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Collagen Supplement Reviews | Top 5 Revealed

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We all want firm, supple, flawless skin. We want flexible, pain-free movement. The beauty  and health markets are saturated with lotions, creams, and serums to help achieve the baby-smooth complexion and the healthy moving body that we all crave. But what if the best solution for flawless skin didn’t come from topical products, but from within? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it is essential for beautiful and healthy skin, hair and nails. It is for this reason that more and more people are turning to collagen supplements to boost their intake of this important protein for a glowing appearance that starts from within.

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Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body. It is a long-chain amino acid composed of glycerin, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine. It is found in our muscles, bones, skin and tendons, holding everything together as our body’s “glue”. In fact, it is the most abundant protein in the body, making up 30% of the total protein in the body and 70% of the total protein in the skin. Collagen is responsible for giving elasticity to skin, strengthening your hair, skin, and nails, boosting your metabolism and building healthy DNA strands.

If collagen is produced naturally by the body, why do we need supplements? That’s because as we age, our collagen levels deplete, leading to sagging skin, wrinkles, and weaker cartilage in your joints. From the age of 25 onwards, our collagen production decreases at a rate of 1% per year. Unhealthy, high-sugar diets, smoking and sun exposure also leads to a decrease in the production of collagen. It is for this reason that adding collagen to your diet is highly beneficial.

Years ago, many people received collagen in their diets through eating the whole animal, particularly collagen-rich animal parts such as skin, tendons, and ligaments. However, today, most people reject these parts of the animal and for vegetarians, they do not eat animal products at all. That is why adding collagen supplements is an effective and easy way to boost collagen levels for all.

Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Anti-Aging: Depletion in collagen levels is the primary cause of the various signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines and loose, sagging skin. The bottom layer of your skin, known as the dermis, is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity. Collagen is a major component in your skin and is found primarily in the dermis. By increasing collagen levels, your dermis can keep your skin firm and supple and numerous studies have shown that regular consumption of collagen supplements even saw a decrease in the wrinkles that have already appeared.

Skin: Besides elasticity, collagen is also responsible for keeping a moisturized, even skin tone. Decreased levels of the amino acids found in collagen can lead to small veins and arteries appearing under the skin and dryer, dull looking skin. Maintaining the levels of these amino acids moisturize and diminish the appearance of imperfections, leading to softer, smoother, more supple and youthful looking skin.

Hair: Collagen also plays a significant role in hair strength, preventing hair loss and maintaining natural color. Taking collagen supplements can fight the production of free radicals, which damage the hair follicles leading to hair loss. Sufficient collagen levels strengthen the hair follicles, to improve hair growth and volume.

Teeth and Nails: Collagen is the building block of your teeth and nails. Splitting and peeling nails is a sign that your collagen levels need a boost. Collagen supplements allow for healthy, strong nails and an increase in nail growth. Similarly, collagen forms the structure of the teeth and connective tissue around it. Boosting your collagen levels will allow you to build a beautiful smile from the inside.

Metabolism: Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements boosts your metabolism. Glycerine, found in collagen, helps bring sugar into your body’s tissue, increasing energy levels and helps in muscle development. This increase in metabolism is

Scarring: Collagen is essential for healthy tissue formation. Scars caused by acne or other problems can ruin your chances at a flawless complexion. Taking collagen supplements helps the skin naturally repair itself by promoting healthy tissue formation, which speeds up the healing process.

Joints: Decreased levels of collagen can also have an adverse effect on our joints. As we age and produce less collagen, our tendons and ligaments get stiffer; our joints become swollen and we move with less ease. Taking collagen supplements can prevent joint deterioration, reduce joint pain and allow our joints to move easier. In fact, collagen supplements have also been shown to be effective in treating osteoporosis and other joint problems.

Collagen Supplement Reviews

There are plenty of choices when it comes to collagen supplements, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. We’ve managed to narrow it down to 5 top contenders and have compiled our findings below:

1) Bulletproof Upgraded Collagen Protein

Bulletproof Upgraded Collagen Protein

Key Ingredients/Features:

Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder: 1 tbsp of Bulletproof Upgraded Collagen Protein contains 8.5g of Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder. At 8,500mg of collagen per serving size, you will see fantastic results from this powder supplement including stronger nails, longer and thicker hair and plumper skin.

Powder: Thanks to its powder form, this collagen supplement is incredibly easy to add to your diet. Simply mix 1tbsp of Bulletproof Upgraded Collagen Protein into smoothies, soups, juices, teas or coffee to ingest collagen easily without adding flavor to your food and drink. This is also great for those who may find pills difficult to swallow.

