What is Collagen?

by Carly Neubert, BA, NC January 20, 2016

Have you started your new breakfast schedule yet? Don't forget about the high-protein high-fat power breakfast I explained a few weeks ago in my New Year New You blog.

Have you tried any of my Sippers or Smoothies recipes yet? I’ve had a few questions about the Collagen Peptides, so I thought I would give an explanation of this protein superfood.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a type of protein that makes up your hair, skin, nails, and the connective tissues in your joints and organs. So basically you have collagen protein all over the outside and inside of your body. Your body makes collagen out of the amino acids that you eat.  But as you age, or expose your body to stresses like sugary foods, air pollution, and emotional stress, your body may slow down or stop making collagen.  

Collagen peptides are short protein molecules that are easy to absorb and digest. When you consume collagen peptides, your body doesn’t have to go through the work of making the collagen. It is already available to be used for hair, skin, nails, muscles, joints, and your gut lining.  

FAQ about Collagen Peptides

Why use Collagen Peptides instead of regular protein powder?

They are a superior form of “protein powder.” Studies have shown that Collagen Peptides will keep you full for a longer amount of time than whey or other protein powders. Who doesn’t want to stay full? Being full and satiated is important when you are trying to lose body fat and get optimal brain function.  

What makes them superior to regular protein powders?  

The powder is so fine that you can mix it into coffee, tea, or any of my Sipper or Smoothie recipes. The Collagen Peptides don’t change the taste or consistency of anything. In fact, you can even bake with them. This is the easy solution to the question of how to get more protein in the morning.  

What makes Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides better than any other?

These Collagen Peptides are from very happy Brazilian cows who have never been given antibiotics or hormones. Additionally they have eaten their natural diet of wild grass as they have roamed free along the hillsides of sunny Brazil. All of this care promises to deliver a very high quality and toxin-free protein supplement.  

Recipes

Check out the following recipes. I usually have some of my homemade paleo granola or a coconut wrap along with my morning Sipper.  

Coconut wraps, nut butter and hemp seeds

1 Coconut wrap (buy it here)

2 tablespoons almond or sunbutter

1 tbsp hemp seeds (buy it here)

Drizzle of raw honey

Warm a medium-sized round skillet. Warm the coconut wrap until starting to brown. Spread nut butter, hemp seeds, and honey down the middle of the wrap. Remove wrap from heat, roll up, and cut into slices. Enjoy along with a Cacao Nut Sipper.

Paleo Granola

Here is my basic recipe for granola

1 cup cashews (or an extra cup of almonds)

3/4 cups almonds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds--shelled

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)--shelled

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1/2 cup hemp seeds

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup raw honey or coconut nectar

1/2 tsp vanilla powder

1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place all nuts (no hemp seeds) and coconut into blender or food processor.
3. Pulse until all nuts look about the same size.
4. Melt the coconut oil, vanilla powder, coconut nectar, and salt in pan.
5. Pour nuts into a large bowl and then pour coconut oil mixture over the top. Sprinkle hemp seeds and cranberries into mixture.
6. Mix until evenly coated. Spread out on baking pan.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until evenly brown. I usually stir the granola one time during cooking.

I sometimes get adventurous and add cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ground dried orange peel, or molasses to the mix.

For additional recipes, biohacking tips and lifestyle hacks -- check out my other blog on my coaching site www.cleancoachcarly.com! I post weekly about nutrition and lifestyle topics, all backed by science. Happy Reading!
 

Other References:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881.php

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