The History of Collagen and Bone Broth

While collagen supplements have just recently become popular in the world of health and wellness, collagen has been used as a natural healing remedy for thousands of years. That's right: the cavemen were using collagen in the form of bone broth for its nutritional value and healing properties. Drinking bone broth has been a common practice throughout history. Interestingly enough, the practice started as a way to prevent food waste and food shortages. Our ancestors would use every part of the animal so that nothing went to waste. It also wasn't a broth at first. Before the creation of pots, people would heat the bones up and break them apart to eat the nutrients inside. Eventually it became the modern version of bone broth, which involved simmering the bones in a large pot. This is why collagen supplements are allowed on the paleo diet, and why bone broth is highly encouraged. A paleo diet is meant to closely replicate that of the cavemen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it is formed through chains of amino acids. These amino acids act as building blocks. The two essential amino acids involved with collagen formation are glycine and proline. Unfortunately, our collagen production decreases as we age, which effects the development of new collagen. Collagen has many health benefits, which makes it a versatile supplement. It can help to strengthen your connective tissues, improve joint pain, support bone health, skin health, and joint health. Read on to learn about bone broth and collagen, and why they both should be incorporated into your diet.

Does bone broth increase collagen?

Yes, bone broth does increase collagen. This is because of how it's made. Bone broth is made from animal bones, most commonly chicken or beef bones. You simmer these bones for hours, oftentimes overnight, in order to get the best flavor and the most nutrients. The most important of these nutrients is collagen. You can make it in a slow cooker, or simply in a pot on the stove. Simmering bones helps to release the nutrients from the skin and bones of the animal used. Collagen is great for so many things, but in the form of bone broth it works best to improve digestive issues and calm the gut. It can be great for your gut health, and improving any issues you may have. Both collagen and bone broth can give you the same results relating to the health and function of your gut. When it comes to leaky gut and IBS, amino acids are essential. More specifically, the amino acid glutamine is needed to repair and heal the gut wall. Glutamine is an amino acid found in collagen. It has been found that those with lower collagen levels are more likely to have digestive imbalances. Bone broth can help to aid in digestion. When collagen is ingested, it becomes surrounded by water and stomach acid. It is a hydrophilic molecule, which means it attracts water molecules and acidic molecules. As it moves through the GI tract, it assists with breaking down proteins and carbohydrates, and therefore helps move food through the GI tract more smoothly.  Bone broth can help to repair the gut lining. An important aspect of healing and repairing your intestinal lining is collagen synthesis. If there is damage, new muscle cells are made. There is a spike in collagen production when new muscle cells are generated, suggesting that collagen is important for repairing damage. 

Can you take collagen and bone broth together?

Yes, you can take them together. Taking both collagen and bone broth is great if you're looking to increase your protein sources, get glowing skin, de-bloat, and boost your immune system. Making your own bone broth is always the best option, so you can ensure the bones you use are organic, and that there are no unnecessary ingredients. You can make the bone broth in large batches, and freeze whatever you don't use. You can have bone broth daily, and most people prefer to have it either first thing in the morning or right before they go to bed. This can be paired with taking a daily collagen supplement. There are a few varieties of supplements you can find it most health food and grocery stores. Some of these include 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 capabilities, 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. They are tasty, easy, and functional. Convenient enough for a quick snack, yet filling enough for a meal replacement. They contain 12 grams of wild-caught, hydrolyzed marine collagen, and 15 grams of protein. They are also formulated with other clean, high-quality ingredients like sweet potato, cocoa butter, and yacon syrup.

Are collagen and bone broth the same thing?

No, collagen and bone broth are not the same thing. Collagen is both a protein in our body, and a supplement. Bone broth is similar to collagen in that it heals the intestinal wall and improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract. They both come from the skin and bones of animals, which is why they both contain the same nutritional properties and health benefits of collagen. Collagen is most commonly taken as a powder supplement, while bone broth is a broth that we drink. In terms of their benefits, they are both superior forms of protein, boosters of collagen, and important for your overall health. Collagen supplements are obviously more convenient to take, whereas bone broth takes a lot of time to make. It's up to you to try both and see which helps your body more. You can always take them together to ensure you are getting as much collagen as you can!

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