Grass-Fed Cows: Bulletproof Upgraded Collagen Protein is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows that are free from drugs, chemicals, hormones or antibiotics. It is FDA certified and designated GRA (Generally Regarded as Safe).

Large Size: Another benefit of Bulletproof Upgraded Collagen Protein is the large quantity of powder you get with each bag. Each 16oz bag contains 53 servings of 8,500mg of hydrolyzed collagen. This is over a month’s supply of high dosage collagen, more than the average one month supply standard. The large size ensures you get the most from your bag, while the large dosage per serving ensures you get maximum results.

Drawbacks:

The only disadvantage to Bulletproof Upgraded Collagen Protein is that it does not contain any additional collagen-boosting ingredients such as Vitamin C or other amino acids. These nutrients help with the absorption of collagen and can be very beneficial in collagen supplements. That being said, the fact that this collagen supplement comes in powder form somewhat negates this disadvantage as it is very easy to simply add this powder to a glass of orange juice to

Final Thoughts:

This collagen supplement is highly effective for healthy skin, promoting nail and hair growth and decreasing joint pain. The large dosage of collagen per serving ensures maximum results, while the powder form leaves it very easy to add to your diet without disrupting your daily routine. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who wants a collagen supplement that provides an easy way to see great results.

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2) Vital Proteins Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides

Vital Proteins Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides

Key Ingredients/Features:

Collagen Peptides: Unlike Hydrolyzed Collagen, which comes from the bones and cartilage of animals, Collagen Peptides comes from the skin. One serving of Vital Proteins Pasture-Raised, Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides contains 2 scoops or 20g of these Collagen Peptides, to promote youthful skin, keep bones strong and healthy, support joint health and contribute to a balanced diet.

Powder: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides come in easily digestible powder form, which is soluble in hot and cold water. This makes it very easy to add to your diet. Simply dissolve two scoops of the powder in any liquid daily to see great results. Tasteless and odorless, it is easy to add to your diet without the need for any changes and will not change the taste of your food and drinks

Grass-Fed: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides that have no contact with drugs, hormones or other harmful chemicals. This supplement is also Kosher and non-GMO (Genetically Modified).

Soluble in Hot or Cold Liquids: Because it is soluble in both hot and cold liquids, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are incredibly easy to add to your diet. You simply dissolve it in a liquid or beverage of your choice, including smoothies and soups, so your choices are not limited to the same drink every day. Especially because it is soluble in water, this makes it very easy to take collagen supplements for people who don’t drink hot liquids like tea or coffee or who prefer mixing their collagen with other ingredients such as Vitamin C to boost collagen function.

Drawbacks:

The one drawback to Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is the size. One container is 20oz of Collagen Peptides or 23 2 scoop servings. This is below the standard one month supply of many collagen supplements. However, due to the large serving size (20g) you get fantastic results with this supplement. Within a number of weeks, visible improvements can be seen on to the skin, hair and nails and once you start noticing these amazing results, the size of the container will seem inconsequential.

Final Thoughts:

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a highly effective collagen supplements that will produce visible results within some weeks. The use of Collagen Peptides means the collagen is highly bio-available, digestible and is even soluble in cold liquids, which is an advantage to people who don’t drink hot drinks like tea or coffee. The scoop provided makes it very easy to measure serving sizes and because it’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides, it is free from harmful hormones or chemicals. I would definitely recommend this.

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3) Neocell Super Powder Collagen

Neocell Super Powder Collagen

Key Ingredients/Features:

Hydrolyzed Collagen: Neocell Super Powder Collagen contains 6,600mg of Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder. Taken daily, you will notice visible improvements in your skin’s youth and elasticity including minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the strengthening of your hair, nails, and bones.

Super Collagen: Super Collagen contains Type 1 and Type 3 collagen, which makes up 90% of the collagen found in your body. Super Collagen are high in hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, two amino acids that are specific to collagen and are important for collagen production. Super Collagen also uses an advanced enzymatic hydrolyzation process that makes it very bioavailable and bioactive in the body.

Powder: Neocell Super Powder Collagen comes in powder form, which is incredibly easy to add to your diet. You don’t need to make any dietary changes to take in this healthy supplement. Simply mix the powder into your morning coffee or glass of juice to see great results. It is tasteless and odorless so that you won’t notice a difference in taste to your drinks but the difference in your skin, hair, nail and joint health will be substantial.

