As with any supplement, the first question you should ask yourself is, "what are the benefits?" The second and third questions are, "can I get this naturally through my diet and lifestyle?" and, "will it benefit me?"
Collagen supplements are all the rage right now. It is the most abundant protein in your body, makes up about 75% of the dry weight of your skin, and is naturally produced by your body. But there is a catch. Your body starts to get less efficient at making its own collagen as you age...this is why people are turning to collagen supplements.
The most popular form is a collagen peptide powder that you can mix with your coffee as a creamer or in your smoothie. There are also liquid and pill versions. Check out this article: Is liquid or powder collagen better? to learn more.
Collagen supplements are being marketed as the "fountain of youth" with their claims to help you reverse the signs of aging by lessening wrinkles and giving you plumper more elastic skin. It is also marketed to reduce joint pain.
But are the claims backed by science, or is it all marketing hype?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN?
According to Healthline.com the Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements are (the link to the full article is in the References section below):
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Can improve skin health
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Helps relieve joint pain
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Could prevent bone loss
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Could boost muscle mass
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Promotes heart health
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Other health benefits (these have less concrete scientific studies supporting the claims)
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hair and nails
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gut health
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brain health
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weight loss
Healthline.com references the scientific study for each of these top benefits so you can feel confident about the claims around collagen supplements. For example, each scientific study varied, but the benefits above came from consuming 2.5 grams to 10 grams of collagen powder daily for 4-12 weeks.
Additionally, there is very low risk taking a collagen supplement. Collagen is an amino acid - which is the building blocks of protein. So consuming collagen supplements in powder, liquid, or pill form has very low risk of negative side effects. But it is recommended you consult with your doctor first when taking any new supplement.
How do you select a high quality collagen supplement?
As with all supplements, quality is key. The supplement industry has loose regulations and low barriers of entry - meaning just about anyone can develop a product and start selling it.
So, what do you look for and how do you select a safe and effective collagen supplement?
- Trust: Do you trust the company and brand? Was the product recommended by a trusted friend, family member, or health professional? Does the product have any certifications (GMP, NSF, Informed Choice, etc...)?
- Quality: Do they use the highest quality ingredients (grass fed, antibiotic free, natural, free range, non-GMO, etc...)? Do they list all their ingredients and the amount of each of the key ingredients, or do they use proprietary blends? Proprietary blends that hide the amount of each ingredient are a big red flag.
- Guarantee: Does the company stand behind their product? Do they provide a money back guarantee or a satisfaction guarantee?
How do I get Collagen in my diet?
The easiest way to get collagen is through a powder, liquid, or pill supplement. The best, in our opinion, is collagen powder because of its high bioavailability and convenience to be mixed as a coffee creamer or into your favorite smoothie. Collagen powder can even be used with oatmeal, muffins, pancakes, etc...
You can also get collagen naturally from bone broth and gelatin containing foods. But this isn't always easy to incorporate into your diet.
Should I use a Collagen Supplement?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is the major component of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles, and also provides your skin with structure and strengthens your bones.
Additionally, as you age your body's ability to produce and repair collagen decreases. In fact, you begin to lose about 1% of collagen per year in your mid 20's, and women can lose as much as 30% in the first 5 years of menopause.
Also, collagen supplements are a great option for athletes due to the high demands they put on their muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons.
So if you are over 25 years old, near menopause, an athlete, or an active adult you may want to add a collagen supplement to your diet.
PROPELLO LIFE COLLAGEN+
Want to try the best collagen creamer? Propello Life offers Collagen+ in two amazing flavors and in 30 serving tubs or single serve packets. Collagen+ provides a premium tri-blend of collagen peptides, clinically proven Dermaval (for skin elasticity & firmness), and Aloe Vera Gel powder for a healthy gut. It is the ultimate beauty from within formula!
Try Collagen+ now by CLICKING HERE
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