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Should you be adding collagen to your diet? [ health benefits ]

Should you be adding collagen to your diet? Let’s chat about the different health benefits collagen peptides and protein supplements have to offer!

Should you be taking collagen supplements? Let's chat: Health Benefits of Adding Collagen to your Diet.

This post is sponsored by Vital Proteins. All opinions expressed, as always, are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Fit Mitten Kitchen possible!

 

Hi peeps! Today I’m going to get a little nerdy on you to talk about a healthy living supplement: COLLAGEN. I’m actually SO excited to be sharing a new (to me) product with you today. I love incorporating high-quality natural products into my health and wellness routine, and it is my absolute pleasure to share them with you here.

 

Collagen Supplements

I am not a doctor, medical student, registered dietician, or licensed nutritionist. Before you begin taking supplements of any kind, please be sure to consult your medical practitioner.

 

I had been seeing people on my Instagram feed talk taking collagen and it got me thinking… “Should I be taking collagen? What can it do for me really?” Funny enough Vital Proteins reached out to me just when I was starting to do some research about it!

So what is collagen?

Collagen is the main structural protein found in our bones, muscles, skin, and tendons that provide strength and structure to the entire body. It is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it is also the main connective tissue found in animals. The collagen protein we get from our diet comes mainly from animal (mammal) sources.

“According to Dr. Howard Murad, a board certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California at Los Angeles, collagen production within the body’s connective tissue depends on adequate levels of amino acids. “  (source)

As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, so it is important we’re getting in adequate amounts of different protein from our diet that help support collagen formation. Some whole food sources to help support collagen would be omega-3 rich fish, such as salmon, as well as grass-fed meat. But don’t forget about the veggies! A diet rich in vegetables containing antioxidants can help fight free radicals that are damaging to collagen.

brussel sprouts in teal strainer

 

While our collagen production does naturally decrease with age, there are also outside damaging factors that contribute to decreasing collagen as well…

  • high-sugar diets
  • smoking
  • too much sun
  • stress

YIKES… so what can you do? Well, making sure you’re getting adequate amounts of collagen in your diet may help.

Collagen Supplements: Peptides vs Protein

Collagen Peptides are the hydrolyzed, soluble form of collagen that can be taken as a supplement, by adding it to a hot or cold substance. “Collagen peptides are high in specific amino acids such as Glycine and Proline that are especially needed for the production of new collagen.”

Collagen Protein is synonymous with gelatin and is the whole, cooked form of collagen. This can be added to hot or cold substances, and will thicken, or “gel” once mixed. This can be used 1:1 with any recipe that calls for gelatin. Think homemade jello, pudding, soups, etc.

 

Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements: peptides vs protein. What’s the difference? #sp #vitalproteins

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How do you take them?

I’ve been testing them out various ways for the past few days and I can honestly say I’ve been loving these products from Vital Proteins. I’ve been trying the unflavored collagen peptides in my coffee, post-workout shakes, yogurt bowls, and water even! I couldn’t believe how well it mixed in and that it was virtually tasteless.

Now I’ve been doing a lot of reading up on collagen supplements and just remember that everyone is different, and collagen supplements may not be for suitable for you (like, if you’re vegan by chance… yup sorry not for you ?? ). Just like with adding anything new into your diet, you should be cautious. But if we’re talking about overall potential health benefits, adding more collagen in your diet could be just what you need.

The Health Benefits

For the skin:

  • Promote younger looking skin by improving elasticity and moisture level
  • Improves the sign of deep wrinkles
  • Improves skin suppleness
  • Improves skin smoothness by reducing the number of micro-relief furrows

(source)

For the gut:

Adding collagen to your diet can help heal a “leaky gut”, and restore the sensitive lining of the stomach and large/small intestines. Your gut plays a huge roll in your health and well-being, so adding collagen to your diet may be a great place to start if you have digestive issues.

For the bones:

Taking collagen peptides is great for bone and joint health, and may have been shown to support bone health through…

  • increased bone and mineral density
  • increased bone size
  • less brittle bones

It is very important to take care of our bones and joint health as we age, for osteoporosis (the thinning of bones) is a natural occurrence. Weight-training is another great way to strengthen our bones!