Low Price: Neocell Super Powder Collagen contains a standard month’s supply of 30 servings. This standard amount doesn’t seem impressive until you factor into account the low price. Priced much lower than many other collagen supplements, Neocell Super Powder Collagen gives you a great way to enjoy the many benefits of collagen supplements at a lower cost than average. In fact, Neocell Super Powder Collagen comes in as the least expensive collagen supplement on our list.

Drawbacks:

Neocell Super Powder Collagen has one minor drawback – the fact the powder contains only pure hydrolyzed collagen, without any additional collagen-boosting nutrients such as Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the formation and utilization of collagen in the body so it’s highly beneficial to add to collagen supplements. However, because it comes in convenient powder form, it is very easy to add to any liquid. Therefore, it is simple and highly recommended, to add Neocell Super Powder Collagen to a glass of juice containing Vitamin C for maximum benefits. If that’s not enough, Neocell also offers alternatives to the powder with tablet and liquid varieties, which are both formulated with Vitamin C.

Final Thoughts:

Neocell Super Powder Collagen is a great option for a collagen supplement. The low price makes it a great option for people wanting to try collagen supplements for the first time without committing to a product with a steeper price tag and the use of super collagen makes this highly effective and bioavailable. Easily add the great supplement into your diet to see visible results in a matter of weeks.

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4) Sports Research Pure Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

Premium Collagen Peptides

Key Ingredients/Features:

Collagen Peptides: One scoop of Sports Research Premium Collagen Peptides contains 11g of Collagen Peptides. One serving, taken daily is packed with easily digestible, gut friendly amino acids that help counteract the degenerative effects of aging. Youthful skin, strong bones, healthy joints and improved gut health are some of the many benefits from adding this supplement to your diet.

Powder: This unflavored, neutral tasting powder is incredibly easy to add to your diet. Soluble in both hot and cold water, this powder is easily mixed into your daily coffee or afternoon juice and doesn’t affect the taste of your beverage. You can also add it to a variety of foods such as yogurt and oatmeal. Such a simple addition to your diet will lead to incredible health benefits.

Grass-Fed: Sports Research Premium Collagen Peptides is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, so there is no harmful addition of hormones, drugs, antibiotics or chemicals. It is also paleo friendly, gluten free and non-GMO, so it’s suitable for all diets.

Money Back Guarantee: In case you’re still weary about trying collagen supplements, Sports Research Premium Collagen Peptides offer a complete 90-day money back guarantee. If you see no results within 90 days and are unhappy with your purchase, you can contact the company for your money back. However, this is unlikely as by 90 days you are sure to see the noticeable, visible results from taking your collagen supplements.

Drawbacks:

As with the other collagen powder supplements on this list, the major drawback to Sports Research Premium Collagen Peptides is that it is not fortified with Vitamin C, due to it being 100% collagen powder. Collagen works best when combined with Vitamin C, so it is highly beneficial to take them together. However, as it comes in powder form, this gives you a huge variety of ways to add this collagen supplement to your diet. The most beneficial and recommended way is, of course, to take it with a source of Vitamin C, such as a juice or smoothie containing citric fruits. This way you will get the most from your collagen supplement and you will have the added benefit of increasing your Vitamin C content.

Final Thoughts:

Sports Research Premium Collagen Peptides are a hugely beneficial collagen supplement, particularly for gut health. The gut-friendly formula is easily absorbed into the body and the powder form makes it incredibly easy to add it to your favorite drink or a variety of foods so you can add collagen supplements easily without making changes to your diet. The container also contains 40 servings, which is more than the standard month’s supply so you will benefit from the extra amount. Overall, I definitely recommend this for anyone wanting a good collagen supplement.

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5) Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula Tablets

Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula Tablets

Key Ingredients/Features:

Hydrolyzed Collagen: Each tablet of Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula Tablets contains 1000mg of Hydrolyzed Collagen. With six tablets taken daily, your daily collagen amount will be 6000mg and within a matter of weeks, you will start to see noticeable improvements in your hair, skin and nails. Those suffering from joint pain will also notice a decrease in pain after continued use.

Vitamin C: Essential for the formation and utilization of collagen, vitamin C is an important addition to every collagen supplement regime. Vitamin C is not produced by the body but is required for the formation of collagen. Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula Tablets are fortified with Vitamin C, containing 60mg of Vitamin C per serving (six tablets). So you will make the most of your collagen supplements by ensuring not only that your supplements are properly absorbed into the body but that natural collagen is properly formed for youthful skin, stronger hair and nails and a healthier gut.

