HOW TO DRINK COLLAGEN POWDER

Written by: ASN

|

|

Time to read 5 min

If you haven't heard the buzz about the benefits of collagen supplements, where have you been? Seriously!

As the most abundant protein in the body and responsible for many crucial functions (which we will get into shortly), collagen is a staple supplement for many and for a good reason. Read on to learn the benefits of this holy grail supplement and how to drink collagen.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is what makes up the primary component of connective tissue from muscles, skin, ligaments and tendons. It has many vital functions, from providing structure to skin and strengthening bones. While our body naturally produces collagen, as we age, collagen production begins to reduce, which is why so many have cottoned on to the importance of this game-changing supplement to support long-term strength, optimal functioning and the overall aging process. (Quan, T et al. 2015) Think of it as the glue that holds your body together!

Skin health

Studies show that collagen plays a massive role in strengthening and improving skin elasticity, which may enhance texture and improve wrinkles over time. One review of a collection of studies displayed an improvement in skin elasticity and hydration after taking 3-10g of collagen for 69 days! (Choi, F et al. 2019)

Joint health

As mentioned earlier, the amount of collagen your body produces when you age is reduced, leading to more wear and tear on your joints. Studies suggest supplementing with collagen may help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis as well as reduce joint pain. (Garcia-Coronado, J et al. 2018) Collagen is also highly recommended for those prone to joint issues or to aid injury recovery due to its extraordinary repairing abilities!

Muscle mass

As a crucial component of skeletal muscle, collagen is essential for the growth and repair of muscle mass due to its abundant protein properties. In a 12-week study, results showed that those who supplemented with collagen versus those who didn't had a significant increase in muscle mass. Collagen may also promote muscle protein synthesis and growth stimulation as effectively as creatine! (Zdzieblik, D et al. 2015)

Other health benefits

The biggest flex about collagen is that its benefits stretch beyond just one or two…

Hair and nail health

Collagen isn't just a 'trend' in the wellness world. It's here to stay! One of the most common reasons many take collagen is to improve the health of hair and nails, as it's known for increasing strength and preventing brittleness. It may even help them grow longer! (Hexsel, D et al. 2017)


Gut Health

As we know, collagen is proven to support tissue repair. This includes your gut and gut lining! Some research also suggests collagen is essential in treating leaky gut syndrome.


Heart Health

Known for its ability to improve elasticity, researchers have found collagen to reduce the risk of heart conditions potentially. Collagen gives strength to arteries which reduces the risk of narrowing and stiffness. In a six-month study, 31 men took 16g of collagen daily, which significantly reduced artery stiffness. (Tomosugi, N et al. 2017)

Our recommendation: Evolve Chocolate Collagen

Containing hydrolysed collagen peptides sourced from bovine, Evolve's Chocolate Collagen is a real game changer when it comes to giving your body the support it needs to function optimally. Reaps the known rewards of Type I and Type III collagen in a fast absorbing formula specifically formulated to:

Support muscle, bone and cartilage health

Support tissue repair

Support hair, skin and nails

Support the process of aging

Available in chocolate, unflavoured (natural) and raspberry icy pole flavours, Evolve's Chocolate Collagen power is in a league of its own, having been reformulated with Vitamin C, Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate, and D-Biotin, which work synergistically to maximise collagen absorption. Learn more about our best-selling collagen formula here.

How to drink collagen

One of the reasons collagen has become so popular amongst many health and wellness brands is its versatility. Flavoured or unflavoured, there are many ways to consume collagen to improve your inner and outer wellness! We hear you, 'another supplement to drink'... Check out these how-to-drink collagen ideas to maximise the benefits of the drinks you already consume!

1. Shake it!

As collagen is a 'sticky' protein, we recommend putting your water in your shaker first, then adding your collagen! Add some ice and enjoy!

2. Add it to your coffee!

Flavoured or unflavoured, mix your collagen into your coffee! It will go completely undetected unless, of course, you opt for chocolate flavoured collagen. Hello, mocha!

3. Blend it!

Love a morning smoothie to kickstart your day? Add your collagen with your protein, fruit, water and anything else to add even more nutrients to your go-to breakfast smoothie!

4. Add it to your tea!

Ok, hear us out. You love your mid-afternoon green tea, right? Try adding a scoop of unflavoured collagen to your cuppa to boost those benefits of your go-to afternoon pick-me-up.

5. Milk!

Craving chocolate milk? Add your chocolate collagen to your milk of choice, shake, and viola!

6. Hot chocolate!

Nothing can beat a hot chocolate when you are in the mood! Instead of a pre-made chocolate flavoured sachet, opt for chocolate flavoured collagen. Add to a cup of hot water with a dash of milk and enjoy.

7. Juice!

If unflavoured collagen powder is your go-to, simply add it with your favourite fresh juice and enjoy a nutrient-dense collagen-fuelled juice when you feel like something refreshing.

We've covered how to drink collagen powder, but did you know you can eat it too? As we mentioned, collagen is super versatile, so you can mix it with just about anything and enjoy all of the benefits this highly sought after supplement offers! Let's take a look.

1. Oats

Who loves protein oats? Take your go-to breakfast snack to the next level and add a scoop of collagen with your protein. Your muscles will thank you for it.

2. Yoghurt

One of the most versatile foods ever, try adding a scoop of unflavoured collagen to your yoghurt to boost protein content and density!

3. Baking

From protein balls and slices to biscoff cheesecake and banana bread, reap the rewards of collagen by adding it to your baking for extra aminos, recovery support and muscle maintenance.

However you choose to include collagen in your daily supplement routine, there's no denying the abundance of benefits this amino-acid-rich formula has to offer for the longevity of your health! Got questions? Reach out to our friendly online customer service team, or head to your local store to learn more.



References

Quan, T et al. 2015, ‘Role of Age-Associated Alterations of the Dermal Extracellular Matrix Microenvironment in Human Skin Aging: A Mini-Review’, National Library of Medicine, accessed 2 August 2022,

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25660807/ >


Choi, F et al. 2019, ‘Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications’, National Library of Medicine, accessed 2 August 2022,

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/>


Garcia-Coronado, J et al. 2018, ‘Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials’, National Library of Medicine, accessed 2 August 2022,

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30368550/>


Zdzieblik, D et al. 2015, ‘Collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improves body composition and increases muscle strength in elderly sarcopenic men: a randomised controlled trial’, National Library of Medicine, accessed 2 August 2022,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594048/>


Hexsel, D et al. 2017, ‘Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails’, National Library of Medicine, accessed 4 August 2022,

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28786550/


Tomosugi, N et al. 2017, ‘Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans’, National Library of Medicine, accessed 4 August 2022,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429168/>