Collagen. We’ve all heard of it, but it seems like collagen is generally one of those supplements that are not widely understood. Although there are countless collagen products on store shelves and it seems like EVERYONE is using it, most of us probably aren’t aware of the most important collagen benefits for women. Should we really take collagen supplements? I mean, we’re talking about eating bones and skin right? And what does collagen actually do for us anyway?
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein responsible for many important things - - like healthy joints and skin elasticity. It’s in our bones, muscles, blood, and comprises ¾ of our skin and ⅓ of the protein on our bodies!!
In food, collagen is naturally found only in animal flesh - like meat and fish - that contain connective tissue. Sounds weird, but it’s so important!
Should A Woman Take Collagen?
Collagen plays an important role in building and supporting many tissues, from bones and cartilage to skin, hair, eyes, and the digestive system.
So collagen is a wonderful supplement for women because lifestyle and age-related changes reduce our natural collagen levels. Collagen production drops with excess sun exposure, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep. Collagen supplementation becomes particularly important when menopause hits and collagen loss increases exponentially.
The most bioavailable form of collagen supplements is collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen protein). Collagen peptides are very small pieces of animal protein that have been broken down into short chains of amino acids that make them easy to digest and absorb into the bloodstream.
There are few side effects associated with collagen supplements but, of course, we don’t give medical advice. So talk with your physician if you have concerns.
What Does Collagen Do For A Woman’s Body?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Its fiber-like structure is used to make connective tissue. As the name implies, this type of tissue connects other tissues and is a major component of bone, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. It helps to make tissues strong and resilient, able to withstand stretching.
How Much Collagen Does A Woman Need Daily?
Because we are all individual in our physical composition, activity level. and dietary needs, recommended collagen intake depends on the individual. Specifically, if you're a healthy adult, you need at least 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight a day. If you're highly active, that requirement increases to 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight a day.
And though collagen is an incomplete protein (meaning, it doesn't provide all nine of the essential amino acids the body needs), it can absolutely contribute to your daily protein intake.
10 Collagen Benefits for Women’s Health
The benefits of collagen for women’s health are numerous and broad.
1. Digestibility
Collagen is an easily digested source of protein because it is hydrolyzed. Hydrolyzed collagen protein is a form of collagen that is already broken down, making digestion and absorption easier. Some animal protein can be difficult for some people to digest so this is a perk!
2. Joint Health
As we age our joints can become “creaky” and painful as collagen levels decrease. Supplementing with collagen can help with joint laxity, thereby, reducing joint tightness and joint pain.
3. Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Cellulite
While we can’t defy aging, we can support our bodies as we age gracefully and collagen can help! In one clinical trial, middle-aged women who took collagen supplements for three months experienced improved skin elasticity and hydration. There are many other studies pointing toward the same.
4. Bone Health
We know that healthy bones are important as we age. Estrogen drops as we approach and experience menopause and with lower estrogen levels comes decreased bone density. Collagen can help support bones. In one clinical trial, collagen supplements decreased bone turnover in postmenopausal women.
5. Gut Health
The gut is our “second brain” and is a huge indicator of overall health. Over the past decade, gut issues have become more prevalent. And studies show that collagen improves gut health. Collagen includes two amino acids that are beneficial for the gut: glutamine and glycine. Glutamine is great for inflammation in the intestinal wall and glycine supports the stomach lining.
6. Metabolism
Collagen supports the development of lean muscle mass and helps our bodies convert essential nutrients into energy that boosts our metabolism. In fact, one of the most important roles of glycine (an amino acid found in collagen) is to convert glucose into energy that feeds muscle cells. And lean muscle mass helps us burn more calories than fat in addition to supporting our posture and bone health.
7. Energy
Those who eat adequate amounts of protein generally enjoy better energy levels and maintenance of lean body mass versus their peers who consume less protein.
8. Hunger
Collagen is a protein and studies show that consuming protein helps us feel full and satisfied, which helps us with weight loss and maintaining a healthy body weight. When hunger is reduced, we tend to eat fewer calories in a day.
High-protein diets were also shown to increase satiety hormones - - like glucagon-like peptide-1 and cholecystokinin - - and suppress the hunger hormone - - ghrelin. So adding a collagen supplement to your diet can help you feel more full throughout the day.
9. Hormone Balance and Mood Swings
Glycine, an amino acid found in collagen, increases levels of estradiol - a hormone that prevents bone loss and osteoporosis. Glycine also stimulates a gut hormone that boosts the ability of insulin to remove excess glucose from the bloodstream. Balanced blood sugar means a more balanced brain and fewer mood swings. And, glycine helps the body produce serotonin - a chemical that regulates our moods.
10. Sleep
Collagen contains an amino acid - glycine - that helps you:
- Fall asleep faster and stay asleep by triggering a drop in body temperature - a key step in the body’s sleep process.
- Get deeper, more restful sleep.
- Feel better - more lively, peppy, and clear-headed - after awakening from sleep.
Better sleep and feeling well-rested are what every Momsanity mom needs.
Mom Fuel Makes It Easy to Get the Collagen You Need
So how does one incorporate collagen into her diet? Glad you asked!
Mom Fuel is a convenient protein and collagen powder blend. We designed Mom Fuel so our ladies could enjoy simplified nutrition and our all-in-one solution makes that possible at a great value!
But simplified nutrition at a great price was not enough! There were also many things we did NOT want to include. So Mom Fuel contains no gluten, no dairy, no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors, no preservatives, and no GMOs.
Each scoop of Mom Fuel includes 15 grams of vegetable protein (brown rice and pea) and 5 grams of bovine collagen.
Mom Fuel helps you control hunger, promotes fat loss, combats oxidative damage, provides anti-aging benefits for your hair, skin, nails, and joints, and promotes healthy digestion. Enjoy all of these benefits as you sip on your next Mom Fuel shake or smoothie. Available in two flavors - Vanilla or Dutch Chocolate - you’ll never miss your old protein powder!