March 04, 2020

How to Use Collagen Powder

Overview

Collagen is one of the simplest, yet most effective, supplements available in the health and wellness world today. It has a wide range of benefits that promote healing both inside the body and on the outside as well. One of the many great things about collagen is that there are no known side effects, and it can help with issues like dull, lackluster skin, joint pain, weak connective tissues, and so much more. It comes in several varieties, which we will discuss later in the article. There are options for many different diets and dietary restrictions, such as keto and pescatarian. As we age, our collagen production starts to steadily decline. The less collagen we produce, the more issues we may encounter with our bodies. Production declines by around 1% per year after we reach our 20's, which means it's essential that we incorporate more foods with collagen in them, as well as dietary supplements that will promote collagen production and repair damage. Whether you want to improve your skin health, promote weight loss, or repair your joint health, collagen can help. This supplement most typically comes in a powder form, for which there are many ways to take it. Read on to find out how to use collagen powder, and more information about collagen in general.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is formed through chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for various functions. Amino acids such as proline and glycine are considered essential, and collagen could not be formed without them. Collagen is found in your joints, connective tissues, bones, and skin. It's part of what helps with skin elasticity, and acts as a cushion for your joints and bones. It's known as a structural protein, because it acts as the foundation for ligaments and skin. A good way to think of it is as though it's a glue for your body. It holds things together. There are four main types of collagen, which are: Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV. Type I and Type II are what most supplements are made of. Type I is a protein and helps form our bones, skin, and other tissues. It’s also the most abundant type of collagen found in the human body. It’s the strongest type, meaning it works the most effectively to heal and rebuild in your body. Type II collagen is found in the body’s cartilage. This means that it is used to support joint and connective tissue health. Type III is similar to Type I, and is largely found in our skin and organs. It’s the second most abundant type of collagen in your body. Both Type I and Type III help with elasticity in the skin and gut support. Type IV is found in the layers of your skin, and helps with filtration that occurs in these layers. Collagen supplements are formed from animal collagen, which uses the skin or connective tissues. For this reason, it is not vegan.

What kinds of collagen supplements are available?

As we previously mentioned, there are several collagen supplements available. The difference really just comes down to preference, but besides that some are broken down in different ways and easier to digest, and some have cleaner formulas. Here are a few varieties of supplements you can find it most health food and grocery stores: collagen protein, collagen peptides, collagen powder, hydrolyzed collagen, and collagen pills. Besides these varieties, collagen also comes in a few different types. These types are bovine, porcine, chicken, and marine. The benefits of collagen, no matter the type, are all pretty similar. However, marine collagen is typically regarded as the best for its beauty-boosting ingredients, as well as its ability to strengthen the connective tissues and help heal the gut. It's important to buy the cleanest supplement you can find, especially because it contains animal products. Land animals such as chicken, pigs, and cows have a higher possibility of contamination from things like hormones and chemicals. If you do choose one of these types of collagen, make sure it's grass-fed, organic, or non-gmo. Marine collagen that is wild-caught is the safest and healthiest choice you can make when it comes to a collagen supplement. There is the least amount of opportunity for any contamination this way. Regardless of which type you choose, also check the ingredients of the supplement. You should try and find one that has no additives and is unflavored. Flavored supplements are often hiding extra sugar, which hinders the effectiveness of collagen. Another supplement that is different than the typical powders and pills is our Kalumi BEAUTYfood bars. It's easy and convenient to just grab a bar and go. Small enough for a snack, yet filling enough for a meal replacement, they're perfect for traveling or throwing in your purse. They contain 8 grams of wild-caught, hydrolyzed marine collagen, and 11-13 grams of protein. They also contain superfood ingredients that may help promote natural collagen production like sweet potatoes and cocoa butter.

What are some recipes that use collagen?

There are so many ways you can use collagen, especially in the powdered form. It mixes perfectly into hot or cold liquids. In the morning, try adding your daily dose of collagen to your coffee or tea. If you're looking for something more filling, you can make collagen promoting smoothie. Simply add your daily dose of collagen, and blend it together with protein-packed nut milk, avocado for healthy fats and extra protein, and fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Try spinach and blueberries for a huge boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Bone broth is another great recipe that already contains collagen, and you can add your own collagen for an even greater boost. It's simple to make, but it will take a few hours, and some people even let it simmer overnight. You will need organic chicken or beef bones, seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and ginger, or anything else you want to add. There are endless possibilities for making it. You will simmer these things together for as long as you can, allowing it to simmer overnight if needed. It's great for making a huge batch that can stay in the fridge for a few days, or the freezer for a few months. Another recipe for using collagen supplements is healthy cookies or other baked goods. Try making them without added sugar, and using as many clean ingredients as possible. Then you simply add in your collagen powder and bake it like normal. A great thing about collagen is that you can really add it to any recipe you like. It won't have an effect on the flavor or texture of the dish.