Nourish
Collagen: More Than Skin Deep
If you’ve ever tried bone broth, you’ve already experienced some of the health benefits of collagen. Now this healing superfood is going even more mainstream, with edible supplements making it easier to incorporate collagen into your daily regimen. So does collagen live up to the hype? And what’s the best way to consume it? We reached out to Functional Nutritionist Caroline Stahlschmidt at ReplenishPDX for the answers.
Collagen 101
Collagen is an abundant protein found in your muscles, bones, skin and tendons. It gives your skin strength and elasticity, and supports everything from healthy hair to stronger joints. Think of it as the “glue” that holds your body together.
Our bodies produce collagen naturally. The problem is, production begins to slow over the years, leading to deterioration within the skin and other organs. Other factors, like diets high in sugar and sun exposure, also contribute to depleting collagen levels.
So, Why Is It Good For You?
Healthy skin, hair and nails are the obvious beauty benefits, but they go way beyond that. Collagen helps build stronger bones and joints, boosts the immune system, promotes deeper sleep and improves brain function. It’s also a gut-healing superfood, says Caroline.
“Just like we have skin on the outside of our bodies, we have skin on the inside, lining our digestive tract,” she explained. “Collagen does an amazing job of repairing that lining. It’s a great choice for people with food sensitivities or digestive issues.”
How to Use It
Collagen is available in powdered form; unlike gelatin, it doesn’t gel up and dissolves easily in hot or cold liquids. “Collagen and gelatin are basically the same thing, just in different forms,” Caroline explained. “If you add gelatin to your recipes, you’re going to end up with Jello.”
Caroline recommends Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate because it’s so versatile and easy to digest. “It’s also virtually tasteless, so you can pretty much add it to any recipe and it won’t change the flavor or texture,” she added.
We’ve been throwing a tablespoon in our morning smoothie instead of protein powder and adding it to barre3 recipes like our Chai-Spiced Chia Parfait. Some people stir it into their morning oatmeal or mix it into fruit juice. You can even make a soothing, collagen-rich tea to help you wind down in the evening—here’s one of Caroline’s favorite recipes:
Sleepytime Elixir
2 TBS. dried chamomile (or 1 tea bag)
1 1/2 cups hot water
¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
5-7 drops of vanilla liquid stevia
1 TBS. collagen powder
Preparation
Brew your chamomile tea base and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain and set aside. Place the remaining ingredients plus the tea in a blender or magic bullet and blend until smooth and frothy. Sip slowly and prepare your body and mind for sweet dreams!
Have you ever tried collagen? What’s your favorite way to use it? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’ve ever tried bone broth, you’ve already experienced some of the health benefits of collagen. Now this healing superfood is going even more mainstream, with edible supplements making it easier to incorporate collagen into your daily regimen. So does collagen live up to the hype? And what’s the best way to consume it? We reached out to Functional Nutritionist Caroline Stahlschmidt at ReplenishPDX for the answers.
Collagen 101
Collagen is an abundant protein found in your muscles, bones, skin and tendons. It gives your skin strength and elasticity, and supports everything from healthy hair to stronger joints. Think of it as the “glue” that holds your body together.
Our bodies produce collagen naturally. The problem is, production begins to slow over the years, leading to deterioration within the skin and other organs. Other factors, like diets high in sugar and sun exposure, also contribute to depleting collagen levels.
So, Why Is It Good For You?
Healthy skin, hair and nails are the obvious beauty benefits, but they go way beyond that. Collagen helps build stronger bones and joints, boosts the immune system, promotes deeper sleep and improves brain function. It’s also a gut-healing superfood, says Caroline.
“Just like we have skin on the outside of our bodies, we have skin on the inside, lining our digestive tract,” she explained. “Collagen does an amazing job of repairing that lining. It’s a great choice for people with food sensitivities or digestive issues.”
How to Use It
Collagen is available in powdered form; unlike gelatin, it doesn’t gel up and dissolves easily in hot or cold liquids. “Collagen and gelatin are basically the same thing, just in different forms,” Caroline explained. “If you add gelatin to your recipes, you’re going to end up with Jello.”
Caroline recommends Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate because it’s so versatile and easy to digest. “It’s also virtually tasteless, so you can pretty much add it to any recipe and it won’t change the flavor or texture,” she added.
We’ve been throwing a tablespoon in our morning smoothie instead of protein powder and adding it to barre3 recipes like our Chai-Spiced Chia Parfait. Some people stir it into their morning oatmeal or mix it into fruit juice. You can even make a soothing, collagen-rich tea to help you wind down in the evening—here’s one of Caroline’s favorite recipes:
Sleepytime Elixir
2 TBS. dried chamomile (or 1 tea bag)
1 1/2 cups hot water
¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
5-7 drops of vanilla liquid stevia
1 TBS. collagen powder
Preparation
Brew your chamomile tea base and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain and set aside. Place the remaining ingredients plus the tea in a blender or magic bullet and blend until smooth and frothy. Sip slowly and prepare your body and mind for sweet dreams!
Have you ever tried collagen? What’s your favorite way to use it? Let us know in the comments below!
