Collagen – Gelatin or Collagen Peptides, what are they good for?
Have you ever looked at the ingredients in one of your body lotions or even in a supplement in your health store? It is one of the ingredients used in many products in the health industry.
Collagen is the one we are talking about and it is also one of the most found proteins in our body.
Collagen is a protein that is found in our bodies in large quantities.
This Collagen protein is found in:
- Muscles
- Bones
- Skin
- Blood vessels
- Digestive system
- Tendons
When we are talking about the collagen in our joints and tendons we can say that this is the “glue” that will keep our body together.
For our skin, it replaces dead skin cells and will help our skin to stay strong and elastically.
Collagen and getting older
The production of collagen slows down in a natural way when we are getting older.
Remember how easy it was to bend and do things when you were younger?
There are other signs of this aging process like wrinkles and joint pain that is caused by the decreased production of collagen.
Other problems are of course the other factors in our life like eating too much unhealthy sugar in our diet and smoking.
A healthy diet and lifestyle should always be our first choice and if we look at collagen-related illnesses these are most commonly related to a mixture of genetic defects, nutritional deficiency, and a problem with our digestive system that is affecting how we produce collagen.
What is collagen good for?
After reading the first part it is easy to understand that collagen is very good for us.
I can help us improve or slow down the effects of
- Joint pain
- Hair- nails and teeth
- Good for your liver
- Help to keep your arteries clean
- Reduces the shocks in our joints
Dr. Axe about Collagen
Here is a video from Dr, Axe where he explains what Collagen is and what they are good for.
More about collagen
It is not a common fact that there are 16 (or even more) types of collagen that we have in our bodies.
80 to 90% of the collagen in our body is called type 1,2 and 3 collagen. According to research (http://www.bu.edu/aldolase/biochemistry/html_docs/CollagenTypes&Disorders.pdf) type 1 collagen is the most found in our body.
How to improve the intake of collagen
Our main source of collagen comes from high-protein food and includes the ones we get from meat.
- Beef
- Chicken
- Fish
- Eggshell membranes
I guess the last one is new to you since it was to me also.
Each collagen of these sources has its own specific types of collagen starting with type 1 and going up.
Since we need all types of collagen it is important to eat a variety of foods.
Here is our advice on improving collagen intake.
- Make and drink bone broth
- Use bone breath in your recipes
- Take collagen supplements
- Eat a balanced diet
Collagen and Gelatin
Some people use the word collagen and gelatin and the reason are that gelatin comes from collagen.
One of the easiest examples is taking advantage of the benefits that bone broth has. The bones of animals are loaded with collagen and all its benefits. When we simmer the bones for many hours this collagen is broken down into gelatin.
Collagen recommendations
Since in our modern lives there is not always time to cook the way we should cook, and making bone broth is a time-consuming thing to do, we have picked some products that will help you improve the intake of collagen and gelatin.
Bone Broth
Recommended organic bone broth
Organic Grass Fed Beef Bone Broth Protein Powder. 16oz, 20 Servings. Un…
$59.99
(396)
Collagen peptides
Compared to collagen and gelatin, collagen peptides are easier to digest and absorb in our system.
Although this could mean that you should prefer to use them it is in my opinion important to use all three of them. Collagen and gelatin contain other very valuable parts that we also need in our system.
If you have to choose then I suggest starting with collagen peptides and I have some recommendations here.
Collagen Peptides
Sports Research Collagen Powder Supplement – Vital for Healthy Joints, …
$27.95$39.95
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, Un…
$39.99$47.00
Here is a video from Dr. Axe where he is talking about the health benefits of collagen peptides.
My opinion about collagen, gelatin, and collagen peptides
The best way to get all nutrients we need on a daily basis is a healthy, organic diet with a variety of animal and plant-based proteins. Many people believe we should stick to an all-plant-based diet, but I have a different opinion.
If you do not have the time or desire to do a lot of cooking and like to add some good value to your diet try to use bone broth and add it to your meals or just as a drink. This will give you some of the easier-to-digest gelatin.
For even more power it is a good idea to buy some collagen peptides that are available in pill form, organic, capsules, and a protein shake.
Eddie Vandam
Eddie Vandam, the voice behind the Senior Citizen Website, is a retired internet marketer and proud senior. With a passion for helping fellow seniors navigate the complexities of aging, Eddie shares his insights on health, independence, products, and enriching hobbies. He’s committed to making senior years both fulfilling and enjoyable. Read more about Eddie Vandam.
Sources:
draxe.com/what-is-collagen/
peptan.com/about-peptan/what-is-peptan/about-collagen-peptides/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen