Have you used hydrolyzed collagen powder before? For those who don’t know what collagen is, how to use it, or are skeptical about this product, this article will provide an overview and will answer all of these questions.
So, let’s begin …
What is Collagen?
In short, collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein found throughout our bodies. Collagen makes up 1/3 of the protein in our bodies. Collagen is found in our bones, skin, cartilage, joints, organs, muscle tissue, nails, hair, and blood vessels. Many may be familiar with the role collagen has in our skin, but collagen is so much more than just a “beauty” product, which we will discuss later on.
The collagen molecule is a complex protein made up of over 1,000 amino acids. Some of the main amino acids in collagen are glycine, alanine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Okay, so what does this all mean?
Why Do We Need Collagen?
Certain amino acids in collagen are beneficial for:
- Strengthening hair, nails, and bones
- A protein source
- Supporting skin elasticity and reducing the signs of aging
- Boosting gut health
- Stabilizing joints
As we age, the cells that produce collagen, known as fibrils, slow down. When we are in our mid 20’s, collagen production decreases by about 1% per year. After age 30, collagen production begins to decrease even more rapidly and by age 45, collagen has decreased by 25% from its peak. By age 60, the collagen production has decreased by half.
Those who are active, are more likely to deplete their collagen production even faster, which is why joint problems are more common in athletes.
As our collagen supply is used, our connective tissues become weaker. This can have many negative effects throughout the body. The most visually apparent effect is on our skin, which begins in the form of wrinkles.
More importantly, our joints become less stable, our tendons and ligaments become weaker and all of these effects can lead to injuries. Our cartilage becomes thinner which can result in joint pains and inflammation. Our bones also lose strength and become more fragile.
In addition to the natural aging process, environmental toxins, pollutants, excessive sun exposure, smoking, excessive drinking, and a poor diet filled with refined sugars and fried foods can also rapidly decrease collagen in our bodies.
Fortunately, collagen is restorable!
How to Get Your Collagen Protein?
When collagen is consumed, it can be converted and re-absorbed back into the body, reversing the ailments caused by collagen deterioration. Collagen stores can be replaced through high quality, 100% grass-fed, clean sourced, highly bioavailable and highly absorbable collagen supplementation.
As far as beauty products go, those that contain collagen will not do much for your overall skin tone. Due to the collagen molecules being too large to break down, your skin will not be able to absorb the collagen. But, there are other ways to absorb collagen.
Natural Sources
Collagen is found naturally only in animals. It is present in animal bones, hides, tendons and ligaments.
Hydrolyzed collagen, is the best form of collagen used for replenishing the body. There is a unique way of how hydrolyzed collagen is made.
The hydrolyzation process breaks down long-chain collagen proteins into smaller chains which are then called collagen peptides. This is also known as hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen contains high amounts of amino acids that boost cell growth and reproduction in the skin, nails, connective tissues, ligaments, cartilage and so on.
Collagen also improves digestion, reduces inflammation, heals intestinal lining, and strengthens the digestive system as a whole.
Having an abundant collagen supply in the body benefits athletic performance as well by increasing endurance, reducing wear and tear caused by motion, and reducing the likelihood of injury.
How to Use Hydrolyzed Collagen
When you purchase hydrolyzed collagen, the container will indicate how much to use and will usually contain a small scooper inside. Be sure to do your research before purchasing.
You want to find a very high-quality form like this one or this one for example. Hydrolyzed collagen powder is easily dissolved in both hot and cold drinks. Try adding it to your smoothies, teas, coffee, or whatever drink of choice. Water might not be the best-tasting choice, but you are free to do you.
Do you use hydrolyzed collagen? What are your thoughts?
