Is Collagen a Protein?

Overview

You've no doubt heard of collagen by now, as it's a supplement that is taking the health, wellness, and beauty world by storm. Collagen supplements are currently one of the most common and popular supplements available. We have collagen within our bodies already, and supplements help to boost it. But what exactly is it? It comes in several varieties and types, and is derived from a few different animals. It's a supplement, it's naturally occurring in our bodies, and, it's a protein. That's collagen in a nutshell- but there's a lot more to it than that. It's a versatile supplement, with several health benefits that address a wide variety of issues and concerns. It works for many different diets, like keto and pescatarian. However, it is not vegan because it is derived from animals. Collagen supplementation is great for things like joint pain, skin elasticity, increased muscle mass, bone health, and overall skin health. As we mentioned, there are different types of collagen. There's type I, type II, type III, type IV, and type X, which are the most common. The type simply refers to where the collagen comes from (tendons, joints, connective tissues, etc). The varieties include collagen peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, collagen powder, liquid collagen, and more. Supplements are made from marine collagen, bovine collagen, porcine collagen, and chicken collagen. This is a lot of information, but what you really need to know is that collagen is a protein that does wonders for your body. Collagen is formed through chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for our body. Some essential amino acids include proline and glycine. Collagen is also the most abundant protein in the human body. Read on to learn more about collagen, protein, and what they can do for your health. 

Is Collagen a good source of protein?

Yes! Collagen is an excellent source of protein, especially for those looking for a cleaner protein source than whey protein and other protein powders with additives. While both collagen and whey protein are derived from animals, whey is made from dairy products. Collagen, on the other hand, is made from connective tissues and skin. For most people, dairy causes inflammation, whereas the parts of the animal used for collagen supplements are not inflammatory. This is just one of the reasons collagen might be a better choice for your protein supplement. A typical collagen supplement will give you 12 - 15 grams of protein per serving, but you can take more than that depending on your body and your dietary needs. Collagen protein powder is typically cleaner than whey and other proteins, but you do need to be careful and read the labels. If it's not non-gmo or clean-sourced (grass-fed, wild-caught, etc) then there could be contaminants in the supplement, such as hormones and additives. Another great thing about taking collagen as your protein supplement is that it gives you more benefits than just a protein boost. It can help give you glowing skin, strengthen and heal your digestive tract, support joint health, and more. In the medical world collagen can even be used for wound healing. This can be compared to other protein supplements, which simply offer a protein boost as their only benefit. For this reason, it's a great idea to use collagen as your protein source. Not only will you meet your protein needs, but you can also help your body heal and support ongoing issues. With any collagen supplements, there are no known side effects. It is a very safe supplement to take. Especially if your collagen source is high-quality, there will be very few risks associated with taking it. Again, this is a great supplement to try given its minimal risks and large variety of benefits. 

Is collagen the same as protein?

Collagen is a type of protein. The definition of protein is any nitrogenous organic compound formed through one or more long chains of amino acids. So, yes, they are essentially the same thing. There are many examples of compounds similar to collagen that are proteins by definition. These proteins are found in dietary supplements and countless foods, like bone broth, meat, seafood, avocados, and nuts. While supplements are important for enhancing your nutrient intake, getting what you need from clean food is always the best option. The best way to do this is by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day, as well as clean meats and seafood. Any other sources of protein are also important, like nuts, legumes, and eggs. Sometimes it is hard to get everything you need in a day, which is why supplements and vitamins can make up a portion of your daily essential nutrients. 

What type of protein is collagen?

Collagen is a fibrous protein that is found in our connective tissues. It's created with three polypeptide chains, and amino acids, which we discussed earlier. It is a structural protein that is found in tendons, ligaments, and skin. 

Is multi-collagen protein good for you?

Yes! Multi-collagen protein is good for you. Multi-collagen protein is a blend of two or more types of collagen. People take this because they want to get the benefits of multiple different types of collagen. However, it's not always the best option. What really, truly matters is the quality of the product. You could have a multi-collagen supplement and think you're getting all of those benefits, but it might also have additives or a bad source of collagen. For example, if you have bovine collagen that isn't grass-fed beef, it could contain harmful contaminants. This can be compared to a supplement that has just marine collagen, but the collagen is non-GMO and wild-caught. It has all clean and natural ingredients that actually boost your natural collagen production. Even though there's only one type of collagen, you would obviously choose the marine collagen in this case. This is why our Kalumi BEAUTYfood bars are a great option. They are non-GMO, and each bar contains 12 grams of wild-caught marine collagen. Our collagen source is unflavored, with no fishy taste. They also contain 15 grams of protein. Plus, they are made with ingredients like sweet potato, yacon syrup, and cocoa butter which can help boost collagen production and can promote glowing skin. You need a wide variety of healthy foods in order to help your skin and body function. Different sources of superfoods are a great place to start. Foods with vitamin C and vitamin A are essential for our skin health. Some people also see good results eating gluten-free and dairy-free if they have a sensitivity. Protein is also another essential part of our diets. It gives us strength and energy and keeps us full. It also helps turn fat into muscle. Whichever type of protein or collagen types you choose, just make sure it works for your body!





Sources:
https://thehealthbeat.com/whey-protein-vs-collagen-protein-better/
https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0319p26.shtml

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

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