Collagen as a Post-Workout Protein
Using protein for muscle recovery is conventional wisdom for fitness enthusiasts and those involved in high-intensity sports training. Many people use whey protein as a power-workout recovery shake, but it's not the only way to potentially boost your workout results with protein supplementation. As collagen supplements continue to grow in popularity, more and more people are turning to them as a part of their nutritional post-workout routine. Read on to find out why you may wish to take collagen post-workout.
Is Collagen a Protein? What Is Collagen?
Yes, collagen is a protein. It's the most abundant protein in your body. Collagen is present in the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, organs, and the corneas of your eyes. Your body can manufacture collagen from the foods you eat. However, the rate of collagen production slows with age. That's why many people choose to increase collagen intake by taking supplements. Supplements help boost overall protein intake which provides the amino acids necessary for collagen production.
Collagen supplements typically contain collagen from marine or bovine sources hydrolyzed or broken into small chains called collagen peptides. When you take these supplements, your body breaks the peptides down into amino acids that can reassemble into collagen protein and other proteins.
Why Is Collagen Good Post Workout?
Research indicates that post-workout collagen supplements may do all of the following.
Lower Inflammation
Studies indicate that collagen protein may play a role in controlling inflammation. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this may reduce post-exercise muscle soreness. In addition, the potential anti-inflammatory effects of collagen may lower the likelihood of chronic inflammation in people who participate in high-intensity sports and workouts to reduce the risk of injury.
Provide Connective Tissue Support
When you work out, you stress the tendons that join muscles and the ligaments that hold muscle to the bone. Tiny rips and tears can develop in the connective tissue, leading to pain and possible injury. Collagen is a crucial building block for tendons and some ligaments in the body. Its peptides may support the ongoing repair of connective tissue micro-tears following workouts.
Speed Up Muscle Recovery
Like connective tissue, muscles also suffer microscopic damage during workouts. Post-exercise recovery refers to the natural process of repairing this damage after exercise. Studies show that collagen protein may aid in healing. One small study found that athletes who took collagen before and after workouts experienced shorter recovery times than those who took a placebo.
Improve Body Composition
When combined with resistance exercise like weight lifting, collagen supplements may improve body composition by supporting the development of lean muscle mass. One study found that men suffering from reduced muscle mass called sarcopenia who took collagen supplements saw more significant muscle gains after 12 weeks than a control group that took a placebo in place of collagen peptides.
Reduce Joint Pain
As a critical component in connective tissue, collagen helps insulate joints. When exercise damages cartilage, inflammation can occur in the area, leading to pain and stiffness. Collagen may ease joint pain by helping to support healthy cartilage.
What Are Other Benefits of Collagen?
Another key benefit of collagen is support for skin health. Collagen is a crucial component of the structural protein matrix that supports the skin. Increasing collagen intake through supplements may help maintain that support network to promote firmer, more resilient skin.
Increase Your Collagen Intake to Speed Up Muscle Recovery and More
Body Kitchen gives you two options when it comes to collagen powder supplements. The first is Original Body Boost Collagen Powder, made from a blend of grass-fed bovine hide and fish collagen peptides. Black currant extract is added to help enhance absorption so that the body can utilize the collagen peptides better.
The second product is Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder. Like the Original supplement, the powder contains a blend of bovine, marine collagen peptides, and resveratrol. This antioxidant fights the effects of free radicals that damage cells throughout the body and contribute to collagen breakdown. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, naturally found in the human body, where it supports healthy joints and binds moisture to the skin to reduce dryness.
Both Body Kitchen collagen powder supplements contain 30 times the number of dipeptides as competitor products for enhanced benefits. The collagen supplements are made in the USA and are gluten-free and keto and paleo-friendly to complement your healthy diet.