Type 1 & 3 Collagen: Type 1 and Type 3 collagen make up the majority of collagen produced by your body and is generally found in your skin, muscles and connective tissue. Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula Tablets contain type 1 and 3 collagen, as well as Vitamin C for the critical formation of collagen in the body and the ongoing health of your hair, skin, cartilage, ligaments and other body tissues.

Type 2 Collagen: Type 2 collagen makes up a significant amount of your body’s cartilage and naturally produced hyaluronic acid to cushion and lubricate your joints. Type 2 collagen and hyaluronic acid are vital components of the skin, leading to a healthier, glowing complexion. Type 2 collagen also contains chondroitin sulfate, a naturally occurring chemical that provides anti-inflammatory support.

Drawbacks:

The major disadvantage to Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula Tablets, as well as other collagen tablets is the serving method. Unlike powder, which is easily added to your food or drink and therefore is easy to add to your diet, collagen tablets must be ingested daily. One serving is comprised of three tablets taken twice daily on an empty stomach. This may be a little difficult to adjust to at first. However, once you develop the habit, it is easy to remember to take the tablets in the morning and evening and the huge benefits you receive will make the small adjustment to your schedule more than worthwhile.

Final Thoughts:

I would definitely recommend Youtheory Collagen Advanced Formula Tablets to anyone who is looking for collagen supplements in tablet form. Fortified with Vitamin C, it is easy to ensure you are maximizing the benefits of your collagen by simply taking the required dose daily, without having to think about getting Vitamin C from other sources. Once you adjust to the daily serving dosage, you will start to see visible results within a matter of weeks.

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What to Look For in a good collagen supplement

Topical creams containing collagen are not very effective as the molecules are too large to be absorbed by the skin. This is why the best supplemental form of collagen comes from powders and pills. It is important to note that Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen and it is very difficult for supplemental collagen to be activated by the body without it so look for collagen supplements that also contain at least 10mg of Vitamin C. Additionally, when taking collagen powder, make sure it’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, so you aren’t exposed to antibiotics or chemicals with your supplement.

How to choose the Best Collagen Supplement For Your Needs

You now know how beneficial taking collagen supplements can be. Here are some tips to help you choose the best supplements for you:

  • Collagen in supplements will usually come in one of two forms: Hydrolyzed Collagen, which is derived from bovine bone and cartilage is more easily absorbed by the body or Collagen Peptides, which is derived from bovine skin and hide.
  • There are three types of Collagen found in the body. Studies have shown that 90% of the collagen found in the body is Type 1 and Type 3 collagen, which have protein compositions of nineteen amino acids, found in the skin and muscle. Type 2 collagen contains eighteen amino acids and is found in the joint cartilage. It is important not to combine Type 1+3 collagen with Type 2 collagen as they have different amino acid profiles and when taken together, will bind to form a complete protein. This way the body won’t recognize it as collagen and you won’t see the desired results.
  • When looking for pill collagen supplements, look for those that contain other collagen-boosting nutrients such as Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid, which is essential to collagen formation.
  • Make sure your collagen is sourced from Grass-fed, pasture-raised cows.
  • Collagen powder can be added to smoothies or other meals to provide the healthy boost and is a good option if you don’t want to take pills.
  • Collagen supplements should have a dosage of at least 6,000mg to see best results.
  • Typically, collagen powder is more bio-available than collagen pills so choose powder to see faster results.

Conclusion

As we age, our body naturally produces less and less collagen leading to a number of age-related degenerative results, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, painful joints and osteoporosis. This is why taking daily collagen supplements are highly beneficial to help prevent and reverse some of these natural effects of aging. This article has provided you with the hows and whys of the many great benefits of collagen, as well as providing you with some helpful tips to know what to look for when choosing a collagen supplement. All of the collagen supplements listed are great options to provide noticeable results, but my personal recommendation is for CB Supplements. It is the cleanest collagen supplement among all the options we tried and the ingredients come from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows and is completely non-GMO. Best of all, it mixes easy in any liquid, even if it’s cold.

AIP, Diet & Nutrition, Paleo, Whole30

Collagen vs Collagen Peptides: What Type of Collagen is Best

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What Type of Collagen is Best

When it comes to what type of collagen is best, you must first know that there are a few terms that are interchangeable so you don’t get confused. Gelatin is collagen that has been cooked down. Collagen or Collagen Peptides have been processed further into smaller pieces.

Gelatin and collagen are two proteins that are commonly associated with health benefits such as healing leaky gut, preventing wrinkles, improving digestion, and reducing joint pain.

