Collagen is a vital player in maintaining our skin's health and youthful appearance. It's the secret ingredient behind our skin's elasticity and firmness, with numerous other health benefits. But with so many options available - collagen powder, pills, liquid, and even food sources - it can be overwhelming to know the best way to incorporate this essential amino acid into your routine.
In this blog, we'll guide you through the most effective ways to take collagen, whether you prefer stirring it into your collagen into your morning coffee, popping a pill, or sipping on a bone broth. We'll also discuss how to enhance collagen absorption for maximum benefits and reveal the potential side effects of collagen supplements.
Best Ways to Take Collagen
Collagen, the body's most abundant protein, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. As we age, our natural collagen production slows down, leading to signs of ageing such as wrinkles and sagging skin. This has led to a surge in the popularity of collagen supplements, with many seeking the best way to take collagen to reap its benefits.
Whether you prefer stirring collagen powder into your morning coffee, popping a collagen pill, sipping on liquid collagen, or incorporating collagen-rich foods into your diet, you have plenty of options.
Taking Collagen Powder
Collagen powder is one of the most common ways to take collagen. As the name suggests, this is collagen in powdered form you can mix into a variety of drinks. You can stir it into water, coffee, juice, or a smoothie without affecting the taste or texture. If you need hydration help, this is a fantastic way to encourage yourself to drink more fluid.
Collagen powder can also be blended seamlessly into various foods. You can sprinkle it over your cereal, stir it into yoghurt, or add it into your ice cream. The key here is to go for unflavoured varieties like Correxiko pure marine collagen for maximum versatility. Experiment with mixing your collagen powder in different drinks and foods to find your preferred combination. But keep in mind that it may alter the final texture or consistency of your food or drink. Using a blender or whisk to mix collagen may help.
Using Collagen Capsules
Using collagen capsules is another option when considering the best way to take collagen. Each pill is packed with a measured dose of collagen powder, making them a simple and convenient choice. If you're someone who has a hectic schedule or often travels, collagen capsules could easily fit into your routine.
That said, do bear in mind the quantity you'd need to take to get the full benefits of collagen. Depending on the brand, this could range from three to six capsules per day, which might be more than some people are comfortable with.
Capsules don't require mixing or stirring like collagen powder and they are flavourless which is beneficial if you're sensitive to taste. You can quickly take them with water, they fit seamlessly into daily life and are ideal for those who have little time to spare.
It's key to do your research and choose the option that fits best within your lifestyle to ensure consistent use. Collagen supplements require regular consumption to provide their full benefits.
Consuming Liquid Collagen
Liquid collagen is another option for those looking to improve their skin health. It comes in two forms- the concentrate you can mix with water or the ready-to-digest version that can be taken like one tablespoon shot.
For those who're challenged by swallowing pills, liquid collagen holds real appeal. Many brands offer a 1-to-2 tablespoons serving size ensuring swift intake. This quick method of taking collagen can be particularly handy for people with hectic lifestyles.
Also, liquid collagen has a diverse profile of ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and fruit or herbal extracts. Some brands even include collagen-boosters like vitamin C, enhancing the overall benefits. However, it should be noticed that the unique formulations of liquid collagen sometimes give diverse flavours which some people may not find appealing.
Liquid collagen comes with the advantage of aiding hydration as it generally requires blending with water. However, some liquid collagen forms contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives that studies now show can cause inflammation in the body, so it's ideal to ensure the brand you're buying is free of these, as long term inflammation can cause chronic diseases.
Incorporating Collagen in Your Diet
When it comes to incorporating collagen into your diet naturally, there are several food sources that are rich in this vital protein. A well-rounded, nutrient-packed diet can help boost your collagen intake, promoting healthier, more radiant skin.
Top of the list of collagen-rich foods is bone broth, made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for an extended period. This process extracts collagen, providing an easy-to-digest source. Opt for broths made from beef, pork, chicken or fish to maximise collagen intake.
Fish, especially ones consumed with the skin, are an excellent source of collagen. Other benefits of consuming fish include the high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D. On the other hand, chicken, particular chicken feet, make for an unusual yet highly effective source of collagen due to the high concentration of connective tissues.
