Collagen has been quite the buzz word in the wellness world for some time. Maybe you’ve seen it advertised in bone broth at your local grocer or maybe your beauty guru of a best friend has been swearing by the collagen supplement she’s been taking for her skin. Either way, collagen is plowing its way through the wellness industry, and for good reason.
So what is collagen anyway?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It gives structure and elasticity to our connective tissues – our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons. The human body produces collagen on a regular basis, but its rate of production slows as we age. As a result, as we age our skin can become less elastic, hair can lose its color, and our joints, muscles, and bones become less flexible and dense.
Oh my!
Since collagen is such an important building block in the body that prevents breakdown of tissues and keeps our skin, nails, hair, and joints looking fab, it’s something super simple that we can add to our daily wellness routine.
What sources of collagen do you recommend?
- BONE BROTH
For a natural source, bone broth is a great to-go snack that packs a huge collagen punch. But, bone broth can be extremely expensive and may not work for you every day (hello, summer months).
- COLLAGEN POWDER
Another option is collagen powder supplements which have become hugely popular and easy to find online or in the grocery store. These powders are usually tasteless and can be added to smoothies, juices, soups, dressings, you name it!
I’m someone with digestive issues… is this type of protein powder safe for me?
Many protein powders can be tough for weakened digestive systems, causing people in this category to completely rule out protein supplements entirely. If you suffer from digestive tract issues, one key word you should look out for when choosing a collagen powder is if it’s hydrolyzed. This means it’s easier for our digestive tracts to break down and absorb. No stomach ache, no problem!
What’s a simple way to add collagen to my diet?
As a wellness professional and trainer, I’m always trying to find effective, low-cost, easy ways to add maximum nutrition into my daily lifestyle. Something I never go without is coffee! I found that adding collagen into my coffee (plus some other healthy additives) every morning was the perfect way to do this. Below is a recipe for a collagen coffee tonic. Try adding this recipe to your morning routine and your skin, nails, and hair will be gleaming and you will be feeling vibrant from the inside out!
Collagen Coffee Tonic
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Serve hot or cold!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coffee (brewed the way you like it – hot or cold)
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop collagen peptide powder (can be found at any major grocery store or online)
- 1 tbsp flax oil (for healthy omega-3 fatty acids)
- Dash of stevia
- Optional: for spice add 1 tsp turmeric, for more healing properties add 1 tsp adaptogen powder of your choice
Directions:
- Pour coffee, almond milk, collagen, flax oil, and stevia into blender
- Blend on high for 1 minute, ensuring all contents are mixed
- Pour into your favorite mug (hot) or to-go cup with ice (cold)
- Once poured, the consistency will have a fluffy, foamy texture on top
- Sip, sip & enjoy all the benefits of collagen, coffee, oh my!
I recommend mixing up a hot tonic during winter months and trying an ice-cold tonic during the summer.
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