How to Use Collagen Peptides: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

The fountain of youth: one that you could just run through on a summer day and look ten years younger. Want to take 20 years off? No problem, just run through the fountain twice! Unfortunately, the fountain of youth only exists in fairy tales and our wildest dreams. What’s the next best thing? Could it be collagen peptides? Collagen has been incorporated into anti-aging products, mostly face creams, for decades now. Only more recently have scientists suggested that collagen can’t be absorbed through the skin as the collagen molecule is simply too large to penetrate the skin’s surface. The last few years have, instead, seen a rise in popularity of collagen supplements. As such, we will take a closer look at how they are supposed to work, as well as how to use collagen peptides to ensure that you are safe and you're taking it correctly. 1. What Are Collagen Supplements? The collagen used in supplements is harvested from four main sources which are cow, chicken, pig, and fish. As with anything you choose to put in your body, the quality of the source should be checked. Most people and experts prefer sources that have lived in natural environments and been fed with natural food their whole lives. The collagen is then put through a process that breaks down the molecules into smaller peptides and amino acids. These are essentially the building blocks of the larger, more complex, collagen matrix but are more easily digested and better absorbed by the body. Collagen peptides are soluble in cold water, making them extremely easy to digest and easier to use than gelatin. By ingesting collagen peptides, you are feeding your body all of the essential amino acids needed to form collagen naturally. Supplements are taken on the premise that by ingesting these "building blocks" on a daily basis, your body’s production of collagen is stimulated. Regular users of collagen peptides have reported that signs of aging have slowed down, temporarily halted or even been reversed. 2. Potential Collagen Peptide Supplement Intake Benefits The list of reported benefits of taking collagen peptide supplements is long. This makes sense considering that collagen is found throughout your body including your bones, muscles, skin, and joints. Some of the claimed health benefits include: • Better skin, hair, and nailsrn• Helps manage joint painrn• Promotes better sleeprn• Keeps bones strongrn• Improves digestionrn• Helps you lose weight 3. How to Use Collagen Peptides? Collagen peptides are incredibly versatile as they can be consumed in so many different ways. They can be added to both hot and cold liquids and dishes, from a cold fruit smoothie to a hearty warm stew. Collagen peptides can come in various forms, so let’s take a look at them as well as how to use each one of them properly. a. Collagen Powder Among the more popular type of collagen is collagen powder. The powder comes in a tub and is which can be unflavored or flavored. You can get more creative with how you use the powdered version--it can be added to your morning tea or coffee, fruit juice, shake, or even your breakfast cereal! The unflavored types can also be added in your baked goodies' ingredient list. On the other hand, flavored versions of collagen powder can be added to water in the mornings to make your own collagen cocktail. b. Collagen Capsules If all the shaking and stirring needed for the powder is too much of a hassle for you, then get your extra collagen peptides in handy capsule format. All you need is a large glass of water to swallow them down with, and you’re all set for the day. c. Liquid Collagen Some companies sell collagen in ready-to-drink liquids. Some small and concentrated, while others are large like a bottle of water. These are really easy to add to your daily routine, as all you just need to do is grab one out of the refrigerator in the morning and drink it on the way to work. d. Other Ways of Taking Collagen Peptides Companies producing and selling collagen peptide supplements have come up with many ways to get your collagen fix including: •Collagen creamers that you can add to your coffee or hot chocolate. •Collagen bone broth that you can use to make soups or stews instead of a normal chicken, fish, or beef broth •Single-serve collagen packets that you can travel with and add to your drink on the move. 4. Collagen Peptide Perks If you are truly excited about the potential of adding more collagen back into your body or stimulating more collagen production, then there are many ways that you can do it. Getting these peptides into your body is as easy as taking a tablet each morning or stirring an extra scoop into your morning coffee. The potential anti-aging benefits of taking in collagen peptides daily are tempting for many. That being said, if you are in the market for the right collagen peptide product, look at the ingredients and the source of the ingredients carefully before investing.