortable taking about 1-3 scoops per day to support strong and healthy hair, skin, nails, and joints. Take it along with other protein supplements like whey, plant protein powder, and food-based proteins for a complete array of amino acids and other nutrients.
Do keep in mind: anytime you consume more food than your body has the enzymes to process, you may notice some digestive discomfort like gas or bloating. If this happens at a higher dose of collagen peptides, just scale back and slowly build up to your ideal dose. Some people notice that they feel thirstier when they consume more protein. Listen to your body, and drink extra water if you need to.
Should Collagen Be Taken With Or Without Food
Collagen supplements can be taken with or without food. Again, please always check the instructions to have full information on how the collagen supplements of your choice can be taken for the best benefits.
The preferred method of taking collagen is with hot or cold beverages. If you take collagen with coffee, it wont reduce the benefits of collagen and it shouldnt have any effects on the taste of your morning coffee. Whats great about collagen is that it can be dissolved in hot or cold liquids. Try to mix it with your best beverages to see what works for you is the best approach.
If you find the best way to take your daily dose of collagen you will enjoy it the most and take it consistently. Find what works for you, morning coffee, smoothie, or tea before bedtime.
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Collagen Benefits Your Skin But Theres A Catch
There’s always a catch!
As we age, our natural collagen production decreases leading to a gradual deterioration of our hair, skin, teeth and nails. You see this visibly in wrinkled skin or osteoporosis.
Collagen got its fame as a nonsurgical remedy in the beauty and health scene for combating wrinkles.
It is thought to do this by forming fibroblasts which facilitate the growth of new cells . This helps replace dead skin with new youthful skin.
The catch is that no research shows the beneficial effects of collagen in topical form. Let that sink in for a second.
Why is this the case? Collagen molecules are too large for your skin to absorb them, rendering collagen based skin care products useless . Your money is better directed elsewhere as there are no benefits.
Luckily, there are health benefits when you eat collagen. Through a collagen rich diet youll improve your skins appearance from the inside and out.
Theres a growing stack of research showing an increase in skin elasticity from collagen supplementation after eight weeks .
Skin elasticity sounds fancy, but what is really going on here? Skin elasticity is increased by repairing damaged collagen fibers, increasing collagen content and restoring the ratio of type 1 to type 3 collagen in chronically aged skin .
Replacing damaged collagen fibers with new collagen is what restores your skins hydration status. You develop an abundance of connective tissue making your skin appear more smooth and supple.
What Is Vitamin C 500mg Good For
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. Its involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the proper functioning of the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
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Best Way To Drink Collagen Powder
Im sold on consuming collagen via liquids, so whats the best way to drink collagen powder?
So youre a liquids kind of guy/gal fair enough.
Weve mentioned a handful of ways of drinking collagen above. If these options resonated most with you, then drinking your collagen might be the best option for you. Certainly put your collagen powder in these liquids:
- Smoothies & Shakes
- Pasta/Rice
Is It Better To Take Collagen In The Morning Or At Night
It is claimed that collagen is more effective at night because our bodies are naturally recovering after sleep. In contrast, collagen supplements seem to work equally well when taken at night or in the morning. You can do it on the go. You can take collagen on-the-go and drink it whenever you want, no matter what your schedule is like.
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What Is The Correct Collagen Peptides Dose To Take
As we mentioned, there are no scientific studies that determine the best time to take your collagen supplement. Right now, scientists don’t see a correlation between collagen effectiveness and when you ingest it.
What scientists have seemingly proven is that there are minimal doses for effectiveness. They include:
-
2.5g is the minimum dose for those who want to ease joint pain and improve skin health and hydration.
Common Claims & Myths
Now that you know science doesnt prove or disprove the ideal time to take collagen, lets address some myths quickly. Heres a shortlist of some common claims:
OK, the last one is made up. And I could keep going. But, you get it.
Collagen is awesome, no doubt, but these are all bogus claims with no evidence. Well continue peeling back this onion to understand these conversations better. Fun fact: collagen is NOT found in onions .
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Where Collagen Fits In
So what about collagen? Is collagen a medication?
The definition of “medication” is quite broad. If someone is chronically dehydrated and you give them water, water is being used as a medical treatment and is, in this context, a medication. Herbal remedies can be considered medications when they’re completely natural. Conversely, many medications are just an ingredient found in nature, extracted, refined, and concentrated to increase its effects while decreasing the chances of interactions or side effects.
Collagen is a protein. Proteins are large and complex molecules that serve a wide variety of purposes throughout the body.
- Antibodies are proteins that are formulated to bind to specific invaders, like viruses or bacteria, to stimulate the immune system into attacking them.
- Enzymes are proteins that induce chemical reactions that break down molecules and reform them into other molecules.
- Messengers are proteins that carry messages from one place in the body to another hormones are a type of messenger protein.
These are just some of the varieties of proteins active in your body at any given time. As you can see, it’s still an extremely broad category.
Collagen is a type of structural protein. We talk about it as the “scaffold” upon which your skin is built, but it’s really more of a frame. If you think of a house, the studs, joists, and rafters would all be the collagen, upon which the other ingredients like the insulation, wiring, and siding are all placed.
Take Collagen With An Empty Stomach
To get the most out of the collage, take it during an empty stomach.
The reasoning behind this is that if you take collagen along with food or when your stomach is still full with food, your body will absorb the food nutrients and therefore cannot absorb collagen as much.
The most optimal times to take collagen are before bed or immediately after waking up because these are times when your stomach is still empty. Also, the collagen can be absorbed without being destroyed by stomach acid.
If it is inconvenient for you to take collagen with an empty stomach then it is recommended to wait 2 3 hours after you have eaten to get the best results. The most important thing is to take collagen consistently everyday!
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When Is The Best Time To Take Collagen
Some swear by taking collagen in the morning while your stomach is empty to maximize absorption. Others swear by taking it at night so your body has ample time to process the collagen while you sleep. To date, there has been no conclusive evidence that taking collagen at a certain time of day provides the best results, so take it when you like!