F45 Nutritionist and Trainer Kim Bowman, MS, Discusses The Benefits of Collagen Peptides For Women and Why You Should Take Them

April 19, 2021

By Kim Bowman, MS, CNP

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body forming our skin and connective tissues along with muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It’s what keeps our skin looking glowing and youthful by optimizing elasticity, firmness, and structure. Unfortunately, the production of this powerhouse protein within the body starts to slow overtime, declining with age. Now, researchers are discovering the supportive effects of regular collagen supplementation on retaining healthy-looking, youthful skin along with numerous other benefits including optimal gut health (see below).

It’s likely you may have seen collagen skincare products available on the market in the form of serums or creams claiming to boost collagen and skin firmness. However, topical collagen isn’t actually able to stimulate collagen production within the body as ‘collagen peptides’ are too large to be absorbed past the outer most layer of our skin--the epidermis. On the other hand, supplementation with a quality collagen powder mixed with a glass of water or in a smoothie allows for the internal absorption of collagen to occur providing greater support for our skin in addition to our joints and gut microbiome. Hearthy’s grass-fed collagen powder provides a rich source of protein (11g/serving) and amino acid peptides which act to minimize inflammation within the body and contribute to a healthy aging process.

What Makes a Quality Collagen Supplement?

A quality collagen powder is produced using ‘collagen peptides’ (also known as hydrolyzed collagen) which are made of the same amino acids as collagen yet are more easily absorbed by our bodies. Collagen peptides are much shorter amino acids than collagen itself allowing them to be taken up more rapidly in our body to stimulate collagen production. Hearthy’s collagen powder uses premium grass-fed, Halal collagen peptides providing Type I and Type III collagen proteins. The best part? Hearthy’s collagen powder is unflavored and extremely soluble which allows it to be easily mixed with water, smoothies, or hot beverages including tea and coffee. Halal collagen may also be added to your favorite homemade baked treats as it has exceptional stability under extreme heat (300˚C)! Daily collagen supplementation has exceptional benefits not just for our skin but for our joints and digestive health as well.

1. Enhanced Skin Health

The combination of dry heat and sunlight along with environmental pollutants can really wreak havoc on our skin overtime. Regular collagen peptide supplementation has shown to not only boost skin moisture and hydration but also increase skin elasticity to minimize wrinkles. Collagen peptides work in two ways to optimize a glowing skin complexion; 1) help produce elastin and fibrillin--two proteins responsible for maintaining skin structure and integrity and 2) stimulate the body to produce collagen on its own.

2. Joint Pain Relief

Degenerative joint conditions including osteoarthritis increases as we age due to declining collagen production overtime. Fortunately, studies observing collagen peptide supplementation have found that daily use can lessen degenerative symptoms of osteoarthritis along with joint-related pain overall. Collagen peptides work by accumulating in the tissue that protects our joints (cartilage) which stimulates the tissues around our joints to produce more collagen. This results in greater protection from joint-related injury and the formation of osteoarthritis as increased collagen production helps to lower inflammation overtime

Aside from our joints, collagen makes up the majority of our bones and studies have found that regular collagen supplementation may inhibit the breakdown of bone leading to osteoporosis. Specifically, collagen peptides may increase bone mineral density while lowering the levels of proteins in the blood responsible for stimulating bone breakdown with age.

3. Promotes Gut Health

Benefits of Collagen For Women Hearthy Foods

Collagen peptide supplementation has also gained popularity in those aiming to improve gut health due to various digestive conditions including ‘leaky gut.’ This condition occurs when toxins or partially digested food particles ‘leak’ through the lining of the gut to induce inflammation or a change in our gut microbiome. Leaky gut occurs when the tight junctions lining the wall of our digestive tract become weakened and has been associated with excess consumption of processed carbohydrates including refined sugar. Those with lower levels of serum collagen have been linked to an increased risk of ‘leaky gut.’ Luckily researchers have found that regular collagen peptide supplementation is likely to help provide the amino acids needed to repair and rebuild the intestinal wall to prevent leaky gut and optimize digestive health!

Shop Hearthy Foods Collagen Here.

References

Moskowitz RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2000 Oct;30(2):87-99. doi: 10.1053/sarh.2000.9622. PMID: 11071580.

