- mitchjseely
Collagen Peptides: The Hidden Gem of Health
As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen. This protein is responsible for giving our skin its elasticity, as well as helping to repair other tissues in the body. Collagen peptides can be taken as a supplement that can help to replenish the body's supply of this important protein.
In this article, we will talk about the many aspects of collagen peptides and collagen supplements. We will also compare different brands of collagen supplements to help you choose the best one for you.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is a major component of connective tissues, such as skin, hair, nails, and joints. It helps to give skin its elasticity, and also helps to repair other tissues in the body.
Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but this production decreases as we age. Even though our body makes collagen, this is why many people turn to collagen supplementation to help replenish their supply of this structural protein.
Collagen synthesis is the process by which collagen is produced in the body. This process begins with the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are then combined to form collagen peptides. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. 20 different amino acids can be found in collagen peptides. These amino acids are essential for the body to create new proteins, such as collagen.
What are collagen peptides?
Collagen peptides are small fragments of collagen that have been hydrolyzed or broken down, for easier absorption. They can often be taken as a supplement that can help to replenish the body's supply of collagen.
These collagen peptides can come from either animal or plant sources. Animal-based collagen peptides are usually derived from cow or fish sources. These peptides are typically more bioavailable, meaning that they are more easily absorbed by the body. Plant-based collagen peptides are usually derived from rice or soy. There are also many grass-fed options for collagen supplements.
Collagen supplements were created so that we can increase our collagen intake by taking them orally, rather than topically applying collagen to our skin. The most common form of collagen supplement is collagen powder.
The Health Benefits of Collagen Peptides
Now that we know what collagen peptides are, let's take a look at some of the many benefits that collagen supplements can offer.
-Skin Health: Collagen peptides help to improve skin health by maintaining moisture levels in the skin by helping to trap water in the skin, which can keep it hydrated and looking healthy. The less collagen our bodies have, the thinner, drier, and less elastic our skin become.
- Joint health: Collagen peptides help improve joint support by providing the joints with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Collagen peptides provide glucosamine and chondroitin, which are two of the most important nutrients for healthy joints. Glucosamine helps to rebuild cartilage, while chondroitin helps to lubricate and cushion the joints. This may also help relieve joint pain.
- Muscle growth: Collagen peptides help improve muscle growth in a few ways. First, they help to increase protein synthesis, which is the process by which new proteins are created in the body. Additionally, they reduce muscle damage and inflammation. This can help muscles to recover more quickly after a workout, leading to increased muscle growth over time and helping increase muscle mass.
- Weight loss: By increasing your muscle growth your body will naturally burn more calories to maintain that muscle. Additionally, collagen supplements can help to reduce inflammation, which is often a contributing factor in weight gain, thus increasing weight loss.
-Gut Health: Collagen peptides can help to increase the production of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They can also help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can lead to better gut health overall.
- Signs of Aging: Collagen peptides help to reduce the signs of aging. As we age, our collagen production slows and our bodies produce less and less collagen, which can cause our skin to be thinner, drier, and less elastic. By taking collagen supplements, we can help counter aging skin and improve skin elasticity. This can also help to reduce the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
-Support healthy bones: Increased bone mass and bone marrow with reduced bone loss
Thorough research has been done on collagen proteins and more benefits arise such as improved connective tissue, improved digestion and nutrient absorption, reduced inflammation, decreased skin conditions, reduced joint pain and knee pain, improved heart health, and many other benefits. Other factors may also be a part of these benefits. Here are some articles discussing the benefits of collagen peptides:
How to choose the best collagen supplement for you.
There are many different brands of collagen supplements to choose from.
- Neocell
- Orgain
The most popular brands of collagen supplements and collagen powder are Vital Proteins collagen peptides, Neocell, Orgain, and Purely Inspired. All three brands (and many other brands) offer high-quality collagen supplements that have a host of health benefits. Hands down the most popular single ingredient collagen peptides are Vital Proteins collagen peptides. Vital Proteins is the leading brand when it comes to collagen peptides powder and other collagen supplements.
Specific Collagen Supplements
If you're looking for a collagen supplement that is specifically designed for joint health, then Neocell's Joint Formula is a great option. This product contains hydrolyzed collagen that are specifically designed to support joint health.
If you're looking for a collagen supplement that is specifically designed for gut health, then Bulletproof Gut Health Collagen Protein is a great option. This product contains hydrolyzed collagen that are specifically designed to support gut health.
Vitauthority's Multi Collagen Peptides and NeoCell Super Collagen Plus contain Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C for added benefits. If you're looking for a collagen supplement that has a little bit of everything, then this is the perfect option for you.
Finally, if you're looking for a collagen supplement that is specifically designed for skin health, then Vital Proteins' Beauty Collagen Peptides is a great option. This product contains hydrolyzed collagen that is specifically designed to support skin health.
There are also many options for flavored collagen peptide supplements such as:
-Vital Proteins - Strawberry Lemon Beauty
What people are saying about collagen supplements
There are mixed reviews when it comes to collagen powder and collagen supplements. Some people swear by them and say that they have seen a noticeable difference in their skin, hair, and nails since starting to take them. Others say that they don't see any difference at all. Many people note that collagen peptides dissolve easily in water.
