Everyone is talking about collagen a lot more than usual these days, and it's because collagen supplements work. The most prevalent protein in the body, collagen, serves as the foundation for all connective tissues. When stress, diet, and the natural aging process hits us, we can switch back harder with a healthy dose of suitable collagen peptides.

Collagen is responsible for youthful skin, healthier hair, and stronger nails. In addition to our outer appearance, collagen revitalizes tired bones and makes inflamed joints healthy and strong.

Claims that collagen aids in cognitive functions like memory retention or anxiety reduction are also gaining popularity. 

With all these benefits, it's no wonder that store shelves provide us with an abundance of collagen powder, peptides, supplements, and protein powders. Finding the right product can sometimes be overwhelming, but getting it right doesn't have to be.

Let's Start with Collagen Peptides

Collagen in supplements has been hydrolyzed and reduced to what is called peptides. Because collagen is sourced from fish scales, chicken cartilage, and cowhides, breaking this down through hydrolysis is necessary for proper human absorption. By making the molecules smaller, absorption is made possible. 

In essence, the process involved makes collagen dissolve and also helps create a much less bitter taste. Peptides are absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream when compared to the act of eating meat alone. 

Hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides are two different names for the same thing. This is good information for helping us sort out any confusion about how the products we choose are made.

Which Types of Collagen Work Best For Me

Although there are at least sixteen known types of collagen, the human body creates and uses types I-IV. The collagen found in most products is Type I, which is typically bovine (beef) collagen. Because cows make collagen similarly to humans, most collagen consumers rely on bovine-based products.

Type II typically consists of cartilage from chickens and is most efficient in addressing bone and joint issues. 

Type III is another bovine collagen. If your main interest in collagen is to restore more elasticity to skin, hair, and nails, then your best bet is to get a product that contains primarily types I and III. Our Wild Collagen Keto Peptides are an excellent springboard for those reasons.

Understand The Source Of Your Collagen

Equally important to know which types of collagen peptides best address your personal needs is understanding how that collagen was nourished. Grass-fed is always best because grain-fed cows can have unnecessary fillers to help fatten them and create a juicy cut of meat. 

Grain-fed animals are lesser in quality and cheaper. They are raised with non-traditional methods, with the additional use of chemicals.

It's critical to know that the foods we eat are produced with good care if we want to take good care of our bodies from the inside out. Always look for "pasture-raised," "grass-fed," and "non-GMO" on products when it comes to anything derived from an animal (including whey protein and bone broth protein). 

"CAFO-derived collagen" is another phrase to look out for (to run away from), as it means Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. Nearly all non-organic collagen is made with CAFO-derived collagen, meaning that the FDA doesn't apply any regulations on chemicals that are used or heavy metals such as lead that can be found. The environmental stressors these animals are subjected to can also mar the quality of the output from the animal.

Ultimately, if collagen seems highly affordable, it may well be that the product in question wasn't created with the consumer in mind. 

How To Get More Collagen

Equally important to getting more collagen is knowing how much collagen is a suitable dosage. Between 2.5-15 grams per day is the recommended amount. Although the easiest method of getting more collagen into our system involves drinking it, there are plenty of other options.

People love adding collagen to their morning coffee in the beverage world alone. Butter coffee with collagen could be the best kickstart for your day. 

Or try mixing collagen powder into tea and smoothies. Implementing collagen powder into food is a breeze since the flavor is so neutral.

Other options include: mixing into oatmeal, acai bowls, muffins, keto bread, or energy bites. This  Anti-inflammatory Pumpkin Spice Smoothie is delicious! Let us know in the comments how you get more collagen.