All you need to know about Collagen

So, what is Collagen?

Will it work for me and what are the benefits?

What type of Collagen and brand is best?

The question I have been constantly getting for the past couple of weeks. When I have clients, who wonder what is the new “IT “item they want to be the first ones to know about and also jump the gun before even wondering what they are consuming. When this happens I right away jump into my Health Coaching gear and do as much research as possible by reaching out to sources like Doctors, Dermatologists, Health Chefs, Professional Holistic Coaches etc.

So, what is Collagen? Collagen is a long chain of proteins when you consume collagen or any type of collagen containing food our digestive system breaks it down into amino acids. They are then absorbed and used as the building blocks that support collagen production. Collagen in our body is the most abundant protein we need. It is part of our muscles, blood cells , cartilage , arteries and organs. As we age collagen decreases in our body that lead to side effects like arthritis, osteoporosis, loss of skin elasticity etc.

Where does collagen come from?

Collagen is extracted from fish bones or animals. The importance of bone quality plays a big role in the quality of collagen. Always choosing wild caught fish and grass fed meat bones like knuckle bones and marrow bones which have the most gelatin and collagen in its bones. Collagen powder has a rich source of amino acid glycine and is also consumed as a way of detoxification.

How do we use it?

Collagen powder should be consumed on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before a meal.

What are the benefits of Collagen?

Joint and Mobility

Collagen plays a role in detoxification and research has been shown by the International Society of Sports Nutrition that the consumption of Collagen had increased knee joint and mobility and promise alleviation of exercise induced joint pain.

Healthy Skin

Collagen also known as the skins glue that helps give skin smoothness and elasticity. We have 3 different types of Collagen. Collagen type I , ll, and lll. Type l which occurs with aging, sun exposure is responsible for aging and wrinkles and type ll the second layer. Taking a supplement might help your skin retain moisture and appear more plump to the touch but evidence has shown that our digestive enzymes in the stomach break down the collagen and prevent it from reaching our skin. Always look for products containing type l and ll collagen for the most beneficial results. These 3 types of collagen are the 3 of 10 types that are primarily needed.

Other benefits

Thicker hair, improves nail disorders, immune boosting, balance blood sugar, regulate sleep, wound healing, reduces inflammation, reduces cellulite, stretch marks, leaky gut , helps heal and reconnect connective tissue, IBS , acid reflux, Colitis. Collagen helps our guts microbiome and helps with absorption of water within the intestines. It also improves dental health.

Which collagen powder is the best one to buy?

When looking for a collagen powder always make sure it is a hydroslate Paleo, gluten free, No additives, No fillers, No sugar. Always make sure it is highest quality bones being used like Wild fish and Grass fed meat bones. The important thing about powder form is it containing Vitamin C or eating Vitamin C rich foods with it , it works in synergy with collagen for it to work as well as hyaluronic acid Some powders might cause stomach pains so consult with a doctor to see if it is right for you. If you are someone who consumes a high amount of sugar, smokes or is exposed to the sun a lot collagen might be helpful to you. Glutamine and arginine plays a major role with collagen to make protein from the source of amino acids= fish bones. It helps and maintains the synthesizing of these chemicals. Fish collagen powder contains mostly type l collagen and hydroxyproline is needed for collagen stability. Always make sure to know where the product is manufactured and that the quality of the ingredients is top quality. Great Lakes is a top-quality gelatin that makes two types.

What are foods and other sources of Collagen?

Bone Broth provides plenty of vital proteins, orange foods like : carrots, sweet potato Omega 3: fish like mackerel, salmon and tuna along with grass fed meat. It is beneficial to consume collagen nowadays because we are consuming muscle meat and not how our families use to eat in the past with broths and stews. This severe imbalance in the amino acid profile leads to problems like stress, inflammation and arthritis.

Why is bone broth a better option?

Bone Broth is made up of grass fed meat bones and are completely filled with the amino acids that an American diet is lacking such a glycine, glutamic acid, proline, and alanine . It also contains minerals that collagen powder is missing. Phase 2 of our bodies regulatory helps with detoxification by “taking out the trash” something our liver needs an abundance of amino acids that broth contains.

SUMMARY

In conclusion, yes, it is a beneficial supplement to take but make sure to choose what is right for your body. Listen to how your body reacts and address accordingly. Always consult with a doctor and take extra precaution if you are expecting. It is helpful for anyone on a GAPS diet as well. Always make sure your products are not manufactured in China. Be careful and aware on why and what you are using it for. Gelatin can be used to thicken foods and can be easier to consume and collagen can be mixed in smoothies so it also depends on the way we consume our food and how we want to incorporate it. Never take advice on something and don’t ever feel pressured into buying something. Do the research and consult with a doctor before starting to take anything. No life is worth risking!

Collagen Powder:

https://www.amazon.com/Collagen-Wild-Caught-Non-GMO-Hydrolyzed-Unflavored/dp/B01LWCYQBM/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i2?_encoding=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=RPA7WRERBVZFKZH1NJ08&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1cded295-23b4-40b1-8da6-7c1c9eb81d33&pf_rd_i=desktop

Recipe for Bone broth and sources of Grass fed bones:

Omni Health Avenue U

GROW AND BEHOLD online kosher grass fed meat(knuckle bones)

Ingredients

1 pound of knuckle bones(grass fed or bone marrow)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 carrots chopped

2 celery chopped

black peppercorns to taste

handful of parsley leaves

2 cloves of garlic

1 onion cut into 4

Directions:

Place all ingredients except for garlic and parsley into a crock pot and fill it with filtered water. Cook on low for 24-36 hours. The longer it cooks the more vitamins are minerals are extracted.

After 1 hour of cooking skim all foam from the top. Add parsley and garlic in the last 2 hours of cooking.

Strain and store a couple of cups in the fridge for daily consumption.

Store the rest in the freezer in ice cube trays or containers for cooking in soups, stews and cooking.

For more information and any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. I am always open in helping research and give resources for people to find the answers to health issues.