About a year ago, I started hearing about collagen peptides on blogs and from other health and fitness resources.  Then one day, I was at a salon and overheard the owner telling another client how it was her go to for great skin.  I’ve always been a big believer of taking care of your body from the inside out – and I was intrigued.  I was also hesitant because there are so many fad products out there that grossly embellish what they actually do (hello, Facebook advertised magnetic eyelashes that DO NOT stick on!).  I decided to look into it to see if it was something that I should try.

What are Collagen peptides? 

from the vital proteins website:

“Collagen peptides are short chain amino acids naturally derived from pasture-raised, grass-fed collagen protein. Unlike gelatin, these peptides are soluble in cold liquids as well as hot. Collagen peptides contain the same amino acids as gelatin which are identical to the protein found in skin, nails, hair, bones, cartilage, and joints. Gluten Free, rBGH Free, Non GMO.”

I’m sure you’ve heard of gelatin (bone broth and powders) as being essential for your health and skin.  However, the difference is that collagen peptides are a highly bio-available form of collagen – meaning that after being metabolized in your body there is more left to circulate throughout your bloodstream.  It is theorized that these collagen peptides can help in the synthesis of new collagen fibers in the body, essentially rebuilding the essential tissues you lose as you age.

Because of their chemical nature and being a smaller molecule, they are also easily dissolvable in cold and hot liquids making them very easy to incorporate into your daily routine (one can only take so many capsules, am i right?).

What are the Benefits of Collagen peptides?

Healthy hair/skin/nails

• Proven to improve skin health and elasticity:  I can truly attest that I have seen my hair grow faster and my nails are actually longer and stronger.  I have also noticed more of a glow in my skin.  [1]  This is a huge accomplishment for me after having 4 kids!

Improved joint/bone health

• Shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain.  It has also been proven effective for treating and preventing injuries in athletes. [2]  I had a bad knee injury a few years ago (thank you mini-van door!) that took months of physical therapy sessions to feel some relief.  I noticed when I stopped taking the collagen (I ran out and had it on my to-do list to order more), I started having some pain there again.  I am taking collagen again and the pain has subsided once more.

GI health

• Increase stomach acid:  to help you better digest food and prevent heartburn and GERD [3]
• Heal stomach ulcers:  the amino acids glycine and proline protect the stomach lining from injury and can prevent ulcers [4]
• Aids in digestion: when eaten with other proteins or carbohydrates, gelatin will help to break down foods for easier digestion [5]; and the gelling power of gelatin also holds water in the intestines where it is needed to help food move smoothly
• Heal and seal the gut lining:  the amino acid glutamine is proven to improve the lining of the intestinal track for good digestion [6]; a strengthening of the intestinal lining helps to prevent food allergies by keeping food from leaching into the bloodstream (aka Leaky Gut syndrome) [7]

Protein

• High amount of protein:  contains 18g per 2 scoop serving.  This is a great substitute for protein shakes which often include other processed items, sugar and dairy.  I once saw a Dr. Oz show where he said the best way to lose and maintain your weight is “30 in 30” meaning consume 30g of protein within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning.  I have noticed when I follow this advice my blood sugar feels more stable throughout the day and I am not having cravings between meals.  The Whole30 also greatly helped with that so stay tuned for my upcoming blog post on that!

 

Now I hope I have shown you some of the benefits of this supplement.  I am hooked!  This is the brand I have been using and highly recommend – shop my commissioned link below by clicking on the picture:

 

cheers to good health,

Jamie

 

 

Sources:

[1] Cosgrove, M.C., Franco, O.H., Granger, S.P., Murray, P.G. and Mayes, A.E. 2007. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 86: 1225-1231.

[2] Wienecke, Elmar. Performance Explosion in Sports: An Anti-doping Concept: Revolutionary New Findings in the Area of Micronutrient Therapy: Training Continuity, Training Optimization, Injury Prevention Through Personalized Micronutrients. Meyer & Meyer Verlag, 2011. ISBN 978-3-89899-652-5;

[3] Richardson, C. T., Walsh, J. H., Hicks, M. I., & Fordtran, J. S. (1976). Studies on the mechanisms of food-stimulated gastric acid secretion in normal human subjects. Journal of Clinical Investigation,58(3), 623-631. doi:10.1172/jci108509

[4] Backing, C. (2006, August 22). “Gelatin Treats Ulcers.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/50126.php.

[5] Broth is Beautiful; Weston A. Price, 2003: http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/why-broth-is-beautiful-essential-roles-for-proline-glycine-and-gelatin/

[6] Lin, M., Zhang, B., Yu, C., Li, J., Zhang, L., Sun, H., . . . Zhou, G. (2014). L-Glutamate Supplementation Improves Small Intestinal Architecture and Enhances the Expressions of Jejunal Mucosa Amino Acid Receptors and Transporters in Weaning Piglets. PLoS ONE,9(11). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0111950

[7] Rapin, J. R., & Wiernsperger, N. (2010). Possible links between intestinal permeablity and food processing: a potential therapeutic niche for glutamine. Clinics,65(6), 635-643. doi:10.1590/s1807-59322010000600012