There's a lot of hype around collagen, but how much do you really know about it? Buckle up, we're taking a deep dive!
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and the collagen that comes from cows (bovine) is the most similar to what we already have in our own bodies.
Bovine collagen typically contains collagen types 1 and 3, which are best known for supporting metabolism and lean muscle mass, strengthening hair and nails, and encouraging skin elasticity and glow.
It’s a common misconception that marine collagen is superior to bovine, mostly because of the higher price tag and the way it’s marketed. But marine collagen is mostly type 1 collagen, and while it is rich in some amino acids, it lacks the essential type 3 present in bovine collagen that gives us all those beauty boosting benefits we love so much.
Here are 5 pretty cool things collagen types 1 & 3 are doing for you:
1. Glowy, glowy skin
Collagen is a major component of your skin. It plays a role in strengthening skin, as well as in elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less and less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Studies are showing that collagen (like the 5g in every serve of our Whey Protein) may help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness. Rejoice!
2. Same goes for hair and nails
Our hair and nails also become weaker with age, and taking collagen is shown to improve brittleness and help with growth! Downside, you might be visiting the hair and nail salon a little more often. If you are dealing with post-surgery shedding, on a mission to re-grow your locks goes into what actually helps.
3. Juicier joints
Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage, and even has potential pain-relieving effects. Researchers theorise that taking collagen may accumulate in joints and stimulate your tissues to make more of its own collagen, leading to lower inflammation, better joint support, and reduced pain. Giddy up!
4. Bone structure and strength
Did you know that your bones are made mostly of collagen? Bone mass deteriorates with age, but studies are showing promising signs that supplementing collagen along with calcium (like the calcium in Multi 2.0) can improve bone mineral density and reduce risk of bone fractures. YAY!
5. Boost muscle mass
Nothing beats whey protein when it comes to building muscle. But because collagen promotes the synthesis of muscle proteins like creatine, thereby helping to stimulate muscle growth and strength after exercise, it is certainly the icing on the cake. All your protein Qs covers how much you need overall.
So how long does it take?
Allow around 8 weeks of supplementing with collagen daily before assessing whether collagen is working for you.
Whey Protein is proud to deliver a massive 30g of total protein in each and every shake. 5 of those grams is our premium collagen, and the balance is made up of NZ whey concentrate and NZ whey isolate.
We use certified pure and sustainably sourced collagen, because we care about things like that! The cattle are free from hormones, antibiotics and anabolic steroids, and they’re raised outdoors, spending 100% of their lifetime on grass and pasture. Aw.
Little tip: taking a multivitamin like Multi 2.0 with your Whey Protein actually complements and stimulates collagen production. Total dream team! There is more on why the multi matters in vitamins, why and what.
Want more? Embracing collagen for wellness looks at how it fits into life after surgery, and glowing inside out covers the beauty side and ways to get it into your day.