You’ve probably seen collagen peptides on the ingredient labels of popular supplements and skincare products, but what are peptides? Do they help with skin, gut and joint health?
Read on to learn why some doctors, including Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, think collagen peptides may be just the tool you need to support you from the inside out.
What is collagen and why is it important?
Collagen may conjure up images of fillers and injections, but it’s actually the most abundant protein in our bodies, Keep our skin youthful and support gut and joint health!
this amazing protein like scaffolding, connects our skin, ligaments, tendons, joints and bones, while also working to keep the joints flexible.have 28 types of collagenbut there are five main types (denoted by the Roman numerals I, II, III, IV, and V) that do most of the work.
Type I collagen, which makes up 80 to 90 percent of the collagen in our skin, is produced by fibroblasts, which also produce two other components that support the structure, called elastin and hyaluronic acid. Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid work together to keep our skin firm and youthful.
Sadly, as early as our twenties, our body’s collagen production starts to slow down. Factors such as sun exposure, alcohol, and nicotine can also accelerate this decline, causing our collagen production to decrease by 1% to 2% per year Year.
But don’t worry! Studies have shown that consuming collagen hydrolyzate (aka collagen peptides) in food or supplements can support the production of fibroblasts, which in turn support our body’s production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Not only does this promote a youthful skin appearance, it also promotes gut and joint health.
What are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen Peptides are small, digestible protein molecules derived from collagen. These peptides are obtained by breaking down collagen into shorter chains of amino acids, the building blocks of all proteins, and are the building blocks of healthy skin, bone and connective tissue.
Consuming collagen peptides in food or supplements can support the body’s collagen levels, promote firm, youthful skin, support joints and aid digestion.
With that out of the way, let’s talk in more detail below about the benefits of collagen (and collagen peptides), starting with our skin.
Supports younger looking skin
Collagen production can be influenced by intrinsic factors (genes and hormones) and extrinsic factors (environmental free radicals). For example, sun damage can affect the collagen in the skin, causing wrinkles and fine lines.
To minimize these signs of aging, it’s crucial to consume collagen-rich foods like bone broth and avoid harmful factors like sun exposure and nicotine. Dr. Kellyann recommends clean grass-fed bovine collagen hydrolyzate for easier digestion.
Additionally, as our collagen production decreases, we may notice facial fat redistribution, fine lines, wrinkles or sagging because we are not getting enough of the structural support collagen that is so vital to us. Thankfully, consuming collagen-rich foods or supplements containing collagen peptides can help restore our skin’s natural glow.
Dr. Kellyann’s Collagen Hydrolyzate Made using a proprietary method that perfectly produces high quality, pure organic beef collagen. This creates ultra-concentrated, easily digestible collagen, allowing your body to absorb the collagen peptides for nourished, radiant skin.
Supports Healthy Digestion
When digested, collagen peptides release amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins in our bodies. These amino acids are absorbed and distributed through our blood, providing many benefits.
Collagen is rich in amino acids such as glycine, proline, glucosamine, and glutamine, as well as minerals such as chondroitin.glycine helps support digestion Stomach acid helps break down fats and hard-to-digest foods by supporting the production of stomach acid. In turn, this can help support regularity, overall health, weight loss, and even healthy cholesterol levels.
Glucosamine and chondroitin work synergistically in the gut to promote mucus production for smooth digestion. Another fantastic amino acid from collagen peptides is glutamine, which plays a vital role in gut health.
glutamine helps Maintain a Healthy Gut Biome By supporting the cells that make up your gut!For example, it can help support the growth of intestinal cells, which then provides Protective effects as these cells go about their work in the digestive tract.
So embrace collagen for a happy, healthy gut and overall health!
Supports joint health
Because collagen is such an important building block of our joints, as we age, less collagen production can leave us feeling less flexible than we used to be. Collagen and the amino acids it contains keep our cartilage elastic. When production slows down, we may feel “squeaky” and stiff as we go about our daily activities.
