Collagen Benefits and Recipes (2024)

What is collagen, and why has it become such a hot button product practically overnight? What are the benefits of consuming collagen and what is the difference between collagen and gelatin? I've got all the info you need right here and a roundup of a few recipes, too!

Just letting you know that this Collagen Benefits and Recipes post is sponsored by the awesome folks at Vital Proteins!

My first experience with collagen and date back to a little over three years ago. I was in the middle of coming up with about a million different ways I could really jazz up my coffee routine each morning.

At the time, I was really into adding healthy fats to my coffee, but I was looking for a way to add some protein and nutrients as well because... balance.

I kept reading about the benefits of increasing both collagen and gelatin consumption, but I sure as heck didn't know what either of them really were.

After a few hours of research, I knew I wanted to jump on the bandwagon.

Let's dive into the facts!

Collagen vs. Gelatin

What's thedifference???

Both gelatin and collagen hydrolysate contain the same proteins. However, there is a slight difference.

COLLAGEN

Collagen is gel-like, colorless, and odorless. Like all proteins, collagen is comprised of amino acids. The main amino acids are glycineandproline.

Collagen hydrolysatehas been heated to high temperatures and treated with enzymes. The bonds between the amino acids are broken, although the amino acids themselves are left intact.

Since they have been broken though, many people who are experiencing digestive distress, can easily breakdown collagen.

Collagen hydrolysatewill nevergel and can dissolve inboth coldand hotliquids. Because the amino acid bonds are broken down, it is absorbed by the body faster, and is absolutely wonderful for anyone experiencing.

GELATIN

Gelatin is made by cooking the bones, connective tissues, skin, and tendons of animals. This causes a protein called collagen to come out.

To turngelatin into a powder, it is simply dried. When the collagen gets mixed with water, it turns back into that gel again.

It is important to understandthat not all brands of gelatin are created equal.

The chemically-treatedpacks of gelatin you would usuallyfind at yoursupermarket aren’t going to provide you with the same health benefits of real gelatin.

Remember: Collagen dissolves in liquid, while gelatin gels

Add collagen to: coffee, tea, bone broth, shakes and smoothies, etc.

Add gelatin to: soups and stews, desserts (i.e. jellos and puddings), homemade bone broth, fruit snacks gummies, etc.

Health Benefits of Collagen and Gelatin

COLLAGEN

Athletic performance: Amino acids found in collagenhelp repair damaged tissue and lessen inflammation. In turn, this means shorter recovery is needed after an intense workout or injury

Sleep quality:Better cognitive function, a sounder sleep cycle and and less daytime drowsiness according to clinical studies shown here

Bone & joint health: Glycine speeds up wound healing and helps loosen up stiff joints

Weight loss: For every 2 scoops of collagen, you will ingest about 18 grams of protein.Try adding a few scoops to your morning coffee or drink to feel more satiated

Digestive aid: Aids in soothingand healing the digestive tract, as well as helping to repair the mucous lining. In addition, collagen helps to digest the protein and fat found in food, which leads to the body being able to digest them more easily!

Skin health: Ensures elasticity and regeneration of the skin. The amino acids that are found in collagen have been linked to anti-aging.A study in 2014 showed that women who took collagen peptides regularly for eight weeks saw a 20% reduction in wrinkles.

GELATIN

Protein packed: For every tablespoon of gelatin, you are getting into 6 grams of protein! Although these proteins aren't "complete", what they do is help your body better utilize the complete proteins you are taking in

Bone & joint health: The amino acids found in gelatin are instrumental in preventing the overall weakness and degenerationof our cartilage and joints

Skin elasticity: Gelatin stimulates your body to produce more collagen. This is a much more effective method than using fancy creams infused with collagen!

Weight loss: Gelatin has been linked to boosting our metabolism and aiding in keeping us full for longer

Improves digestion: Because it naturally binds to water, this allows for food to move more easily through our digestive tract

Wound healing: One of the amino acids that is found in gelatin is glycine. Glycine is known for its anti-inflammatory properties

Toxin release: The amino acid glycine also is known for assisting our liver in releasing and removing toxins from our system

WANT RECIPES?

Of course, when it comes to getting the most collagen benefits from supplementation, consuming a high-quality product isabsolutely crucial.

Look for a collagen product that uses pasture-raised, grass-fed animals that have not been given steroids, antibiotics, etc. My go-to brand for all things collagen and gelatin related is Vital Proteins!

Want to check out somerecipesthat include collagen and/or gelatin? I've got you covered...

Blueberry Cream Pie by Get Inspired Everyday

Paleo Strawberry Marshmallows by The Movement Menu

Mint Chocolate Avocado Freezer Fudge by Fit Mitten Kitchen

Luscious Lemon Tarts by the Savory Lotus

Gut-Healing Cinnamon Coconut Latte by The Real Food Dietitians

Post Workout Green Smoothie by The Movement Menu

Paleo Acai Bowls by The Movement Menu

Cherry Lime Homemade Gummies by Paleo Running Momma

Gluten Free Raspberry Cream Pie by Paleo Gluten Free Eats

Boozy Maple Bourbon Marshmallows by The Feisty Kitchen

Paleo Chocolate Marshmallows by The Movement Menu

This posted is sponsored by the lovely folks at Vital Proteins. Thank you for allowing me to continue creating such incredible content by supporting relationships with incredible brands and companies that The Movement Menu enjoys working with! Opinions will always remain 100% my own!