I am one who will try {almost} anything in the name of wellness and beauty. And before I ever recommend any product, service, or potion, I try it out.
Vital Proteins sent over their Marine Collagen packets, and I was very scared to try them because I was pretty grossed out by the idea. I waited a long time to give it a try.
Finally, I was feeling ballsy and dumped a packet into my hot Cinnamon Peppermint tea from Trader Joes – which by the way is SO YUMMY!
You know that feeling right before you’re about to taste something that might be absolutely disgusting for the first time? That was me.
…I took a sip, and it wasn’t bad. At all. The collagen powder is unflavored, but you can still tell it’s there if that makes any sense. And now I am hooked because of COURSE I want to strengthen my nails and hair, and improve my gut health.
After being sent the packets, I did some research on collagen products, and I learned that so many brands use fillers and lots of chemicals to produce their products. STEER CLEAR of these! I really love Vital Proteins because not only are the benefits simply amazing, but their products are non-GMO, the marine collagen is from wild-caught snapper, and there are no added flavors. Just one ingredient. No bull.
Let’s get into all of the ways that collagen can help your health:
1. Improves the health of your skin and hair: As we age, collagen production declines. When this happens, you’ll notice more wrinkles, thinner skin, more brittle hair and nails. By ingesting collagen, your skin’s smoothness and elasticity will be improved. With that, the appearance of cellulite will decrease. Sign me up!
2. Improves digestion and a leaky gut: Collagen helps break down proteins and soothes your gut’s lining, healing damaged cell walls and infusing it with amino acids. The second way collagen helps improve digestion is by forming a stronger connective tissue to “seal and heal” the lining of your gastrointestinal tract. Many illnesses and inflammation stems to a leaky gut, so this can help with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and other autoimmune disorders.
3. Reduces Joint Pains and Degeneration: When we produce less collagen, our joints can become sore and swollen. With its gel-like structure that covers and holds bones together, collagen allows unto glide and move without pain. This is so amazing to me because I can already tell that I have bad knees. Yikes.
4. Boosts Metabolism, Muscle Mass and Energy Output: Consuming collagen can help your metabolism by helping with the conversion of essential nutrients. One of collagen’s most important roles is helping form muscle tissue by converting glucose into energy that feeds muscle cells. Retaining muscle mass is crucial as you age, since it helps support posture, bone health and burns more calories than fat.
5. Protects Cardiovascular Health: The amino acid proline helps your artery walls release fat buildup in the bloodstream, shrinking the fat in the arteries and minimizing fat accumulation. Proline is needed for tissue repair within the joints and arteries, plus it helps control blood pressure. As part of collagen found within joints, it buffers our bodies from the effects of vibration or shock and helps us hold on to valuable cartilage as we get older. It’s also linked with the prevention of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) since it helps our arteries stay clear of dangerous plaque buildup.
Not only all of these FANTASTIC benefits, but the marine collagen packets contain 11 grams of protein! I am a HUGE fan. My biggest recommendation when taking collagen is to mix it with a hot tea.
If you try it, let me know what you think!
xo, Lynn
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