I have been using collagen protein for some time now; about 2 years at an estimate. I started using it when Dave Asprey’s Bulletproof Radio Podcast introduced me to it.Here’s my top 3 reasons I continue to take it.
Top Reason 1: Easy to add to normal food
One of the main reasons I have managed to stick with taking the collagen protein is because the hydrolysate variety mixes so well into my cup of tea or coffee, my kefir and my protein shakes. There is no taste so it doesn’t ruin the flavour of my food either! The brand I use is Great Lakes which is from grass fed cattle but it should also be available at your local health food store. There are 2 different types I use. The first is the hydrolysate, as mentioned above, that mixes well into so many different things. The second is the gelatin kind that is amazing at making an array of yummy desserts! This one lasts a lot longer in our cupboard but mixed with coconut and chocolate or berries makes an amazingly tasty, healthy dessert (recipe at end of post).
Top Reason 2: Anti-aging inside and out
Who doesn’t love a bit of anti-aging! For me it’s the inside anti-aging I’m most interested in. Collagen supports the repair of bone, tendon, ligament and cartilage. As you may know (from my other posts and from me telling you!) I like to keep active with running, weights and studio Pilates. This means on occasion I put my body through it’s paces and then some! Collagen Protein Powder is a type of amino acid that is quickly absorbed in the digestive tract. These amino acids are vital in the lubrication of joints, building new tissues and repairing damaged tissues. Check out this link to a study on athletes with pain taking collagen as a supplement.
Okay, yes, lets go there. It also aids in the repair of skin, hair and nails. Since I’ve been using it regularly my nails and hair grow quicker and stronger than they used to. It’s harder to tell with the skin but I’m sure it’s doing something good! Here’s a study that found it reduced the depth of facial wrinkles, improved elasticity and improved hydration of the skin!
Top Reason 3: Reduces hunger & aids digestion
I’m generally not a huge fan of protein powders because they take away from eating real food, they are often expensive and most of them are heavily processed and loaded with sweeteners and other unpronounceable ingredients. Collagen however, as mentioned earlier, is really easy to add to real food. One of my favourite ways to consume it, is to mix it into my coconut kefir and have it with some nuts and raspberries in the morning (see Kefir recipe here). To add merit, researchers found that consuming the collagen peptides at breakfast (when compared to other protein sources such as soy, whey and casein) it resulted in a 40% greater satiation rate and a 20% reduction of food consumption at the lunchtime meal, (link to study). It gets better; the amino acid profile of collagen also helps to repair the digestive tract and stimulate stomach acid production which in turn improves digestion and your bodies ability to absorb other nutrients effectively.
As promised my favourite way to eat gelatin protein!
Dave Asprey’s Shockingly Rich Chocolate Truffle Pudding
When you use the best-quality ingredients, desserts like this are nutrient-rich foods that will help you lose weight instead of kryptonite that will leave you inflamed and craving more. Tip: Use Grass- Fed Bulletproof CollaGelatin to provide 2 times the protein of normal gelatin.
- 4 cups full-fat coconut milk, BPA-free, divided (we use ayam brand)
- Up to 4 tablespoons hardwood xylitol or stevia (to taste, about half this amount gives a richer dark chocolate taste)
- 1 tablespoon grass-fed gelatin
- 2 teaspoons vanilla powder
- 3/4 cup chocolate powder
- 4 tablespoons grass-fed unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or MCT oil
- 1/4 cup macadamia nuts plus additional for topping (optional)
Directions
Heat 1 cup of the coconut milk, xylitol, and gelatin in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved. Place the remaining 3 cups of coconut milk in a blender with the vanilla, chocolate powder, butter, and oil. Blend thoroughly. Add the hot coconut milk/gelatin mixture to the blender and pulse until mixed, with or without the macadamia nuts. Pour the entire mixture and let set for an hour. Top with more nuts (if using).
Please note that this is a high fat dessert so don’t consume it with high carbohydrate or it will go straight to your hips!
For more recipes like this one visit http://www.bulletproofexec.com