Oftentimes, you may see gelatin and collagen used interchangeably. But while they come from the same sources— bones, skin and tissue— they’re not the same thing.

The Gelatin Version of Collagen vs Collagen Peptides

As mentioned, collagen is found in bones and tissue. Since it’s too tough to eat tendons or ligaments, these parts must be cooked down using a process called partial hydrolysis, to make the collagen digestible. The hydrolyzing and drying of the bones and tissue is what forms gelatin powder. In other words, gelatin is the cooked form of collagen.

Making bone broth is one of the most delicious ways to get more collagen and gelatin into your diet. By simmering bones and tissue in water with other aromatics for 20 to 24 hours, the collagen and gelatin get released from the bones and make their way into your tasty soup.

When it comes to collagen supplements, you may have heard of hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. This form of collagen is simply gelatin that has been more aggressively processed through hydrolysis to form smaller proteins, which can be easily digested and absorbed by the body.

Simply put, the differences between collagen and gelatin come down to how they’re processed. The processing method is what gives collagen and gelatin different textures, unique health benefits, and allows them to be therapeutic in different ways.

So, should you use collagen peptides or gelatin? Let’s take a quick look at the similar health benefits of collagen and gelatin, followed by their differences, so you can decide which one is best for you.

What Collagen Peptides and Gelatin Have in Common

First, let’s break down the makeup of each. Since collagen and gelatin are derived from the same sources, the have identical amino acid profiles. Most of the amino acids found in gelatin and collagen are highly anti-inflammatory (unlike some other animal proteins), which makes them beneficial for supporting overall health and well-being.

Gelatin and collagen contain the amino acids proline and glucosamine, as well as proteins called glycosaminoglycans. All of these nutrients support joint health by promoting the growth of new cartilage, and cushioning the joints (1)(2). Having more of these nutrients has been found to help reduce the pain associated with arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Another amino acid found in gelatin and collagen is glycine. As a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, glycine also helps to improve joint pain, but has the added benefit of supporting healthy nervous system function, improving sleep quality, building collagen, and strengthening the intestinal lining (3)(4). As you can see, glycine is one of the reasons why collagen and gelatin provide health benefits to the entire body.

Lastly, one of the most important nutrients for healthy, younger looking skin is collagen.

As the most abundant protein found in your skin, collagen helps preserve skin elasticity to keep it smooth, supple and youthful. Since our bodies begin to produce less collagen once we hit age 25, getting collagen and gelatin through your diet is especially helpful to improve your skin’s appearance from the inside out (5). As a protein, collagen is also a primary building block for healthy teeth, bones, hair and nails (6). When looking at what type of collagen is best for you, consider the following:

What type of collagen is best for you?

Benefits of Gelatin Collagen

Gelatinbeef bone broth collagen

When collagen is boiled, partially hydrolyzed, and dried to form gelatin, it turns into a brittle, dry powder. But when mixed with hot liquids, it dissolves into a gel-like substance (hence the name gelatin). If you’ve eaten Jello before, you’ve had gelatin.

The gelatinous texture of gelatin is what makes it useful as a thickener in your recipes (such as homemade gravies, vitamin gummy bears, and soups). The gel-like texture also determines how it’s digested and absorbed by your body, which can influence certain aspects of your health —  from blood sugar balance to intestinal repair.

Gut Repair

Picture gelatin as a thick, goopy gel when it’s being digested and absorbed in your intestinal tract. It moves sluggishly and is slower to digest, which is why it’s said to help soothe and coat the gut lining.

Since gelatin is 30% glycine, it’s one of the richest sources of glycine on the planet. Glycine has been shown to improve gut health by repairing the intestinal wall, and sealing the gut lining — which is essential for healing leaky gut syndrome and the autoimmune conditions that stem from leaky gut, such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies (7)(8).

The benefits of gelatin for healing the GI tract also make it one of the top foods to eat on the GAPS diet, which is a gut health protocol designed to help repair the gut lining and heal digestive symptoms, leaky gut syndrome and autoimmune diseases.

Blood Sugar Balance

One study showed that when gelatin was consumed with sugar, it reduced the glucose response by nearly 50% (9). This suggests that gelatin is an effective protein for reducing blood sugar spikes and crashes when consumed with high carb meals. Therefore, gelatin may also be helpful for managing and improving type 2 diabetes and other blood sugar imbalances (10).

