Is collagen good for you?
Collagen, the most abundant protein within the human body, is the main component of our structural tissue and is found abundantly in bone, tendons, skin, ligaments and more. Collagen has recently become a favorite supplement touted by experts, influencers, food writers and others, but is taking collagen supplements worth it? Is collagen good for you? Or is it just another wellness trend without the research to back up its use?
In this video, registered dietitian nutritionist Lisa Money discusses what collagen is, what it does and the best way for you to ensure you’re getting enough collagen to make the most of its benefits.
What are collagen peptides?
“Collagen peptides have been hydrolyzed into a form that is easily digestible,” said Money. “So it’s basically peptides that are amino acids, including proline, hydroxyproline and glycine.”
When eating animal proteins, long, slow cooking (such as braising tough cuts of meat) breaks down the collagen before you consume it. Hydrolyzation also breaks collagen down into its component parts, which is much easier for your body to digest and gain its benefits.
Are there benefits to taking collagen supplements?
Money noted that there can be benefits gained from taking collagen supplements once you have stopped growing and settled into adulthood.
“When someone has finished their growth spurt, so after the age of 19 or 20, your body begins to lose collagen with time,” said Money. “It’s perfectly natural to try to make that up so that you get the benefits of a body with 100% of this vital protein.”
What are the benefits or potential side effects of powdered collagen?
“The great thing to know about powdered collagen is that it’s in the most easily digestible form,” said Money. “It has a heat tolerance to 570 degrees, so even if you heat it up, you’ll be able to digest it and it will be absorbed into the body readily.”
What foods provide collagen?
Collagen is an animal product, usually gained from hooves, tendons or ligaments from mammals like cows or pigs. There are two types of collagen, type 1 and type 2.
“Those looking for more elasticity in the skin would want to take a type 1 collagen,” said Money. “Those looking for anti-inflammatory properties, such as hoping to help with knee pain, would want to look for collagen type 2.”
Other questions answered within this video included:
- Can you take too much collagen?
- Is there one form of collagen supplement that is more effective than others?
- Is bone broth a good way to supplement collagen?
- Is it safe to consume expired collagen powder?
- Is it safe to give children collagen powder?
- What’s better, marine or bovine collagen?
- Is it better to ingest collagen or apply it topically?
- How can you choose the best collagen supplement?
- How often should you take a collagen supplement?
- Does collagen help after tendon injuries?
- Can collagen help to prevent sports injuries?
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