8 Facts to Know About Collagen & Its Benefits

Happy Sunday, everyone! It’s overcast and cool here today, and I have all of my windows open. Airing out your home in the springtime is the best, isn’t it?! As for me, I’ve already been to spin class and have my laundry in the dryer, so I’d say it’s been a great morning so far.

For the past year or so, I’ve been hearing a lot of people talk about collagen and introducing collagen peptides into their diets. It took me a little while to bite the bullet, but a couple months ago I finally got around to doing my own research on collagen (a couple of the articles I read are here and here) and wanted to fill you in, too!

 

8 Facts about Collagen

1. The word “collagen” comes from the Greek word, “kolla,” which means glue.
2. Collagen is the most abundant protein found in mammals (protein accounts for about 20% of the human body’s mass, and 30% of that is collagen). 
3. Collagen holds your entire body together: it’s found in bones, skin, muscles, and connective tissues (think tendons).
4. Collagen gives skin its structure, strength, and elasticity.
5. Unfortunately, collagen production declines over time, leading to sagging skin, wrinkles, and the weakening of cartilage in joints. 
6. Controllable factors that cause damage to the production of collagen are smoking, sunlight, and high sugar consumption. 
7. Collagen peptides are produced from collagen found in the bones, skin, and connective tissues of animals; they’re broken down to a very short chain of amino acids, making them easily digestible (and the mix is unflavored). 
8. People can consume collagen peptides daily to help restore their body’s decreasing collagen levels.

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This research got me thinking and intrigued. I’ve had skin issues for what seems like forever, it’s actually what I’m most self-conscious about. I have sun spots, moles, facial scarring, uneven skin, and the other day I spotted a purple vein showing on my right leg that I swear wasn’t there a week ago (as if I need to add varicose veins to this list, ughh!). I’ve had microderms, facials, tried at-home micro-needling, and have even went in for fraxel lasering a few times for my face (this is a big monetary investment, but I wanted to see if it worked, which it did to a degree). You know the phrase, “Be comfortable in your own skin,” well, I’m literally not.

With all that in mind, of course, I decided to order some college peptide powder to try it out for myself! I had no idea so many different options existed until I was searching on Amazon! I found Earthtone’s premium, grass-fed, non-GMO beef protein collagen peptides for a little over $1/ounce (compared to the $3+/ounce options I saw) and read part of the company’s mission statement: “By focusing on quality and wholesome nutrition, we’re able to make these vital ingredients accessible to anyone who has a passion for wellbeing.” YES times a million. I ordered on March 20th, so it’s been a little over a month now since I’ve had it. 

In regards to how often I’m using the product, I’d say I use it 4-5 days a week in my morning smoothie or coffee (some mornings I’m too rushed to make a breakfast drink so I skip it). 

The Benefits I’ve Seen By Using Collagen Peptides

1. The most noticeable result that I’ve noticed is that my nails are growing crazy fast. I think they already grew fast before, but now it’s like they need cut once a week. 
2. My hair also seems to be growing quicker, and I’m happy about it  because I want to start wearing my hair up in top-knots again (when I did my a-line haircut, I kissed top-knots goodbye!). 
3. I stay fuller longer. (I’m ALWAYS hungry). Two tablespoons (the serving size) of collagen peptides has 11 grams of protein in it. 

That’s my rundown on collagen + collagen peptides, and what it’s doing for me! I would love to hear from you about how you’re dealing with skin issues, and whether or not you’re intrigued to try collagen peptides. Share in the comments below!