We’ve talked about the benefits of gelatin and how the addition of it to your diet can help optimise your gut health. Today we are focusing on collagen.
Collagen is a substance which is naturally produced by our bodies and is the most important protein in our connective tissue, skin and bones. It is found throughout our body, from our ligaments to blood vessels to our corneas. It gives our skin elasticity, replaces dead cells and is literally the glue that holds our joints and tendons together. It is vital for our gut and digestive health and total wellbeing.
Collagen, whilst very similar to gelatin and having many of the same amino acids, is processed more intensively resulting in the proteins being broken up into smaller pieces for increased digestive ease. Collagen itself has close to 20 different nonessential and essential amino acids and is a great source of glycine, proline and glutamine. Collagen is absorbed faster by the body then gelatin, and unlike gelatin, will not gel when mixed with warm liquid.
Unfortunately as we age, the amount of collagen in our body decreases. By age 25, collagen levels are decreased at a rate of 15% a year. By age 60, over half of our body’s collagen levels have depleted. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking and increased sun exposure also contribute to the decreasing collagen levels. Aside from eating a whole-food diet rich in protein, non-starchy vegetables and good fats, there are two main ways to increase the collagen in your diet:
- Bone Broth: is one of nature’s true superfoods. Making your own broth with grass-fed beef bones and aiming to drink a cup a day and adding it to your cooking where you can will easily increase the collagen in your diet. Beef bones contain bovine, a naturally occurring protein found in the cartridge and bones of cows and rich in amino acids.
- Collagen Powder: is simply the amino acids broken down, making it not only easy to digest but also extremely versatile. In its powdered form it is tasteless and 1-2 tablespoons can easily be added to your smoothie, morning MCT Coffee or to your homemade Almost Paleo Vegie Bread. Ensure you source a powder which contains nothing artificial and uses grass-fed bones. We use and recommend Nutra Organics Collagen Body with Fortibone.
How do you use collagen? Let us know below!
Hi, can you use the Nutra Organics Collagen Body with Fortibone in anything besides coffee or smoothies ??
Hi Steph
Im very interested to find about this collagen.
Having a whipple op have to be careful of my digestion. Im using slippery Elm occasionally. Im also eating a lot of yoghurt.
Cheers
Laraine Kemp
Hi Jacqui, collagen can be consumed in so many things! We love to simply mix it in water with or without maximum powder and to use it to bulk up the nutrient density of slow cooked meats and meals. I hope that helps.
Hi Laraine, collagen is so good for your digestion and is a great recovery tool post-op. We’re thinking of you and know that you will recover fast x
i use collagen every day in my bulletproof coffee and love to add it to soups/casseroles/stews. even my mince/bolognese get a healthy dash of collagen.
Can I expect to feel or see any difference ie how do we measure effectiveness? Trying to tailor a healthy plan that works for me ie meets me where I’m at – 56 with hip and shoulder joint/soft tissue pain. Love the learning – thanks!
Hi there ,I was wondering if u can tell me which gelatine is best consumed ,thanks
Hello Karen, over a period of time through adding collagen to my diet daily my hip pain has all but disappeared, my nails are noticeably stronger and I feel the skin on my face is different – in a good way!!! Take some notes as to how the joint pain is feeling, add the collagen to your diet, minimise inflammatory foods and then check in regularly with yourself to take note of the differences. Please let us know how you go!
Hello Liz, we recommend sourcing a grass-fed gelatine which made only from the hides/skins of cattle and raised in ethical and sustainable environmental conditions.
I’m s vegetarian and the thought of consuming bone marrow , gelatine from hind and skin off animals , makes me nearly dry-reach …. 🤢
I am so sorry🙏 for my discription ,.
I am 51 yr old female with many health issues from a car accident in which I suffered multiple head injuries at the age of 12.
Would you highly recommend that I bite the bullet and incorporate this in my diet ??
My aim is to go vegan 🌱 . I eat a moderate to high protein diet . And train at the gym .
Collagen is a great addition to your diet and easily added to smoothies and bullet’s without a change in taste. I would recommend booking in for a consultation with our nutrititionist Elly who has a keen interest in all things veganism. She will also be able to help you find a suitable alternative to gelatine that is vegan friendly!
Hi which is better for hair loss / thinning and skin elasticity – Gelatin or collagen and is bovine collagen better than marine ? Thanks
Hello Liz, both collagen and gelatin can help with hair and skin health as they have very similar properties. Bovine collagen is preferred, as long as it’s of high quality. I would recommend consuming bone broth as it contains both gelatin and collagen!