It’s possible that the slow digestion and absorption rate of gelatin is one factor that allows it to reduce insulin spikes, but the study specifically mentions the high glycine content in gelatin for reducing the glucose response. Since collagen peptides also contain glycine, it’s possible they may have a similar effect. When looking at what type of collagen is best, I use this version/gelatin for this very reason!

Digestive Health

Gelatin may improve bowel regularity, and relieve bloating and constipation. Its gel-like texture absorbs water and helps keep fluid in the intestinal tract, which is needed to promote healthy and regular bowel movements.

Gelatin has also been shown to increase gastric acid (stomach acid) production, which improves digestion and nutrient absorption.

Side Effects of Gelatin

Some may experience digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, and heartburn when first adding gelatin to their diets, or from eating too much. This is because the larger molecules of gelatin are ‘heavier’ and can be harder to digest.

To avoid these symptoms, it’s best to start with a small serving size of gelatin (such as 1 teaspoon) and gradually increase to 1 to 11/2  tablespoons.

Key Health Benefit of Collagen Peptides (Hydrolyzed Collagen):

collagenvital proteins collagen

Easier to absorb

Collagen peptides provide the same health benefits as gelatin, however there is an advantage to taking collagen peptides over gelatin.

As we covered, powdered collagen supplements are gelatin that’s been processed more aggressively using hydrolysis, which forms smaller molecules called short chain peptides.

These short chain peptides are easier for your body to digest and absorb, which means the amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen may be more bioavailable and cause fewer digestive symptoms. Not only that, it’s possible that because collagen peptides are easier to absorb, you may notice the health benefits of collagen sooner when taking peptides, compared to gelatin powder.

Summary of Gelatin Vs. Collagen Health Benefits

What type of collagen is best for you?

what type of collagen is best

My Personal Bone Broth Trick On Handling Sugar/High Carb Meals

bone broth collagen sticks

I take one of these beef bone broth sticks with me, put it in coffee or any other drink toward the end of my meal.

As you can see, gelatin and collagen both provide many of the same incredible health benefits, so there really is no ‘wrong’ choice when deciding what type of collagen is best. Whether you choose gelatin or collagen comes down to how you want to use it (ie: do you want to mix collagen in your smoothies, or add texture to your recipes?), and which form of collagen your body responds best to.

And don’t forget, in addition to supplements, you can also get collagen and gelatin in your diet the original way: by drinking bone broth. The simmering time of the bones (up to 24 hours) allows collagen and gelatin to be released into the broth, which many believe is digested quicker than a powder.

Summary of Difference Between Collagen, Collagen Peptides, Gelatin and Hydrolyzed Collagen

  • Collagen is the most important structural protein in the body. However, full length collagen is ineffective as an oral supplement because of its long, twisted shape.
  • Collagen peptides and gelatin are made by breaking down full length collagen molecules. Collagen peptides are more bioavailable and digested more quickly than gelatin due to their shorter length.
  • Hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides are two names for the same product.
  • Gelatin is collagen that has gone through partial hydrolysis, which makes it gel. Gelatin is not absorbed as well and is less versatile than collagen peptides.
  • Bone broth is made by slowly cooking bones and cartilage in water to form gelatin. Collagen peptides are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream than gelatin, so bone broth does not have the same healing ability as collagen peptides.

My Personal Collagen Strategy

I keep collagen peptides as a consistent staple in my diet, and I use 1 serving a day either in coffee or with one of my health drinks. I’ve also tossed it in eggs, soups, and water (before going to bed to really amp up the repair process.) If I’m drinking a bone broth that day, I mix it in for the most powerful collagen drink you can get (both gelatin and peptides). If I had to answer the question to “what type of collagen is best” with only one response, it would be “Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.”

dr wade collagen peptides

When I’m recovering from an injury, dealing with any additional inflammation, or if I’m about to consume a high carb meal, I use bone broth collagen (gelatin in a dry form) in addition. You could call this a collagen stack. Now this particular collagen says “unflavored” and it is, but it does have a little aroma – much like a light bullion smell. It’s fairly tasteless, but when you do the water test (mix in water and drink), there is a hint of a taste. It’s not bad, but you can tell the water has “something in it.” When I mix it with my orange flavored ketones, it mildly dulls the tartness.  I like this beef collagen product as it has the most dense nutrition you can get in terms of collagen. Some report there is no flavor at all. It’s designed to be mixed in warm liquid, so it’s perfect for broth, coffees, warm teas, soups and such.

beef bone broth collagen

Both of these formulas were selected from years of collagen use, research, and experimentation starting back in the 90’s when we were first introduced to a hydrolyzed protein called Calorad. 1 tbsp of this stuff and folks started losing weight, looking younger, sleeping better, and feeling better. I knew there was something powerful going on, but the company soon went out of business. Knowing that collagen is the #1 most important protein in the body, I focused on finding the best sources of this while the industry focused on what the market was after – muscle building, meal replacement and weight loss. So that meant mostly soy, whey, and other proteins. Now the word has finally gotten out, and thanks to the resurgence of bone broth as a fountain of youth to celebrities, collagen is back!