For sports performance:

If you’re already taking a protein supplement to support protein synthesis before or after exercise, you may want to consider supplementing with collagen peptides. “Collagen peptides, which consists of 20% glycine and 8% arginine, may help the synthesis of creatine in the body.” (source)

the various health benefits of adding collagen to your diet. #sponsored #vitalproteins

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So as you can see, collagen has the potential to do a lot for our overall health. Not only am I looking forward to using it as a protein supplement to my workouts, but also see how it helps with my skin and gut health. Fortunately I do not suffer from too many digestive issues often, but there are times I do have tummy trouble, though I can never truly tell what triggers it. I hate the thought of doing an elimination diet… because let’s be real, I like lots of different foods. 😉

So guess what? We’re doing a GIVEAWAY

Just follow the instructions on the widget below! 2 lucky winners will be selected at random, good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to win a FREE 20oz canister of collagen peptides? Enter this giveaway! #ad #giveaway #vitalproteins

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So tell me…

  • Have you tried adding collagen peptides or proteins to your diet? If so, for how long and have you noticed any benefits? I would love to hear from you!

 

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Comments

  3. Kristin G says

    Someone was just telling me the other day how they started adding collagen to their diet. It got me really interested in trying it! She was telling me all about “leaky gut” which I had never heard of. She told me she feels so much better since she’s been taking collagen. I would especially like it for the benefits for skin.

    Reply

  4. Heather says

    I have been using this collagen for a few months now and love it. My nails are usually weak and I have noticed how much stronger they are now, as well as how fast they grow.

    Reply

  6. Cassie Autumn Tran says

    I’ve only heard of collagen a couple times! I think that it would be really awesome to add into my diet because I’m always trying to make sure I get in enough nutrients to satiate my body and its necessities! It would be awesome to add to baked goods, smoothies, salads and more!

    Reply

  7. Lindsay says

    I am really interested in trying this. I am scared of wrinkles and do everything I can to avoid them. I think these would really help!

    Reply

  8. Annie says

    Yes! I heard about adding collagen recently and would love to give it a try! The benefits sound great and seems like it’s a really great way to be proactive with your health:)

    Reply

  12. Lisa Breece says

    I would like to add collagen because I think it would improve the appearance of my skin. I am getting older and can use help with my skin.

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      I feel like no matter what age we could all use help with our skin! I myself am not too great at moisturizing overall. Need to step it up, but also hoping collagen will help 🙂

      Reply

  14. Jordan D. says

    I’ve heard so much about the benefits of collagen lately, I’m dying to try it! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply

  16. Kelsey Yoki says

    I’ve been keeping my eyes open for products to help my gut – this certain fits the bill! Especially since it comes with even more added benefits!

    Reply

  18. Sam says

    I would love to try this type of collagen! Particularly for the bone and gut health. Thanks for the informative post!

    Reply

  21. Julie M says

    I have heard so much about this I was curious about different types of collagen?? Would love to try this!

    Reply

  23. Kaitlyn says

    I would love to take collagen to improve my overall health from the inside out! Seems like such a versatile product that improves our bodies on the inside while making our hair, skin, nails, etc beautiful on the outside!

    Reply

  24. Jennifer L. says

    I have not yet tried Collagen supplements, but have been reading and learning more about it. I would love to try it.

    Reply

  25. Starla B says

    I haven’t heard that much about collagen- however, I have heard some. I would love to try this as I think it would really benefit my skin and bones!

    Reply

  29. JenC says

    I’m 100% paleo and 40. I can’t find a protein powder I like and I’m looking for ways to slow aging and keep my body as healthy as possible, so I really want to try this product!

    Reply

  30. Pam Hawkins says

    I’ve been taking Vital Proteins for about 6 months. I love, love, love this product! My joint pain is gone and I can workout at a more intense level without pain. As an added bonus, for the first time ever – I have strong, beautiful nails. I put 2 scoops in my coffee every morning – it’s quick & easy and really works!

    Reply

  32. Shari says

    I put 1 -2 scoops in my coffee every morning. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my nails, skin and joints.

    Reply

  33. Jael Miller says

    I’d like to add collagen to my diet for the joint health…got achy knees 🙂 Thanks for all the great information and giveaway opportunity.

    Reply

  34. AmandaonMaui says

    I’m interested in the overall health benefits of adding in collagen. From skin and nails, to a healthier gut. I’m also interested in it for my family as my mom found out she is starting to show signs of osteoporosis.

    Reply

  35. AmandaonMaui says

    I’m interested in the overall health benefits of adding in collagen. From skin and nails, to a healthier gut. I’m also interested in it for my family as my mom found out she is starting to show signs of osteoporosis.

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Hi Sandy – You’ll have to check with your healthcare physician, Dietitian or functional medicine doctor. I am not qualified to answer that question.

      Reply

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