Tina on TV: The 411 on why you need Collagen

Thank you so much to Stephanie and Karly, the wonderful producers at the KCLive TV for allowing me to be a regular guest on the show every Thursday at 10 am.

This week we talked about the many benefits of collagen and how we can get more of it into our diets!

Simply said, collagen is the most abundant source of protein in our bodies, and we start losing it as we age, around thirty.  Additionally, lack of sleep, consuming the standard American diet,  not exercising and high stress are also collagen killers.

Learn the benefits and sources of collagen by watching this short segment!

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies.  It is found in our bones, blood, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. We naturally lose collagen as we age, beginning in our 30’s.  By our 40’s we’ve lost about 20%of our collagen and by age 80 we’ve lost about 75%!

Avoid these collagen killers as they will further reduce your collagen:

• Poor sleep
• Excess sugar consumption
• Smoking
• Injuries and unhealthy joints
• High cortisol from emotional stress
• Sun overexposure
• Diet low in antioxidants
• Sitting all day and lack of activity
• Poor gut health
• Nutrient shortfalls of vitamin C and zinc
• Free radicals

 
THE BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN

• Collagen improves skin elasticity, density, and hydration. Collagen protein reduces wrinkles and sagging skin, hair loss and brittle nails.  Studies show women reduced wrinkles and increased skin hydration in as little as 8 weeks consuming 2.5-5 grams of collagen a day.
• Collagen improves immune health and helps boost metabolism and energy.  It helps regulate blood sugar,
• Collagen supports the arteries in our heart and lungs, keeping them hydrated and more supple.
• Collagen can lead to better sleep as it enhances calm, regulating the stress hormone cortisol.
• Collagen improves digestive health.  Easily digestible and soothing to our digestive tract, collagen has been shown to reduce inflammation, IBS, Crohn’s Disease, and Leaky Gut Syndrome.
• Collagen supports and heals our bones and joints. Studies show collagen helps increase bone density, repair damaged tissues, enhances joint mobility and flexibility, and reduces arthritic pain.
• Collagen is a clean source of protein and an easy way to incorporate more protein in your diet. A scoop of DoctorK collagen has 11 grams of protein!

HOW DO WE GET COLLAGEN IN OUR DIETS?

There are several simple and easy ways to do this.  Real food sources include gelatin, bone broth, egg whites, spirulina, and cod.

Pilates 1901 Health Coach Tricia makes gelatin gummies for her kids during flu season because they help keep them well.  They’re not only delicious, they’re also effective.  Click here for the recipe.

I like Evolve Paleo’s beef bone broth, but if you’re not into adding these foods to your diet and still want the benefits of collagen, try adding collagen peptides to your morning coffee or smoothie.
 

As, Khyati Kapur, owner of DrK Wellness and the manufacturer of DrK COllagen remarks, “hydrolyzed collagen is tasteless, odorless and effortless.”

She suggests adding it to your morning smoothie or coffee but says it also goes easily into tea, soups, sauces, even baked goods! There are a plethora of Collagen powders out there by a myriad of manufacturers. What should you be looking for when you purchase one?  What are the differences?

Here’s what Khyati advises to look for:

1. Color: The lighter the color of the collagen the better the source.
2. Source: Purchase only non-GMO collagen from grass-fed beef (bovine collagen)
3. Molecule size: The smaller the molecules are the better they will mix and dissolve.
4. Look for additional ingredients and fillers.
5. Make sure the collagen has 18 amino acids.
6. Look for value- make sure the container is filled to the top and not 1/2 or 3/4 way up.

I used Vital Proteins until I discovered DrK Collagen.  This is my new favorite.  Click here to order your DrK Collagen today!