As we age, our skin loses elasticity while our muscles become weaker and bones frailer. This is in part due to our decreased production of collagen, a protein found naturally in the body that is responsible for building our bones, muscles, tendons, joints, and skin. Collagen is present in nearly every part of our body but as we age, we produce less and less. This means to preserve our bone and skin health; we must look to outside sources of collagen. Most diets are lacking in collagen rich foods as the richer sources of collagen include parts of animals we don’t traditionally eat. Collagen supplements have become popular in recent years for providing an easy way to consume collagen. But what exactly is in collagen supplements and are there differences in quality?
Bovine VS Marine Collagen
Collagen is derived from animal matter, typically from cows and marine life (fish). Bovine (cow) collagen is made from the bones, cartilage, skin, and connective tissue of the cow. Marine collagen is made from the skin, scales, and bones of the fish. Both types of collagens are beneficial to your health with just a few differences. There are three different types of collagens, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3, each composed of different amino acids. All three collagen types are found in the human body, each serving different functions. Type 1 and Type 3 play a role in maintaining skin, bone, muscle, ligament, and blood vessel health. They are also present in the gut, suggesting that they play a role in maintaining intestinal health as well. Type 2 collagen is found in the cartilage and is responsible for protecting and promoting joint health. The difference between marine and bovine collagen is that marine is mostly Type 2 collagen while bovine is both Type 1 and Type 3. Because bovine collagen is more like the collagen we have in our bodies, it’s usually a more popular choice.
Why You Should Choose Hydrolyzed Collagen Over Gelatin
When choosing your bovine collagen supplement, you’ll have a choice between hydrolyzed or gelatin collagen. Both contain the same 8 out of 9 essential amino acids, but they differ in structure and solubility. Hydrolyzed collagen, also called collagen peptides, is collagen that has been broken down into smaller proteins (peptides) that are more easily digestible. They are also more easily soluble in liquids. Gelatin collagen has a gel-like structure that doesn’t dissolve in liquids and is not as easy for the body to absorb. Hydrolyzed collagen supplements are superior for mixing with your favorite beverages or even added to some foods such as oatmeal and yogurt. Hot Bod Nutrition’s Hydrolyzed Collagen supplement comes in powder form, making it readily available for use. Our collagen is derived from grass-fed bovine protein, an important distinction between other collagen supplement products.
Why Is Grass-Fed Collagen Better?
You should treat buying your supplements as you would buying your food. Quality matters when choosing a collagen supplement, that’s why you should choose grass-fed collagen protein over others. Why? Just like if you were to buy and consume beef, you’d be better off going for natural, grass-fed beef over beef that is injected with various hormones and chemicals. Additionally, many non-organic beef products come from cows that are raised in dirty, inhumane conditions. Besides being bad for the animals, the stress they endure raises their cortisol levels which in turn will be passed on to you when you consume their meat. As collagen is made from the bovine by-products, the same can be said for when you consume collagen powder. It’s also important to do your research on the supplement company you purchase your collagen from. As dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s difficult to know what you’re getting. Only buy from companies you trust that present their products accurately and scientifically. Hot Bod Nutrition is an all-natural supplement company created for the sole purpose of delivering dietary supplement products you can trust. All our products are made in FDA registered labs for consumer quality. Our Hydrolyzed Grass-Fed Collagen Powder is backed by science and made from only the best quality ingredients.
The Takeaway
Collagen supplements are beneficial for your health, especially as you age. If you are concerned with your skin, nails, gut, and joint health, collagen supplements will help to prevent further deterioration. The type of collagen you choose is important. Hydrolyzed over gelatin is easier to digest and more readily available to use with different foods and beverages. Just be sure to choose a quality collagen supplement from a company you trust.
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