Do I need Collagen?
If you follow health trends and news, you will have heard of collagen as the latest hot topic in supplements. But what is collagen and should you be adding it to your supplement routine?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, with the word itself actually being derived from the Greek word ‘kolla’, meaning glue. It is literally the substance that holds the body together, making up structures like our gut lining, joints, bones and skin. However, collagen has become scarce in our modern day diets, mainly because we no longer consume all parts of an animal by cooking or boiling the bones for broth, one of the most nourishing foods on the planet. In addition our bodies ability to naturally produce collagen declines with age.
When we cook collagen found in animal bones, hides and connective tissues, it turns into gelatinous gelatine that can be consumed in our diet. When this gelatine is processed further by supplement companies, an enzymatic process turns it into hydrolysed collagen, basically the proteins in the gelatine become smaller but the amino acid profile remains the same. Some people find hydrolysed collagen easier to digest- and this hydrolysation process is also why collagen dissolves in both cold and hot fluids whereas gelatin causes liquids to gel. The great thing is collagen powder supplements are virtually odourless and tasteless too, meaning they are extremely easy to use.
By consuming collagen you are providing your body with structural support, flexibility and strength for your joints, tendons, ligaments bones and skin and so many people include collagen in their diets or add in a supplement.
When taking a collagen supplement the source is important, it can come from either Marine or Bovine. Marine is made primarily of Type 1 collagen and the particles are fractionally smaller and ever so slightly better absorbed than the collagen found in the bovine source, that’s mainly a blend of Type 1 and 3. Our Planet Paleo collagen powder supplements contain only bovine collagen derived from grass fed, pasture raised cows, free of hormones or antibiotics or marine collagen derived from wild sustainable caught fish. Animals raised on their natural diet in their natural environment will make higher quality collagen and contain higher amounts of anti-inflammatory amino acids like Glycine which are responsible for many of its health benefits.
Glycine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can make its itself but sometimes our bodies production may still not provide enough glycine to supply the tissues, bone, muscle and skin with what they require, and many of us can benefit from consuming more. Adding a scoop of collagen powder to your daily diet, is a great way to get in increased amounts of glycine, and support your bodies systems and functions.
Planet Paleo have an extensive range of collagen including the Cacao Magic pure collagen which is our Nutritional therapists Joannes favourite or Turmeric Latte which Elle loves. In addition they have cleverly added additional nutrients to their formula so that there are specific products for skin, beauty, bones and joints.
Our team of registered Nutritional Therapists would love to explain more. Contact us at 0161 439 9856 or hello@amaranth-wellbeing.com
The information contained in this article is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition and should not replace advice given by your GP or other medical professional. For more information on any of the information or products mentioned please speak to one of our registered nutritional therapists or other qualified healthcare practitioner.