Why You Should be Consuming Collagen

Man oh man it sure has been a while since I’ve really done anything blog-related. My last post was about staying disciplined when you work from home. Wanna reeeeally know how to stay disciplined working from home? Be so freaking busy that you have no choice but to only look up from your computer once ever 10 hrs.

That’s how.

So yes, life has been a little crazy around here. Tyler was gone for 6 weeks leaving Lily and I to pack up the house, I had a little trip mixed in there, work has been super busy (good busy!), we’ve now moved to Halifax…. Like, just a lot. All at once. I tried to stay as healthy as I could be but of course, my diet, my skin, my sleep… it’s all been suffering.

Right now I’m really trying to get everything back on track and just give myself a little selfceare, ya know? Relaxing (we finally got a couch 2 days ago!), drinking lots of water (and coffee) and just trying to eat really clean.

And of course, collagen comes into play with all this! I mean, that’s why we’re hear reading this, right? Like I said, my skin is really needing all the love it can get right now. I’m going through my vitamin c serum like crazy, reapplying moisturizer, apply my chilled eye roller all day long, and slipping some collagen into all my sips.

 

Another thing to add to my smoothies!?

Yes. Another thing to add to your smoothies. If you’ve been reading for a while, you’ll know I find it comical how many things we’re adding to our food without really understanding why. Because Instagram told us to.

And I’m sure you’ve all seen collagen being talked about EVERYWHERE. This is for very good reason. (Hello beauty benefits!) So keep reading.

 

 

WTF Is Collagen?

Simply put, collagen is the main structural protein found in skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. It’s actually the most abundant protein in the human body.

With age, collagen production declines (boo000!). And of course, things like too much UV light and smoking, can cause this decline in production to move at a more rapid rate.

FACT: Because the molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin, cosmetic products that claim to contain collagen, are unlikely to do much for your skin.

 

Chicken or Fish?

If you’ve ever shopped for collagen, you’ll know it can seem a little overwhelming at first. Marine collagen? Beef? What’s the difference? How am I suppose to choose? Does one work better than the other?

Here’s how you choose: Whatever the hell you want! Maybe you don’t eat meat other than seafood and want to go with marine. Maybe the one in the pink jar matches your instagram feed… go for it! Ultimately, IT. DOES. NOT. MATTER.  The ratio and concentration of amino acids may vary from cow to chicken to fish, but structurally, all collagen is the same.

You may see a container of collagen say “Hydrolyzed”. What this means is cold enzymes were added to the protein to break it down, making it easier to absorb.

Currently, there has been no vegan source found to provide collagen supplements, but keep reading to learn how you can still boost collagen production as a vegan…

 

Most Importantly – Why are we consuming this?

We’re not spending $$$ on this stuff for nothing! Here is why you’re seeing it all over your social media feeds:

Collagen Beauty Benefits:

• Promotes skin elasticity
• Promotes glowy, vibrant skin (yes, please!)
• Benefits skin hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines
• Increases strength of nails
• Stimulates hair and nails to grow

Collagen Body Benefits:

• Protects organs
• Can reduce GI Inflammation, improving digestion
• Provides structure to joints and tendons
• Helps to relieve joint pain by reducing inflammation
• Helps to increase bone density
• May reduce risk of bone disorders

Some say it can even improve your mood and reduce anxiety!

 

And how exactly do I get this in me?

Supplements – One of the most effective ways. I’ve been using Vital Proteins – I love how they have so many flavours.

Here’s how I use them:
Marine Collagen, Unflavoured – In my coffee, with a little unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Beauty Water, Strawberry Lemon – I get the single packs so I can take them with me wherever I go. I add to a glass of ice water with an extra squeeze of lemon
Collagen Peptides, Mixed Berry – SO good in this #Fab4 PB&J Smoothie

Bone Broth – Delicious and great for gut health. Be consuming this anyways!

Animals connective tissue – As gross as that sounds. So basically, the skin.

 For Vegans?

Yes you can still help to boost your collagen production if you don’t go anywhere near living creatures.

Green Tea – Helps to stimulate collagen production

Aloe Vera – Increases production when it’s applied to the skin OR taken orally

Vitamin C rich foods and foods rich in amino acids increase levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen – Oranges, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, cilantro!, and  leafy greens

 

Can it do any harm?

Currently, there are no known side effects of using collagen. Some say it can potentially cause heartburn if that’s something you’re prone to. And otherwise, the only side effects known are allergies to the sources, like, if you’re allergic to shellfish, maybe stay away from marine collagen.

But of course, if you have any medical conditions, you should definitely talk to your doc first before using any supplements!

 

Alrighty, I’m back to sipping my coffee and collagen now! HOW DO YOU LIKE TO INCORPORATE COLLAGEN? Tell me in the comments below!