Although collagen has always received acclaim for its beauty benefits, it does far more than you imagine. Collagen is the mainstay of the connective tissues, from the skin to bones and muscles to hair and fingernails. It is among the most abundant proteins in the human body, but sadly, its levels start declining as early as the twenties. The worst part is that you cannot rely on your diet to get enough of it.
A low level of collagen is a concern because it affects bone mass, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. Not surprisingly, it is a popular food supplement for wellness enthusiasts looking to go the extra mile with their anti-aging routines. Here are some tips for integrating it into your supplementation regime over the years.
Understand the need for supplementation
The human body synthesizes collagen proteins by itself from the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids occur naturally in food sources like organ meats and bone broth. But you may miss out on them if you do not include these foods in your daily diet. Vegans are more likely to suffer because they do not consume these products at all. Collagen peptide supplementation is essential to cover the dietary gaps, specifically for aging adults. Supplements are rapidly absorbed by the small intestine. So they get into your bloodstream within only a couple of hours.
Know different types of supplements
Collagen powder is available in two forms- bovine and marine. The choice depends on your personal preferences and the objective of supplementation. Bovine collagen comes from the bones, muscles, and hide of cows. It promotes strong joints, bone strength, and gut health. But some consumers have inhibitions regarding the use of bovine products due to religious or ethical reasons. They can opt for marine collagen peptides, which are sourced from fish skin, scales, and bones. The marine variant is ideal for skin health, making it ideal for anti-aging benefits. They enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Integrate supplements into your daily routine
Collagen peptide supplements are available in different forms, such as capsules, liquids, and powder. But the powder variant is the most popular option as it is the easiest to integrate into your daily routine. You can add it to foods and drinks without affecting their flavors and textures. Start by stirring collagen powder into your morning coffee or tea, or add a spoonful to your post-workout smoothie if you are an active person. You can even integrate it into your baked recipes and regular cooking to sneak extra protein into your daily diet. Consistency is the key to successful supplementation, so you must consume your collagen daily, regardless of the time of the day. You can mix it into a glass of warm milk and have it at bedtime.
Choosing the right collagen peptide product is crucial to deriving the best benefits of supplementation. The best way to do it is by sticking with a trusted brand and reading the labels carefully to understand the amino acid profile of the product. Also, go through the reviews to be extra sure.
I like the collagen products from BioTRUST and Vital Proteins.