What are collagen peptides? Well whats collagen?
Before we even start with what collagen peptides are, what the heck is collagen? Collagen is a protein in your body. It has many important functions, including but not limited to serving as one of the building blocks for your skin, bones, hair, joints, and ligaments.
Over the last few years, collagen has been the new big thing. Whether it was in the form of a pill, powder, or in your new skincare routine you were bound to see it show up somewhere. Most are hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen has been broken down for easy absorption.
Now that we have that covered let’s discuss collagen peptides.
Liquid Collagen vs Powder Collagen – How Do they Differ?
I’m sure taking collagen peptides already has you confused. BUT, now powder collagen or liquid collagen? I am almost positive you have heard of people getting collagen in other ways such as bone broth and maybe even pills. Sure everyone and their mother is taking collagen these days, but will you? The hype we hear about collagen supplementation isn’t exactly the most exciting from the die-hard fans – it still very much is growing and being researched.
Powder Collagen
I heard coffee tastes so much better with collagen. Or is that what the latest influencer is saying? When collagen is broken down and hydrolyzed, it is more effective than a pill. It may take a little bit of planning on when and how to use it. BUT we think it is worth it.
Pros: portable and convenient
Capsules with collagen powder are great for people on the go! Some people even really love the to-go packets, or even putting some of their powder in a zip-lock.
The great thing about capsules is that they are flavorless, just pop one In your mouth and you are good to go. The same thing with a powdered mix, all you need is water and you get your serving of collagen!
Cons: serving size
Sometimes with capsules, you have to be very conscious of serving size. Some require more than 1 pill as a serving size and before you know it your bottle has run out.
Liquid Collagen
Sounds hydrating. Whether you are consuming an RTD, ready to be mixed or single packets (which are popular are amongst people on the go) Consuming it in this form or fashion is another option.
Pros: Flavorless and easily absorbed
Just like powder, this baby can go right to work. If you hate scoopers then this is the collagen for you. You can throw this puppy into your gym bag and you are set and ready to go!
Cons: Limited Use
Since this is not powdered your options are slim. These drinks are premade and you’ll have to deal with the flavor. There may be some experimenting involved until you find the right flavor.
Vegan Collagen and the Plant Based Dieter
You’re probably wondering does vegan collagen stack up to animal-based collagen. Is the hype believable? Many animal-based eaters are having a hard time accepting that a vegan protein can have the same benefits as a plant-based source.
Collagen protein is found primarily in skin, hair, bones, and ligaments from animal sources such as fish or beef.
Since the amazing scientist today are so ahead of the curve they have discovered a way to create vegan collagen.
How can collagen even be vegan?
Collagen can now be created using genetically modified bacteria and yeast research states. With a few simple steps, you have vegan collagen. Crazy right? I am just as confused as you are.
What you need to know – How collagen benefits your skin
Picture perfect skin. That sounds amazing! I am definitely someone with tricky skin, it has a mind of its own and it annoys me to be quite honest. One also has to be aware that genetics plays a big role in how your skin, looks and feels. Remember collagen is a supplement and that’s all it is.
Benefits of Collagen – Skin
As you age, less collagen is produced in the body leading to dryer skin and wrinkles. Collagen is a major element of your skin. Many studies have shown that the use of this supplement has shown an improvement in skin elasticity. After 4 weeks a statistically significantly higher skin elasticity level was determined in elderly women. Are you convinced yet? Not only did the studies show improvement in the skin but in the recovery of lost cartilage tissue, reduced activity-related joint pain and strengthened tendons and ligaments increased lean body mass in elderly men and premenopausal women, and increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
Best Collagen Peptides
With so many brands out learn what to look for and avoid when choosing the right collagen supplement. So what should you look for? What I always recommend when choosing any supplement is the ingredient profile. The less the better, supplement companies will add filler to their supplement to reduce the cost of production leaving you with the so-called proprietary blend. All you will see is a list of ingredients with no dosage amount NOT GOOD!
Another good way of choosing is to read reviews, I know reviews could be biased, paid for, or well just downright not the truth. Popularity does not always mean quality, BUT look around and see what companies have been around the longest. See who represents them, you’ll know right away whether or not to run the other way.
The last thing I look for is their product catalog. What else are they selling? Are they innovative? Are they selling unnecessary supplements? Are their prices reasonable? Don’t be fooled by every single product on the market. The majority of products sold nowadays you can do without. Let’s face it the basic supplements are not sexy.
Vital Proteins
American’s #1 Collagen brand. Is it? Vital Proteins was one of the first brands I ever tried and I must say I was quite impressed. I was not sure what to expect. So what do they claim? Let’s see.
- Chemical Free Processing
- Transparent
- Sustainable
- Easy to Use
- Vitamin C & HA
- Independently Tested
With a 4.6 rating, this product has it all, easy to digest, minimal ingredients, and a top-notch amino acid profile.
Garden of Life
One of my favorite brands in the whole wide world, not only do I use their collagen protein, I use their protein powders as well as their bars on a normal basis.
- 20g Grass-fed and pasture-raised collagen
- 1.5 Billion CFU probiotics for digestion†
- Non-GMO Tested & Certified, Keto Certified, Certified Paleo, & NSF Gluten Free
This is the brand I personally use, with a 4.6 rating as well (not surprised at all) Garden of Life’s collagen is purchase-worthy.
Neocell
Another brand that has hit the market with a boom is Neocell. With a powder and pill form, there is no way you can forget about taking your collagen. Also, filled with Amla an exotic fruit that’s filled with antioxidants, that help reduce diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- 20 Grams of Clinically Studied Collagen 1 & 3
- Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid
- Antioxidants from Vitamin C & Amla
- Inner Strength, Outer Radiance
- Non-GMO | Gluten-Free | No Soy, Wheat or Milk | No Added Sugars
This beauty has a 4.3 rating and won the 2019 Shape editor pick. Another great pick for your beauty needs!
Wait there’s more – It treats more than just Skin
OK – So here we are. You have read about collagen what it does for your skin…but let’s get down and dirty. Brittle nails, achy joints, bad stomach. Does that sound like you? Guess what? this nifty little supplement helps all those ailments. Stomach aches? Use collagen. Need stronger joints? Use collagen. Can’t get a manicure without your nails chipping in a week? Use collagen. You get the picture.
In Conclusion
Is this supplement worth the hype? I think so. From my experience, it does do what science claims. Now is it a miracle supplement? NO. Still take into mind that a healthy diet plays a BIG ROLE in all of this. You cannot have one without the other. I hope this article helps and will guide you in the right direction. Until next time.
