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Collagen is something that I take every day, and I will rave about it to anyone who listens. I am notoriously bad at taking supplements. I have a hard time getting into the daily habit of taking them, and then will go weeks without taking them. Except for that time I started taking Maca root powder. Maybe it’s just pills that I forget, and not powders. Hmm.
Anyway! Collagen is something that I take daily, and actually get sad about missing. I take it EVERY day if I can help it. I take it in a flavorless powder form, and I mix it into my coffee daily. It gives even my black coffee a slightly smoother flavor. It’s weird. Wonderfully weird. The coffee ends up almost creamy in a way, but not like adding actual cream. I now keep individual packets in my purse for on the go.
As a crunchy person, and a researcher, I had read about collagen for years. I knew all the amazing benefits (we’ll get to that), but honestly, I was hesitant to buy something and hate it. I mean even the “cheap” brands still cost about $30. To me that’s a big jump simply to end up hating the first scoop. I’ve hated my fair share of “drink mixes” over the years. Eventually, I took the plunge, tried it, loved it, and never looked back!
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s found in our bones, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and more. Often described as the “glue” that holds all these things together, it is an amino acid, which are the building blocks of our bodies.
The older we get, the less collagen that our body stores. This is the cause of lines, wrinkles, and thinning hair and nails. This natural decrease in supply can be further decreased due to habits like smoking, sun exposure, stress, environmental toxins, and poor diet.
Have you ever read or heard about the amazing benefits of fresh bone stock? That’s partially due to the high levels of collagen in that stock. Plus all the vitamins and minerals of course.
What are the Benefits of Collagen?
It is a great source of protein without all the added junk protein mixes have. Protein that Pregnant and postpartum mamas need for strength and healing. It aids in smoother skin, better complexion, healthier and stronger hair, teeth, nails, and bones. It helps joints, too. It’s hormone balancing, gut health supporting, and aides the body’s natural detoxification (without the physical discomforts).
I first began taking it after having my first baby. I wanted, and needed, any support for the craziness of postpartum. Breastfeeding, hair-loss, dry skin, angry joints, digestion, and energy levels. All helped and supported by taking collagen.
At a Glance:
- increased skin elasticity
- hormone balancing
- bone and joint health (decreased pain)
- better digestion & gut health
- boost muscle mass
- better hair and nails
My Preferred Method/Brands
I originally took Great Lakes for years, and loved the quality and the price. About 6 months ago, I switched to the Vital Proteins brand, and love it just as much. I had heard rants and raves about both brands, but originally went with Great Lakes due to availability and cost. When I discovered that the Vital Proteins was available at Costco for a great price, I switched over. They recently had the Vital Proteins to-go packets on sale at Costco as well, and I snagged a bag to keep a supply in my purse. Yes!
Every morning I pour a dose into my hot or cold coffee (check the note on Hydrolysate below), stir it in, and drink. It also gives me EXTRA motivation to drink ALL of my coffee each day. Not that I really need it, I just am forgetful. I drink coffee because I enjoy the flavor, not really for the caffeine, so it can be easy for me to set it somewhere and forget it.
It also mixes well into smoothies, juice, or even water, really. I just always make sure its in a serving that I can finish to get the whole dose. Even tea would work. Or hot cocoa! Yum. Another favorite of mine is Crio Bru, a chocolate alternative to coffee. That’s right folks, CHOCOLATE!
A Note on Hydrolysate, or Hydrolyzed Collagen
Hydrolysate, or hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that has undergone a process to help it better dissolve in liquids, specifically cold liquids. This makes it easier to mix in various drinks, not simply hot beverages. It also means that if you let your drink sit, it’s not going to turn into jello. If you get regular collagen, like this red version of Great Lakes, your hot coffee will turn to warm sludge as time goes by. Not appetizing. Consider yourself warned. Though there are many uses for that bottle as well, and I JUST ran out of my supply last week. I need to order some more!
The Support Moms Need
We mamas need all the support we can get. It’s a hectic life, whether you work full time, or stay home with the kids. It’s easy to fall into quick and easy, which often means a decline in our own health, especially with the lack of nutrients in the standard American diet. A quick and easy, but healthy and supportive, pick me up is a great way to boost our systems. This is why I love having collagen. It’s one of the four supplements I now consider top priority, and as I said above, the only one I’m good as remembering daily. Maybe because I’m good at remembering my coffee…connection? Probably.
Here are four supplements that I think are amazing at supporting our bodies:
Do you take collagen?
DISCLAIMER: Simply Holly Jo and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on Simply Holly Jo is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.
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