Alternate Title: Former Vegetarian Obsessed with Beef Collagen
I’ve been meaning to chat about collagen peptides on the blog, and since I just ordered another tub of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (I used the last scoop in my coffee this morning), I figured I’d talk about why I have been supplementing my diet with collagen peptides, and why I love ’em!
First things first. What is collagen!? It’s definitely a buzzword in the wellness world these days, popping up everywhere — even in almond flour chocolate chip cookies (yes please)!
What is collagen?
“Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons in our body. Thanks to collagen, we’re better able to move, bend and stretch. Collagen is also behind helping hair shine, skin glow and nails stay strong.
As we age, and the more stress we put on our body, the greater the impact on collagen production. Getting collagen in a balanced diet can help our bodies regenerate what’s been lost or broken down.
Collagen is a protein made up of amino-acids: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine, all of which help our body’s connective tissue, skin, hair, nails, as well as gut health stay as healthy as possible.
Collagen protein is different than whey and casein protein because of these high levels of amino acids. Muscular growth, joint health and an overall glowing appearance can be partially attributed to the amino acid blend in collagen that can’t be found anywhere else.” — Vital Proteins
What are collagen peptides?
“Peptides are gelatin proteins broken down into their constituent peptide chains through an enzymatic process. This allows our collagen peptides to not “gel” in cold liquids. Heating them will not alter their nutritional value. The peptides have the advantage of mixing well into both cold and hot liquids without them “gelling.” You may add our peptides to cold and hot beverages alike, such as a smoothie, juice, water, tea or coffee, as well as a variety of foods like pancakes or oatmeal to boost the protein content.” — Vital Proteins
Why do I personally use collagen peptides?
While I still eat a mostly plant-based/vegetarian diet (though I could care less about “labeling” myself a vegetarian), I am clearly not a full-fledged vegetarian currently like I have been at other points in my life. I’m basically adding beef to my coffee, people.
After struggling with digestive issues for most of my mid to late-twenties, I came to the conclusion that perhaps my preferred way of eating – sans meat – is not actually what my body prefers; after all, it knows best! In other words, maybe it would feel better using different fuel (i.e. less grains and starches and more protein and vegetables). While I am definitely no carnivore, I am consuming poultry here and there, fish (as always), bone broth, and collagen peptides.
I started using collagen peptides several months ago per the recommendation of my naturopath in support of healing my leaky gut. While healing my gut is still my number one focus, I supplement my diet with collagen not only to repair my intestinal lining, but for the skin benefits as well. As I approach thirty(!), skin care is more important to me than ever. Oh hey, fine lines, I see you!
“Collagen is super hydrating to the skin because it adds nourishment into the deep depths of our skin that are impossible to reach through topical skincare, healthy lifestyle, etc.! Upon ingestion, collagen is absorbed in our small intestine and then delivered to our skin through the bloodstream. Once we strengthen the collagen network in our skin from the inside out, it can better hold in water and hyaluronic acid (also key for glowy skin + keeping moisture in).” — The Balanced Blonde
So, for me, a healthy gut and healthy skin (which are entirely correlated in my opinion) are my main motives behind using collagen. I also love that it makes it super easy for me to get in an extra dose of high-quality, easy digestible protein. Each serving of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides contains 18g of protein.
How do I use collagen peptides?
I add 1 scoop of unflavored collagen peptides to my hot black coffee every morning. Beef in my coffee!? I swear, you can’t taste it. It doesn’t alter the flavor or texture whatsoever.
In the afternoons, I’ll often make an iced matcha or golden milk (turmeric) latte. These have been hitting the spot as I acclimate to 85 degree days in February – hi, Florida weather!
For the iced matcha, I’ve been using the Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen — a new product with only three ingredients: collagen peptides, matcha, and coconut water powder. I simply mix it with unsweetened almond milk, a splash of pure maple syrup, and then blend it with my immersion blender to make it frothy. And I do the same for a golden milk latte, though I substitute the matcha for this Gaia golden milk powder.
What results have I noticed?
I can not say that I’ve noticed a wildly significant improvement with my digestion. I still struggle with my SIBO symptoms. However, I have noticed a shift in the appearance of my skin. It feels more hydrated and supple (perhaps the Florida humidity has something to do with that!). My SIBO-related eczema has also been noticeably calmer, so perhaps it is having an effect on my GI tract after all. I have been consistent with supplementing for only about 6 weeks or so, so I am excited for future results with continued use.
Why do I love Vital Proteins brand?
I used another brand of peptides for a couple of months before trying Vital Proteins. I didn’t expect there to be such a difference from brand to brand, but I will say that I immediately noticed how well Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides dissolved into liquids, hot or cold. The peptides are also completely flavorless, which makes them very versatile when adding to beverages and recipes. And because the quality of food (and supplements) is of utmost importance to me, I love that Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides, which ensures a natural, high quality, and sustainable source of nutrients.
Of Possible Interest
- What’s the deal with collagen? — The Balanced Blonde
- What is Collagen & Should You Be Taking It? — Eating Bird Food
Do you supplement with collagen? Have you noticed any changes?
Disclosure: I received complimentary products from Vital Proteins. As always, opinions are entirely my own.
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