Reviews
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides has over 5,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Reviewers say that this Vital Proteins product has helped to improve their skin, hair, and nails. They also say that it is easy to mix and doesn't have any unpleasant taste.
NeoCell's collagen has over 2,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.0 stars. So not as many reviews as Vital Proteins collagen peptides but still a very substantial amount.
Purely Inspired's collagen has over 1,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars.
Sunwarrior's collagen has over 1,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars.
The average customer ratings of collagen supplements are 4.5 stars, which shows that people are generally happy with the results they're seeing.
My personal review
I have been taking Vital Proteins collagen peptides for about six months now, and I have noticed a slight difference in the health of my hair and nails. My hair seems to be growing faster than usual, and my nails are not as brittle as they used to be. I haven't noticed any change in my skin yet, but I will continue taking them and hopefully see some improvement over time. However, I'm not someone who is looking to change their appearance, so I may not be the best judge. I think that for someone who is looking for a bit of a beauty boost, Vital Proteins collagen peptides could be a great option.
The reason that I'm taking taking collagen peptide supplements are for more of the internal health benefits. I think of it more as a support supplement, where the difference isn't super noticeable, but feel like it's contributing to my overall health.
If you're thinking about trying collagen supplements, I would recommend doing your research first to find the best brand for you. There are many different brands out there, so try to find one that is high quality and that will provide you with the best results. It's very difficult to find a brand of collagen peptide supplements that will be bad for you. See "what are the side effects of taking collagen supplements" for more info.
How to take collagen supplements.
The most popular form of collagen peptides is in powder form you mix in with a drink. I recommend mixing them with a hot beverage or with cold drinks because there is a slight taste to the collagen peptides powder. They do offer collagen supplements in a pill you can swallow, gummies, and bars.
How much collagen powder do I take?
Most supplements recommend a collagen intake of between 10 and 20 grams per day. However, it's best to start with a lower dose and work your way up if you don't experience any negative side effects.
I would recommend starting with 5 grams per day and seeing how that goes. If you don't experience any negative side effects, then you can gradually increase the dosage over time. Just be sure to read the nutrition label and speak with your doctor before taking supplements or starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking other medications.
Final Thoughts
Collagen peptides are a hidden gem when it comes to health. They are a great addition to your diet, and they offer a wide variety of health benefits. All three brands of collagen supplements we've mentioned - Vital Proteins, Neocell, and Purely Inspired - offer high-quality products that can help you look and feel your best. So, if you're thinking about trying collagen peptides, I would recommend doing your research first to find the best kind that you would prefer, and try them out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can men take collagen peptides?
Yes, collagen peptides are beneficial for both men and women. Collagen peptides can help improve the health of hair, skin, nails, and joints for both sexes.
Is there anyone who shouldn't take collagen peptides?
If you are allergic to fish or shellfish, you should not take collagen peptides as they are most likely derived from these animals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak with your doctor before taking any supplements. If you are taking other medications, it's always best to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement, just to be safe.
What are the side effects of taking collagen supplements?
The most common side effect of taking collagen supplements is gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these side effects, it's best to lower the dose or stop taking the supplement altogether.
Where can I buy collagen peptides?
You can find collagen peptide supplements online or in some health food stores. However, the best place to buy collagen peptides is from a reputable supplement company. We've linked to some of our favorite collagen peptide supplements in the "How to choose the best collagen supplement for you" section above.
Do collagen peptides have any drug interactions?
There are no known drug interactions with collagen peptides. However, if you are taking other medications, it's always best to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement, just to be safe.
Do collagen peptides break a fast?
No, collagen peptides will not break a fast. Collagen peptides are generally considered to be a protein supplement and not food. So, if you are fasting and want to take collagen peptide supplements, they will not interfere with your fast.
Do collagen peptides cause weight gain?
No, collagen peptides will not cause weight gain. There is some evidence to prove that collagen peptides can help reduce weight gain by increasing muscle growth and reducing inflammation. However, if you are taking a higher dose of collagen peptide supplements, you may experience bloating or gas. These side effects are usually temporary and will go away as your body adjusts to the supplement.
Are collagen peptides protein?
Yes, collagen peptides are proteins. Collagen peptides are a source of protein that can be taken as a supplement. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body that is made up of amino acids. When collagen is broken down into smaller peptides, it becomes collagen peptides.
What is the difference between collagen peptides and whey protein?
Collagen peptides and whey protein are both sources of protein. However, there are some key differences between the two. Collagen peptides are derived from collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body. Whey protein, on the other hand, is derived from milk. Collagen peptides are also easier for the body to absorb than whey protein. Lastly, collagen peptides have a host of health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and joint pain, while whey protein is mainly just a source of protein.
What does grass-fed collagen mean?
Grass-fed collagen means that the collagen peptides are derived from animals that have been fed a diet of grass. Grass-fed collagen is thought to be more nutritious than collagen from animals that have been fed a diet of grain. The most popular grass-fed collagen peptide supplement is vital proteins collagen peptides.
Do I need to take collagen supplements every day?
There is no definitive answer as to whether or not you need to take collagen peptide supplements every day. However, most people who take collagen supplements do so for health benefits. Therefore, it is generally recommended to take them daily to experience the full benefits.