Hello Healthy!
In this series, I’m highlighting some of the new products you can find at the Lee’s Summit Smoothie Shop as well as online here!
Next up, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. You’ve probably seen collagen being promoted in the health world lately, and for good reason, it’s a game changer. There are plenty of great things about collagen, and some drawbacks so we’ll go through all of that info so you can make an informed decision about whether adding collagen to your routine is a good choice.
Before I get into that, I want to mention that there are tons of collagen brands on the market right now, some are great quality and some are not, so you want to make sure if you decide to incorporate collagen in your diet, you’re getting one that is high quality, easy to absorb and comes from a reputable source. We looked at many brands and felt that Vital Proteins collagen was a great fit for our company because it met our expectations in terms of quality and also provides a wide variety of products and forms that will work well for different needs and lifestyles. So now that you know why we choose this brand, let’s get into more about collagen in general.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It helps make up our skin, bones, tendons, and muscles. It literally holds us together. The type that our body produces naturally is called endogenous collagen. There are actually 16 different types of collagen that naturally occur in the human body, but the majority of it is one of three fibrous types.
One of the most abundant types of collagen, Type 1 (inventive naming, huh?) is incredibly strong, gram for gram, it’s actually stronger than steel but also incredibly flexible, how cool is that?? As we age, we have a harder time producing collagen, so that’s where exogenous collagen (or collagen supplements) come in. Collagen supplements are used for joint health, skin elasticity, and bone density.
It is considered very safe for most people and risk of side effects are low. If side effects do occur, they are typically minor. Side effects can include heartburn, a bad taste in the mouth or a feeling of fullness. However, it is recommended that those who are at high risk of kidney stones avoid collagen supplements as it may increase the chance of forming stones. It is also important to keep in mind that collagen is a protein, but is not a complete protein, so this is not something you want to use alone as a meal replacement.
High quality collagen supplements have the potential to make a big difference in your body. Reduced joint pain, stronger bones, and healthier, younger looking skin are all things everyone can appreciate!
My personal experience with Vital Protein Collagen Peptides has been phenomenal. I’ve been using this product for about 2 years and I can see and feel the difference in my skin and joints. No more creaking or pain in my knees when I go up and down stairs, and my skin is noticeably healthier. I’ve never had a bone density measurement taken, so I can’t tell you if that has benefited, but as a woman, doing things to prevent bone density loss is always a good idea, so I’m happy to know this is a great preventative measure I can take.
We have several Vital Proteins collagen options so you can find the option that you like the best! Collagen Water is in the refrigerator at the Lee’s Summit location for a refreshing, quick and easy way to get your collagen serving. On the shelves and online we offer Beauty Collagen, which includes additional ingredients to help your skin look and feel healthier, Matcha Collagen for an added boost of caffeine with your collagen, and the original Collagen Peptides which are flavorless and dissolve easily in your beverage of choice.
I typically add the original collagen to my morning coffee to make it easy to remember to take (because I NEVER forget to drink coffee in the morning!) All three options are also available in single serve sticks for an easy way to get your collagen while on the go or traveling,
Give Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides a try for a few weeks and let us know if you can see and feel a difference!