Collagen Hydrolysate (gelatin) powder has become a big food trend in the health industry, as a fantastic natural source of the proteins, collagen and gelatin.
Why Collagen?
Collagen is the most important abundant protein in our body, responsible for building our
connective tissue in our gut lining, our skin, joints and bones. So a lack of collagen can result in symptoms such as skin wrinkles and joint weakness.
Collagen is found naturally in the tougher cuts of beef with connective tissue, not the parts most people consume. To obtain the gelatin you need to cook the collagen, hence bone broth being a rich source of them both too. However, collagen hydroylsate powder is processed in a way that also extracts the gelatin, providing an easy way to include this in your diet.
What is Collagen Hydrolysate powder?
This gelatin powder is derived from the collagen found in animal skin and bones (so not vegetarian). This unflavoured powder is available in various forms:
* Water soluble form – dissolves in any food or beverage (hot or cold)
* Gel form – used to make homemade jelly’s, great idea for the kids!
Collagen Hydrolysate contains 18 amino acids and is 96% pure protein with 2 tablespoons providing 14g of protein.
Health benefits of collagen/gelatin:
* Strengthens bone cartilage, reducing joint pain and injuries
* Supports and maintains skin elasticity (reducing wrinkles and ageing skin)
* Improves bone density
* Aids digestion with its gut healing properties, i.e. treating leaky gut syndrome
* Natural source of glycine, an amino acid which calms the nervous system and aids sleep
* Rich source of protein for energy, muscle growth and sports recovery
Why supplement your diet with collagen?
We stop producing collagen from our 20’s, so the only way we can get the good stuff is by supplementing with it through your diet. Ingesting it is far more effective than collagen creams which do not fully absorb into the skin.
Therapeutically, I see great benefits of using collagen for:
* Digestive Health, especially leaky gut syndrome
* Skin & Hair Health
* Kids Health
* Promoting growth & development
* Nervous system support (anxiety & stress disorders)
Food sources of gelatin/collagen
* Bone Broth – my recipe here!
* Collagen Hydrolysate powder
How to use Collagen Hydrolysate powder?
* As a natural protein supplement in smoothies (1-2 tablespoons)
* Stir through yoghurt, chia puddings or any beverages
* Add to your morning coffee or alternative drink: Dandelion, Turmeric or Matcha Latte
Best Collagen Hydrolysate product
I recommend either the Great Lakes Gelatin brand from health food stores, or the Australian company Peptipro which is available online, health food stores and at Dee Why Pharmacy where Zest+Zing is of course!