The Coffee Test: What type of collagen is best in Coffee?

***** Hands down, Collagen Peptides is the winner here – you can detect no presence of anything. Coffee remains perfect

*** Bone Broth Collagen (beef) dissolves well and barely gives a hint of its presence in black coffee. If you use cream/sugar/flavoring/bulletproof coffee; you can’t really tell anything else is in it. If you are using any kind of sweetener (STOP!)…USE ALLULOSE. (Opens in new tab)

the bone broth coffee test

Collagen to me has never been a fad. In fact, it’s one of the 4 pillars of nutrition that we are missing in our diets today. Be sure to read Deep Nutrition by Catherine Shanahan, MD. I am 49 (almost 50) and have rapidly recovered from a blown ACL (skiing accident) much like a young athlete. I coupled collagen with exogenous ketones and stayed 4 weeks ahead of typical recovery times. I lost fat, preserved muscle, kept inflammation in check, never took any pain meds, and focused on taking care of may patients while I practiced what I preach (with a little over-doing it as expected).

Of the two types of collagen you will see in the marketplace, gelatin (including bone broth) collagen and collagen peptides, the collagen peptides take the title and win the “what type of collagen is best” award. This is because it is the most versatile, cost effective, and easiest to digest. The gelatin version is known to have denser nutrtition and additional benefits that I can’t leave on the table, so I use both.

References:

 

  • Trentham DE1, Dynesius-Trentham RA, Orav EJ, Combitchi D, Lorenzo C, Sewell KL, Hafler DA, Weiner HL. Effects of oral administration of type II collagen on rheumatoid arthritis. Science. 1993 Sep 24;261(5129):1727-30.
  • Bannai, M., Kawai, N., Ono, K., Nakahara, K., & Murakami, N. (2012). The Effects of Glycine on Subjective Daytime Performance in Partially Sleep-Restricted Healthy Volunteers. Frontiers in Neurology, 3. doi:10.3389/fneur.2012.00061
  • Weight loss maintenance: Predictors of successful weight loss maintenance: a qualitative comparative analysis.” Bdj217.9 (2014): 525. Web.
  • Ruiz-Ramírez, Angélica, Ely Ortiz-Balderas, Guillermo Cardozo-Saldaña, Eulises Diaz-Diaz, and Mohammed El-Hafidi. “Glycine restores glutathione and protects against oxidative stress in vascular tissue from sucrose-fed rats.” Clinical Science126.1 (2014): 19-29. Web.
  • Papakonstantinou, Eleni, Michael Roth, and George Karakiulakis. “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.” Dermato-Endocrinology 4.3 (2012): 253-58. Web.

 

Diet & Nutrition, Paleo, Recipes, Whole30

A Cauliflower Pizza Crust Will Blow You Away

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A cauliflower pizza crust is the way to go to satisfy your pizza craving without the guilt!

Having a go-to cauliflower pizza crust is must, especially if you’ve been following a Paleo, gluten-free or grain-free diet for some time. Sometimes it can get complicated and lengthy, maybe you’ve burned your hands before wringing out the cauliflower after you’ve cooked it, but no more! We made a simple, do-it-yourself crust that is a real crowd pleaser. And of course we had to add grass-fed, USDA organic Beef Bone Broth Collagen to take the health level of this pizza crust up a notch.

cauliflower pizza crust

I love Beef Bone Broth Collagen for all the versatility it brings. Consume it on its own in liquid or use it for the base of soups, but it can be way more creative than that.  Bone broth is a healthy elixir that has been around for centuries, known to boost the immune system and promote gut health (1), support sleep (2) and a healthy metabolism (3), and even promote detoxification (4). Vital Proteins Beef Bone Broth Collagen has no added salt, which means you can control the amount of salt in the recipes you make with it. It does contain hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin retain moisture and staves off the aging process (5). It’s no wonder our ancestors considered this drink magical!

