If you’re here it most likely means you are interested in what collagen is or how to incorporate it into your diet — and you’re in luck because VALLEY has you covered!
What Is Collagen?
In its simplest form, collagen is essentially a protein. This protein is heavily abundant in our bodies since it makes up about 1/3 of our total protein content. Our bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments all have a great deal of collagen in them! Fun fact: The word collagen derives from the Greek word “kólla” which means glue. Collagen has been dubbed the “glue” of our body because of its properties of holding everything together.
What Does Collagen Do?
Overall, there are 16 types of collagen in our bodies. Those 16 are then broken down into four main types. They all have different properties and functions in our bodies. Collagen does a great job of keeping our skin looking good, hair healthy and nails growing — it provides structure, cushions your joints, and aids infiltration.
As we age, we produce less of this protein, which is why as we get older our skin becomes less firm and elastic as well as our cartilage slowly decreasing. This can make it harder for us to do the things we used to do as kids. This all might sound scary, but you turned to VALLEY for help and we are here to give it!
How To Incorporate Collagen
We can all agree that we would do a lot to keep our hair, skin and nails looking fresh for as long as we can. With time, we are producing less and less so that calls for supplements. Although there are many natural foods you can eat to help aid in collagen production, supplements are there to contribute to the loss of natural production.
Natural foods that are high in collagen include: chicken, pork skin, bone broth. You can also eat things that are high in glycine and proline, two components used to make collagen, such as egg whites, dairy products, gelatin and asparagus.
If you don’t want to have to worry about what foods to eat, incorporating supplements into your diet is super easy these days, since collagen has been trending, many companies have created various ways to slip it into your everyday routine!
Collagen Peptides
Companies upon companies offer collagen peptides as a supplement. These are super easy because you can put them in almost anything. They don’t “gel up” so they mix into smoothies, soups, coffee or baked goods.
According to Brierley Horton registered dietician and nutritionist, she recommends Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide powder. No wonder Jennifer Anniston just recently launched a campaign with them!
Collagen Infused Water And Creamer
Collagen-infused water/creamer has grown in popularity! Brands like Vital Proteins and Flow have become top sellers of these products by creating yet another easy way for the incorporation of protein.
Collagen creamer is also sold by Vital Proteins and many other companies. If you are an avid coffee drinker, this is a good way to ensure you are getting your boost!
What To Watch Out For
When it comes to supplements you have to be careful. Make sure that what you are buying is high quality and approved by the FDA. Finding supplements that have all five major types of collagen is a win.
Tag us, @VALLEYmag, on Instagram to show us your favorite products that are incorporating collagen into your daily routine!
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