When we think of getting in our protein, we often think of consuming eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, fish/seafood, and maybe even whey protein or a protein bar.
Are all of these great protein sources? Absolutely!
But there is one problem...this consumption is mainly of the muscle meat of the animal, which is high in methionine. Methionine is an amino acid that raises homocysteine levels in the blood and increases our need for homocysteine-neutralizing nutrients like vitamins B6, B12, folate, and choline. Unfortunately, these nutrients are some of the most common deficiencies we see in the population today.
Having high homocysteine in the blood, it becomes a risk factor for many chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke and mental illness.
One thing that is extremely helpful in balancing out methionine is glycine. In the prehistoric times, our ancestors would get glycine from consuming the whole animal, but we know most people aren’t regularly cooking up animal tendons and skin for dinner. So how else can we get the benefits of glycine without choking down strange foods?!
Collagen.
The benefits of collagen are pretty incredible, and they go far beyond balancing out our meat consumption and keeping a healthy profile of amino acids within the body.
Collagen is one of the primary structural elements of our skin. Our body produces collagen itself, but a big reason we deal with wrinkles and sagging skin as we age is because we naturally produce less collagen as we get older. There have been a number of studies that have actually shown improved skin elasticity, reduction of cellulite, and improved hydration of the skin when supplementing with collagen. (Source).
We all know that horrible feeling of waking up with joint pain or needing 30+ minutes to get warm and ready for our workout. Wouldn’t it be amazing to just feel like we are 15 years younger again? The main two amino acids in collagen, glycine and proline, are both extremely anti-inflammatory in nature and are likely responsible for the benefits, but research has shown collagen positively affecting cartilage metabolism, and even treating osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. (Source).
As we age, we naturally see a decrease in muscle mass. This is usually related to less activity, lower caloric intake over time, and hormonal shifts that decrease testosterone. This amazing amino acid glycine though, that we find in collagen can help slow down, and even reduce, this age-related muscle loss issue.
Two of the main issues with the gut today include leaky gut and low stomach acid - which are both often traced back to high stress. Leaky gut can result in food intolerances or sensitivities, bloating, diarrhea, headaches, poor immunity, fatigue and low stomach acid usually results in burping and bloating. None of these symptoms sound like things we want!
The amino acids in collagen improve gastric acid secretion and help to restore the lining of the gut to a healthy place. (Source).
Collagen can also help reduce anxiety levels and promote mental calmness, which in turn, can help us get much better sleep at night! We all know better sleep can only multiply the positive effects we listed above!
So how do we recommend getting your collagen in to start reaping the amazing benefits?
Try out one of our favorite protein summer smoothie recipes!!
Berry Collagen Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
Simply blend and enjoy!!
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