Another versatile ingredient is the main one in this pizza crust recipe: cauliflower. Cauliflower is high in antioxidants, which fight free oxidative radicals in the prevention of cancer (6). It is loaded with vitamin C, which helps support the immune system fight bacteria and other harmful invaders. Cauliflower has also been studied to show it supports the cardiovascular system and improves overall quality of health (7). It is versatile because it can be chopped, cooked, steamed and grated for numerous results in different recipes.

This pizza crust is made without any type of dairy to keep it friendly for our dairy-free readers out there. Cauliflower pizza crust is typically made with some type of cheese to help bind it together, but we found that it worked well with vegan cheese as well. Look for vegan cheese that is free of soy and processed oils, preferably in chevre or cream cheese type of texture. I’m not vegan, obviously, but I have to help those folks, too.

Another savory element in our cauliflower pizza crust is garlic. This pungent vegetable is known for quite a few health benefits, including overall protection to the cardiovascular system (8). Garlic, along with other Allium species vegetables, have anticancer properties and their sulfur compounds can modify a person’s risk for cancer (9). It has even been studied to show that it can prevent the common cold and other infections (10). Garlic is also a staple pizza ingredient, if you ask us.

Don’t be intimidated to try something a little out of the ordinary with this cauliflower crust pizza. Your taste buds won’t regret it!
Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Total Time: 1 hr

Crust Ingredients

2 pounds frozen cauliflower, thawed
1 egg
1 scoop Beef Bone Broth Collagen
8 ounces vegan cheese, chevre or cream cheese style
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon sea salt

Toppings

16 ounces vegan or regular mozzarella
1 cup sliced heirloom tomatoes (I don’t do tomatoes – nightshade and I just don’t like them. )
½ cup sliced zucchini
½ cup roasted red pepper (another nightshade, so continue or substitute
5-6 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

** Can mix it up with other veggies such as mushroom, onion (unless fodmap sensitive), and black olives.
*** Meatlovers, can also put in gently browned grass-fed beef seasoned to taste (http://ketopaleowellnessmeats.com), and you can also get beef mixed with beef heart for organ meat enthusiasts! It’s a treat you won’t forget! Simple Himalayan see salt and garlic powder works well.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 F. Make sure frozen cauliflower is completely thawed.
Place thawed cauliflower in a blender to make “rice” and place into a clean dish towel or cheesecloth. Wrap up cauliflower in the cloth, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible over a sink or bowl.
In a large mixing bowl, add in cauliflower (it should resemble a dough-like ball) along with the egg, Beef Bone Broth Collagen, vegan cheese, garlic powder and salt. Mix until well combined.
Place a piece of parchment paper on a pizza stone or a baking dish and place your pizza dough on the parchment paper to shape into a crust (it will be quite sticky).
Bake the cauliflower pizza crust for 40 minutes, or until the crust is starting to turn golden brown and removes easily from the parchment paper.
Top with your favorite pizza ingredients, leaving off the fresh basil, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the vegetables have softened.
Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil chiffonade.
Serve immediately.

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Bannai, M., Kawai, N., Ono, K., Nakahara, K., & Murakami, N. (2012). The Effects of Glycine on Subjective Daytime Performance in Partially Sleep-Restricted Healthy Volunteers. Frontiers in Neurology, 3. doi:10.3389/fneur.2012.00061

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Ruiz-Ramírez, Angélica, Ely Ortiz-Balderas, Guillermo Cardozo-Saldaña, Eulises Diaz-Diaz, and Mohammed El-Hafidi. “Glycine restores glutathione and protects against oxidative stress in vascular tissue from sucrose-fed rats.” Clinical Science126.1 (2014): 19-29. Web.

Papakonstantinou, Eleni, Michael Roth, and George Karakiulakis. “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.” Dermato-Endocrinology 4.3 (2012): 253-58. Web.

Ambrosone CB, Tang L. Cruciferous Vegetable Intake and Cancer Prevention: Role of Nutrigenetics. Cancer Prevention Research. 2009;2(4):298-300. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.capr-09-0037.

Zhang X, Shu XO, Xiang YB, et al. Cruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk of total and cardiovascular disease mortality. The American journal of clinical nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21593509. Published July 2011. Accessed July 21, 2017.

Banerjee SK, Maulik SK. Effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorders: a review. Nutrition Journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC139960/. Published 2002. Accessed July 21, 2017.

Nicastro HL, Ross SA, Milner JA. Garlic and onions: Their cancer prevention properties. Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4366009/. Published March 2015. Accessed July 21, 2017.

Josling P. Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Advances in therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11697022. Accessed July 21, 2017.