Enjoying Chocolate Collagen Smoothies Couldn't Be Easier (or Healthier)
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein that accounts for approximately 30 percent of all the protein in the human body, 75 percent of the skin, and a significant fraction of the bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and blood. Collagen may contribute to joint health, skin elasticity and resilience, and hair and nail strength, among other significant effects.
Even without consuming collagen-rich foods, the body can produce collagen by combining various amino acids (the molecules that makeup proteins) with crucial vitamins and minerals. To make collagen "from scratch," the human body requires the amino acids proline and glycine and vitamins C, zinc, and copper.
The collagen in older bodies tends to deteriorate; although human bodies can produce their own collagen, generating more collagen to replace the broken-down collagen becomes increasingly difficult as we age. This is partly due to age-related nutrient absorption and synthesis challenges, especially in postmenopausal women. Thus, some people increase their intake of collagen-rich foods and take collagen supplements to provide the body with a complete, direct source of collagen.
What Does Collagen Do?
Collagen is a major component of many body parts and forms the structure and support for them. It also gives tissue the ability to bounce back after being stretched. In addition, collagen is involved in essential body processes such as blood clotting, replacing dead skin cells with new cells, forming a protective covering that surrounds the internal organs, and more.
Collagen Benefits: What Is Collagen Good For?
The likely benefits of taking collagen supplementally are numerous. Although more studies are needed to confirm these effects, preliminary research shows that taking collagen supplements and eating a collagen-rich diet may improve the health and function of the skin, joints, bones, hair, and nails.
Collagen for Skin Health
One of the most common reasons for collagen supplementation is to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Many studies have confirmed these benefits. In a systematic review of 26 high-quality, randomized controlled trials, collagen supplementation significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity compared to a placebo group.
Collagen for Joint and Bone Health
Collagen supplements are thought to improve overall joint health and function, especially in osteoarthritis patients. Some forms of collagen may even contain biologically active peptides that reach joint tissues and thereby help to protect the joints from pain, wear and tear, and inflammation. However, collagen's effects do take time; it may take three to five months of consistent, daily collagen supplementation to notice improvements in joint symptoms.
Some collagen peptides have also been shown to improve bone mineral density. For instance, a randomized controlled study of 131 postmenopausal women found that daily intake of specific collagen peptides (SCP) increased bone mineral density by increasing bone formation and reducing bone degradation.
Collagen for Hair and Nail Strength
Although the current body of research does not definitively demonstrate that collagen improves hair growth, some studies show a significant benefit. For example, one study of the effects of fish collagen peptides on human cells in vitro and in mice suggested that they could be effective in preventing hair loss and improving hair regrowth in those suffering from alopecia.
Collagen may also improve nail strength and increase nail growth. In a study of specific bioactive collagen peptides, 24 weeks of supplementation decreased the frequency of broken nails by 42 percent and increased subjects' nail growth rate by an average of 12 percent.
Easy and Delicious Chocolate Collagen Smoothie Recipes
If you’re convinced of the potential health benefits of collagen but uncertain of what to add to it, the following collagen drink recipes can make it simple to get your daily dose of collagen, and are so delicious that you might even forget about the health benefits.
Collagen Smoothie Benefits
Getting collagen through smoothies and shakes has several advantages that many don’t realize.
First, for those with busy lifestyles, they make consuming collagen easy, regardless of your location. During your commute, at work, at home, or while running errands, it's as easy as sipping your collagen smoothie from your preferred insulated bottle.
Second, collagen drinks also provide additional hydration, which is thought to be beneficial for skin health and overall wellness.
Finally, preparing protein shakes with collagen makes it easy to conceal the flavor of collagen powder, which may be a concern for those who dislike the taste of these supplements.
Basic Chocolate Collagen Smoothie Recipe
This basic collagen smoothie is delicious and may even support your bodys health. It requires only a few minutes and five ingredients to prepare. Using high-quality ingredients ensures that you derive the maximum possible nutritional benefit from this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder
- One banana
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp almond butter (or other nut or seed butter, such as sunflower seed butter)
- 1 cup water (or almond, oat, or other milk)
Directions:
- Chop the banana into several pieces and put it in the blender.
- Add cacao powder, honey, and almond butter.
- Add water or milk of choice, to ensure that all ingredients blend well.
- Blend.
- Stir in a scoop of Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder.
- Drink and enjoy!
Chocolate Collagen Protein Shake Recipe
If protein consumption is a priority for you, this high-protein shake with collagen provides even more protein than the recipe above. This collagen shake recipe is also quite delicious and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or an energy-boosting snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder
- One banana
- ½ cup strawberries
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp almond butter or other nut/seed butter
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
Directions:
- Chop the banana and add it to the blender.
- Chop strawberries and add them as well.
- Add the Greek yogurt, milk, cacao, honey, and nut butter.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Stir in a scoop of Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder.
- Pour into a glass and drink up!
Collagen Powder Supplements
Countless collagen protein powder supplements are available on the market, sometimes making it difficult to decide which product to purchase. Choosing a high-quality collagen supplement prevents exposure to contaminants and is thought to ensure the most tremendous possible health benefits from supplementation.
What is the Best Collagen Supplement for Smoothies?
Among the numerous collagen powders consumers can purchase, Body Kitchen's Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder is by far the best. Not only does each serving contain 10 grams of collagen, but it also includes hyaluronic acid and resveratrol, both of which may provide significant benefits to skin health and appearance. In particular, it's important to note that Body Kitchen's collagen powder has 30 times as many dipeptides as most other collagen protein powders. Consuming higher levels of these essential collagen peptides increases absorption, therefore maximizing the body's ability to use them as building blocks.
Before beginning to take this, or any supplement, please speak with a medical professional to confirm its safety and appropriateness for your unique health.