So What’s the SCOOP about Collagen? Why Collagen is Beneficial.
Collagen. it’s totally a buzz word at this point, but for VERY good reason. Derived from animal bones, it is the reason bone broth is the queen-bee right now. Since bone broth isn’t the easiest to make and can be a little difficult to get your hands on everyday… this is the easy-peasy way of getting all of the amazing nutrients in a powdered form:
So what exactly is Collagen?
It is the amino-acid made up of proline, glycine, hydroxyproline, and arginine. In simple terms it acts as the glue that holds our bodies together.
Collagen ensures the elasticity and regrowth of your ligaments, skin, joints, and bones.
Collagen makes up 30% of our body’s protein and 70% of our skin’s protein. Since collagen powder is sourced from animals, make sure to look for organic, pasture raised, and grass-fed quality. With anything in life..the better the source = more quality of a product = better benefits. By ingesting the collagen we are spreading the benefits throughout our body, and sending it right to the source. And man let me tell you… the benefits are endless.
Here are a few amazing benefits of collagen:
- Supports healthy skin, nails and hair.
- Strengthens your bones, joint, and ligaments
- Aids in digestion, reduces inflammation and helps heal leaky gut by healing damaged cell walls in your gut
- Packed with protein to give you that extra protein punch in the day
- Loaded with amino acids for organ function
- Balances hormones from the amino acids
- Natural detox for rebuilding cells
- Increases heart health by releasing fat from artery walls
- Aids in sleep from the Glycine which has been said to aid in the brain
A few go-to companies who have done collagen right; Vital Proteins, Great Lakes and Further Foods to name a few. Since it is easily dissolvable in any liquid, it has become a staple in my pantry. I personally use this as my protein powder in my green smoothie every morning since it is a one stop shop for so many benefits. Most servings have anywhere from 11-18g of protein! Some companies make this in pill form or you can make your own capsule for easy on the go benefits.
There are so many ways to use this magic powder. You can add it to…
– a smoothie
– to soup
– your morning tea or coffee
– baked goods (I suggest a paleo type of baked good)
– yogurt (I suggest dairy free of course)
– almond butter
It is no surprise that your body slows its collagen production as you get older, cue the wrinkles and the frail bones. So this addition to your diet should be a no-brainer. There have been topical collagen solutions for years but nothing is better than taking it internally.
Try some of these out consistently… give it about a month and bask in the wonderful benefits!
About the Author
Carly Mearman, from Naturally Carly, is a certified health coach, NASM certified personal trainer and NASM certified weight-loss specialist. She runs her coaching practice Naturally Carly to help women shift their mindset around food and discover tools to reach their goal weight, health, and most importantly maintain healthy habits for life. Originally from New England, Carly relocated to Atlanta 3 years ago and fell in love with the southern culture and fitness scene. You can find her practicing yoga, baking paleo treats, or dancing at a local music show.
You can find her at www.naturallycarly.com
Instagram: @naturally.carly
Facebook: @NaturallyCarly