The amino acids glycine, glutamine, hydroxyproline, proline and chondroitin work together to keep our bones and joints lubricated and flexible.
Collagen peptides can Helps support joint health and mobilitythe amino acid proline also provides the added benefit of helping maintain healthy tissue around the joints!
Which is Better: Collagen or Collagen Peptides?
If you’re looking to restore your skin’s moisturized elasticity while supporting gut and joint health, collagen peptides can help.
That is, collagen is not badbut collagen peptides are more easily absorbed by the body.
Because collagen peptides are broken down into more digestible components, they’re easier to absorb and ready for some serious work! We’re such fans that we offer hydrolyzed collagen powders, shakes, and smoothies so you have options for rejuvenating collagen to fit into your own unique lifestyle.
What Are Good Sources of Collagen Peptides?
we recommend Dr. Kellyann’s Unflavored Collagen Peptides Powder — it’s so versatile it can be added to coffee, smoothies, milkshakes, and just about any other recipe you can think of!It is free of hormones and antibiotics, and is compatible with bone broth diet and many other dietary preferences and health plans.
In addition to their popular peptide powders, Dr. Kellyann also offers collagen coffee, creamers, coolers, shakes, and hot cocoa. No matter which convenient form you choose, getting your daily collagen needs has never been easier.
You can also increase the collagen in your diet by consuming foods that are naturally rich in collagen.
For example, vegetables such as red leafy greens (like beets) and lean meats like fish can support the body’s collagen supply.
As a bonus, these foods also contain other valuable nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, iron and lycopene.
Collagen Peptides Recipe Ideas
Incorporating unscented collagen peptides powder into your routine is a breeze with these delicious, convenient recipes. Get creative with these delightful ideas:
- smoothie boost: Power up your morning smoothie with a scoop of Collagen Peptides Powder. Mix it with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and a liquid base like almond milk for a nutritious, energizing way to start your day.
- Protein Pancakes: Mix collagen powder into pancake batter for a protein-rich breakfast. Combine gluten-free oats, eggs, mashed bananas, and a scoop of collagen powder for a delicious, gluten-free treat.
- collagen coffee: Elevate your daily coffee or tea by whisking collagen powder for a healthy, frothy drink. This seamless addition will leave your skin radiant and your joints strong!Alternatively, you can save yourself preparation time with our services collagen coffee.
- overnight cereal: Prepare a jar of overnight oats by combining rolled oats, yogurt, milk, chia seeds, honey, and collagen powder. Refrigerate overnight for a nutritious breakfast anytime, anywhere!
- Chia Pudding: Make delicious chia pudding with coconut milk, chia seeds, honey and collagen powder. Let it sit overnight for a creamy, protein-packed snack or dessert.
- Energy Bite: Make a no-bake energy snack with a mix of oats, nut butter, honey and collagen powder. Roll them into bite-sized balls for a portable, healthy snack.
- vegetarian: Combine Greek yogurt, vanilla, and collagen powder for a delicious vegetable dip. Enjoy a protein-rich snack with your favorite raw veggies.
- Collagen-Infused Nut Butters: Mix your favorite nut butter with collagen powder for an upgraded application. Use it on toast, in smoothie bowls, or as a fruit dip.
- Healthy Baked Goods: Add collagen powder to your favorite muffin, cookie or brownie recipes. This sneaky addition will boost the protein without compromising on flavor!
Get inspired by these easy recipes and enjoy the rejuvenating collagen peptides in your daily meals and snacks!
the bottom line
Taking control of your health has never been easier. Restoring your youthful look doesn’t need a trip to a plastic surgeon’s office anymore—it can start right in your own kitchen with some delicious, carefully selected ingredients.
Support your body’s collagen levels by adding a scoop Dr. Kellyann’s Unflavored Collagen Peptides Powder Your favorite meal of the day.
source:
Vitamin List | Harvard Health Publishing
Everything You Should Know About Collagen Peptides | Cleveland Clinic
The role of collagen hydrolyzates in bone and joint disease | National Library of Medicine