Tougher cuts of red meat, such as pot roast, chuck steak, and brisket, are also rich sources of collagen but remember to balance your intake with healthier foods due to the saturated fat content in these meats. Lastly, for vegetarians and vegans, foods high in Vitamin C can help stimulate natural collagen production.
It's crucial to note that while food sources of collagen are beneficial, they might not provide as high a concentration of collagen as supplements can. Essentially, the best way to take collagen depends on personal preferences and lifestyle.
How to Take Collagen Effectively
Understanding how to take collagen effectively is crucial to maximise its benefits for your skin health. This guide will provide you with the necessary insights to make the most out of your collagen supplementation. Whether you're wondering about the best way to use collagen or how much collagen to take daily, we've got you covered.
Best Time to Take Collagen
Determining the best time to take collagen is not set in stone as research hasn't been able to pinpoint an optimum time. Indeed, when it comes to deciding on how to take collagen, the time of day might not be as crucial as once believed. As long as you're consistent with your collagen intake, your skin will end up reaping the benefits in the long run.
One belief is that it might be practical to take collagen powder in the morning, preferably mixed with your breakfast smoothie or coffee. This way, you start your day with a healthy and beneficial boost for your skin. Alternatively, it's also absolutely fine to include collagen in your diet at any point throughout the day, be it lunch or dinner.
Convenience and consistency are the most crucial factors. The best time to take collagen truly depends on what fits into your daily routine seamlessly, ensuring regular and regimented intake.
Optimal Dosage of Collagen
Determining the optimal dosage of collagen can indeed be confusing. It's crucial to remember that the amount of collagen you should consume can widely vary depending on numerous factors such as your age, lifestyle, your individual health needs, and the specific reason for taking the supplement. In most cases, a daily dose of 10 to 15 grams of collagen is usually suggested by experts, but this can depend on:
- Age, Lifestyle & Health: Active individuals may require more collagen than those with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Hydrolysis: Double-hydrolyzed collagen, broken down into smaller components like amino acids, is more readily absorbed by the body.
- Beauty Goals: Focus on higher dosages for goals like improved skin elasticity.
Here's a quick guide:
- Skin Health: Aim for 10-15 grams daily to improve skin hydration and elasticity, reducing wrinkles.
- Correxiko Dosage:
- Skin, Hair & Nails: 4 capsules + 2 rounded tablespoons powder daily.
- Joints & Ligaments: 4 capsules + 2 rounded teaspoons powder before workouts.
Remember to take collagen daily so that you can enjoy the full benefit.
Enhancing Collagen Absorption
Optimising collagen absorption doesn't stop there, your lifestyle choices play a significant role too. Researchers have found that collagen absorption is heightened when ingested alongside Vitamin C. This essential vitamin aids in the conversion of collagen into a useable protein that our skin eagerly absorbs. So, next time you use collagen powder, try adding a dash of Vitamin C fortified juice to your routine to reap increased benefits.
Collagen peptides (hydrolysed collagen) might provide a better absorption rate. Hydrolysed collagen is simply collagen broken down into smaller, easy-to-digest particles that enter your bloodstream faster. Look out for collagen products that are promoted as 'hydrolysed', indicating their increased bioavailability.
Ultimately, the best way to take collagen is the one that suits your routine, preferences, and health requirements. Always remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations relating to dosage and administration to secure the maximum benefits of your collagen supplement.
Maximising the Benefits of Collagen for Skin Health
Whether you choose to take collagen powder, capsules, liquid, or incorporate it into your diet through food sources, consistency is key.
Remember, the best way to take collagen is the one that fits seamlessly into your daily routine. While collagen supplements can provide a concentrated source of this essential protein, don't overlook the power of a balanced diet rich in vitamin C and other nutrients that promote healthy collagen production.
Finally, always listen to your body and adjust your collagen intake as needed. With patience and persistence, you'll be well on your way to achieving a more youthful, hydrated, and elastic complexion.
You can find a collagen supplement that suits your lifestyle with Correxiko! Shop our range of capsules, powders, and complementary supplements today!