From coffee and tea to smoothies and baked goods, collagen seems to be just about everywhere these days — and it’s easy to see why.
This purported “miracle cure” is said to be a beauty secret with plenty of health benefits. These include healthy hair, support for skin health, stronger muscles, supported joint health, support for the overall human body. But if you’ve recently started researching the beloved powder, you’ve likely come across a few confusing terms, like hydrolyzed collagen.
What exactly is hydrolyzed collagen, you ask? We’ll tell you.
Read on as we explore this increasingly popular powder to uncover what it is, how it’s used, and more.
What Should I Know About Hydrolyzed Collagen?
First of all — what’s collagen?
Collagen is the largest and most abundant protein found in your body, naturally. It forms the connective tissue in your bones, joints, tendons, cartilage, teeth, skin, hair, and nails, accounting for one-third of your body’s total protein and three-fourths of your skin’s dry weight.
Simply put, if you were to name a body part — any body part — collagen is probably in there.
Considered a crucial structural building block, collagen is often compared to the glue that holds your body together; without it, you’d simply fall apart. Fortunately, you can make your own collagen, but as you age, this production tends to decline. The older you get, the less collagen your body makes. (*sigh*)
That said, aging isn’t the only culprit behind lower collagen levels. An individual can lose collagen components in the body due to a number of factors, including:
- Exposure to ultraviolet light
- Tobacco
- Excessive intake of sugar
- Stress
- Genetics
We know, we know; there are quite a few things that can put a damper on your body’s ability to make collagen. The good news, though, is that collagen supplements — or more specifically, hydrolyzed collagen supplements — have been shown to support collagen production and healthy levels of collagen in the body.
What Does Hydrolyzed Collagen Mean?
The word “hydrolyzed” simply means broken down by water. In terms of collagen, it refers to how collagen-rich connective tissue breaks down into smaller molecules (collagen peptides) for faster and easier absorption — this chemical process is called hydrolysis.
So, with this definition in mind, hydrolyzed collagen — aka collagen hydrolysate or collagen peptide — is a type of collagen that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream, where it can then work its healing magic quickly, which means better results sooner rather than later!
What Are the Benefits of Taking Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Because collagen makes up so many critical parts in the body, it’s not only beneficial but essential to maintaining good health. In fact, without it, your body wouldn’t be able to heal and replenish cells as quickly as it should, and your muscles may weaken.
Needless to say, taking hydrolyzed collagen is a great way to ensure that your collagen levels are up to keep your body running optimally. Other benefits of hydrolyzed collagen include:
Benefit #1: Support for Bones and Joints
As you get older, your bones naturally become less dense and more brittle, causing them to break more easily and take longer to heal. Your joints and ligaments can also weaken, leading to joint pain.
Based on growing research, experts suggest that hydrolyzed collagen powder can help support bones by helping the body to absorb calcium and other minerals more efficiently. In addition, studies show that this increasingly popular form of collagen can help support your joints, too.
Benefit #2: Smoother Skin
Believe it or not, there are a number of studies that support the use of collagen for skincare. Yup, it’s true — researchers suggest that it can enhance the appearance of your complexion by reducing wrinkles and increasing hydration.
Pro Tip: Pair your hydrolyzed collagen supplement with Clear Skin Probiotics. This skin lovin’ formula is made with clinically tested ingredients that work together to balance the skin’s microbiome to heal acne, improve pores, and combat dryness.
Benefit #3: Healthy Gut
Did you know that collagen can have beneficial effects on your gut health, too?
According to experts, collagen helps support the cells and microbes that line the interior of the gut. And when the gut lining is strong and healthy, the rest of your body just might follow suit.
For an extra boost of gut support, we recommend Gut Feelings Probiotics. This innovative pre-and probiotic formula is made to balance, optimize, and support a calm digestive system.* Simply take one capsule a day and rest easy, knowing that your gut is getting the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Benefit #4: Support for Healthy Hair and Nails
Studies have shown that taking hydrolyzed collagen can support proper skin elasticity, hydration levels, and youthful texture. These coveted supplements also provide many of the amino acids and nutrients needed for long, luscious locks.
Although there are many collagen supplements on the market, we recommend Call Me Collagen — our grass-fed collagen peptide powder that gives you support for healthy hair, skin, and nails.*
Benefit #5: Faster Recovery
Sure, whey protein is great when it comes to exercise recovery, but recent evidence also supports collagen protein for this very purpose.
Thanks to the combination of hydrolyzed collagen’s high bioavailability and high amino acid content, this supplement is an optimal choice for post-exercise nutrition.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a mission to improve your overall body composition, we suggest pairing your collagen with Metabolove — a powerful blend of plant-based ingredients and antioxidants that help boost metabolism, reduce food cravings, and support energy levels.*
Conclusion
So, what is hydrolyzed collagen, you ask?
Simply put, hydrolyzed collagen is a popular type of collagen supplement where the collagen protein has been hydrolyzed — aka, broken down into smaller chains of amino acids called peptides. These itty-bitty peptides are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can then work their magic to heal the body from the inside out.
Wondering where to find an amazing hydrolyzed collagen supplement? Check us out here at Love Wellness where you’ll find Call Me Collagen — this unflavored, grass-fed collagen peptide powder contains no carbs or sugar and can be easily mixed into smoothies, baked goods, and even water!
Simply pour one tear stick into your beverage of choice daily to hydrate skin, reduce hair breakage, and promote nail growth. What’s not to love?
Sources:
COLLAGEN STRUCTURE AND STABILITY | PMC