Let me tell you a little secret....my key to better hair, skin, nails, and overall health? Adding collagen to my diet. With so many benefits to collagen and peptides, it's easy to see why it has become such a hot topic lately. Collagen in your coffee, collagen in energy bars, even collagen water have become trendy ways to boost your health. This week we're talking all about the science and benefits of collagen and peptides!
Peptides, which are also called polypeptides, make up some of the proteins in the skin. Specifically, polypeptides make up collagen. Collagen is a protein in the body that makes up things like; tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. Collagen and peptides can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy, protect the skin from toxins and damage, strengthen your bones, relieve joint pain, and reduce inflammation.
Foods high in peptides include: eggs, milk, meat, fish and shellfish, beans and lentils, soy, oats, and flaxseed.
Foods high in collagen include: fish, chicken, egg whites, citrus fruits, berries, red and yellow vegetables ,garlic, and white tea
Collagen and peptides can be found in a variety of foods, however, collagen supplements provide a pre-digested form that can be more easily absorbed and utilized than by food alone. While more research needs to be done as to the efficacy of collagen supplements (i.e. is that powder in your coffee actually bioavailable), but nevertheless it is clear to see the benefits that collagen has for our body.
Collagen can keep your skin healthy looking and feeling healthy by increasing the elasticity and hydration of your skin, and may be able to reduce wrinkles by adding body and vigor to the skin.
Peptides help to protect the skin from toxins and damage by building stronger skin. Stronger skin can help reduce damage to the skin caused by pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and other toxins.
As we age, our bone mass can weaken. Collagen is a main component of bones. Maintaining collagen can help maintain bone integrity and may prevent osteoporosis!
Collagen can relieve joint pain by maintaining the health of the cartilage that protects your joints. It may also lower inflammation, which can reduce joint pain as well.
Studies have even investigated the role of collagen in the promotion of heart health. Collagen has been credited with providing strength and structure to arteries and increasing good cholesterol.
Next time you see these foods or that supplement in the grocery store I hope I've convinced you to try it out! Collagen has done wonders for my health and I hope you get to experience the (may) benefits as well. I'd love to know:
How are you getting your collagen?
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