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How Healthy Are Gummy Vitamins? These days taking gummy vitamins can be sweeter than ever. But is it good for you? Growing number of companies are selling gummy vitamins ranging from multivitamins to collagen. They look and taste a lot like candy. Come in all different colors, size and playful shapes. But the sad reality is they are ineffective, possibly harmful, and a complete waste of money. Too Much Sugar There are many doctors that are saying buyer beware of gummy vitamins. Gummy vitamins contains sugar. Gummy vitamins can carry 2 to 8 grams of sugar which means 90% sugar and 10% vitamins. That is like getting 90% ice and 10% drink. If you think sugar free gummies are better, there are some concerns as well. Sugar free gummies contain sugar alcohol which can cause unpleasant GI affects like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abominable pain. Consumer labs (consumerlabs.com) is consumer advocacy organization that has done some extensive research about the problems with gummy vitamins has stated that there is more sugar (nearly up to 90% sugar than vitamins). In addition, sugar alcohol taking daily may lead to diarrhea, stomachaches and bloating. Low Quality means No Benefits Another issue with gummy vitamins is quality. Gummy vitamins lose potency faster when it’s in gummy form (Consumerlabs.com). In other words, they may not even work. The label on gummy vitamins are not accurate because the it loses potency over time. If you are taking collagen gummies you may be taking less than .5 gram of collagen which like taking no collagen. Some manufactures overcompensate by adding more potency which can be harmful as well. For example, fat-soluble vitamin gummies like A, D, E, and K can build toxic levels in the body if take in excess. (WebMD). Artificial Ingredients Gummy Vitamins often contains artificial food dyes and fillers to give them appealing textures (WEBMD). It should be noted that vegetarian gummies vitamins are made with pectin which is derived from citrus fruit peels and apples. The problem with pectin is it must be combined with other substance like sugar and acids (methoxyl). Solutions Don’t take gummy vitamins. Gummy vitamins have many downsides, compared with traditional supplements. The dosage of gummy vitamins can be unreliable. Also, chances are that by the time you eat your gummy, its vitamin content will have degraded. The better option is to take traditional pills, powders, capsules and tablets. Don’t take gummy vitamins, collagen, creatine etc Take capsules Take powders Avoid Pectin, sugar alcohol and sugar based gummies

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What is Cold Pressed Undenatured Whey?

Hearthy Grass Fed Whey is a high-quality protein supplement with several key features. Here’s a detailed breakdown:Key Features: 1. Grass-Fed Source: The whey protein is derived from cows that are grass-fed, meaning they are raised on a natural diet of grass rather than grains. This is often associated with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which are beneficial for health. 2. Cold Processed: The protein is cold-processed, meaning it’s not exposed to high heat during production. This helps maintain the integrity of the protein and keeps it undenatured, preserving its bioavailability and amino acid profile. 3. Undenatured Whey: Since the protein is undenatured, it retains more of the natural nutrients found in whey, such as immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which can support the immune system. 4. Free From Additives: • GMO-Free: The product does not contain genetically modified organisms. • rBGH-Free: No recombinant bovine growth hormone is used in the dairy production, which is a synthetic hormone some farmers use to increase milk production. • Soy-Free & Gluten-Free: Suitable for people with soy or gluten intolerances or allergies. • No Added Sugar: Unflavored and unsweetened, allowing for flexibility in how you use it without added sweeteners.Nutritional Profile:While the exact nutritional profile might vary slightly depending on the batch, typically, a serving of this type of whey protein powder might contain: • Calories: Approximately 100-120 per serving • Protein: 20-25 grams per serving, making it a good source of complete protein • Fat: 0 grams • Carbohydrates: 0 grams, often minimal due to the lack of added sugars • Sodium: 50 mgBenefits: 1. Muscle Recovery & Growth: High in essential amino acids, especially BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), which are crucial for muscle recovery and growth after exercise. 2. Supports Immune System: Contains immunoglobulins and lactoferrin that can enhance the immune system. 3. Versatile Usage: Because it’s unflavored and unsweetened, it can be added to a wide range of foods, from smoothies and shakes to baking recipes, without altering the taste.

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F45 Nutritionist and Trainer Kim Bowman, MS, Discusses The Benefits of Collagen Peptides For Women and Why You Should Take Them