What Does Collagen Have to Do with Your Business? –
I know many of you are probably asking what a business blog is doing talking about collagen. So, let me tell you!
As business leaders, we tend to focus so intently on our business, especially when we are facing the challenges brought about by COVID, that we forget about one of the most important things . . . our health!
And that is where collagen comes in.
Most of us are familiar with protein. Collagen, one form of protein, makes up about one-third of your body’s total protein. It is important for our muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, and other connective tissue.
Benefits of Collagen
Age and poor diet are the two main contributors to collagen levels dropping. The age where collagen production starts to decline varies from person to person, but the average is 25 years.
From that point, our bodies produce 1% less collagen per year contributing to wrinkles, less flexible tendons and ligaments, and joint pain.
Plenty of research has been done to confirm the benefits collagen can bring when it comes to our skin, joints, and other tissues in our body.
One 2018 study published in Nutrition Research found that daily supplementation of collagen improved skin texture and elasticity as well as benefitted joint health. The results found that compared to the placebo group, participants taking the collagen had:
- 43% reduction in joint pain
- 39% increase in joint mobility
- 40% increase in skin elasticity
- More hydrated skin
Your bones may also get stronger with the addition of collagen in your diet.
Another 2018 study published in Nutrients found that bone mineral density increased by 7% in the female participants who took 5 grams of collagen daily for 12 months. Bone mineral density is the amount of mineral in your bones that measures bone health and risk of fractures.
If it’s too low, your bones become weak and you have a higher chance of developing osteoporosis (a condition that creates “porous bones” that are very weak and can easily break).
Other Benefits of Collagen
Heart health – 2017 study found significant reduction in artery stiffness when participants took 16 grams of collagen each day for 6 months.
Boost muscle mass – increased muscle mass and strength was shown in a 2015 study where men took 15 grams of collagen while exercising daily for 12 weeks. This was compared to men who were exercising without collagen supplementation.
Hair and nails – your nails may become less brittle and stronger with collagen supplementation. It may also help stimulate hair and nail growth according to a 2017 study.
Where to Get Collagen
You can get collagen from certain foods such as animal skin and bone broth, but with age can come the inability to break down and absorb nutrients efficiently.
Many collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, which means the protein is already broken down and it makes it easier on your body to absorb.
Top collagen foods include:
- Meat such as chicken and fish
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Bone broth
Other foods can help promote collagen production, especially those that contain copper, zinc, and vitamin C. They include:
- Citrus fruits such as grapefruit and oranges
- Nuts and seeds
- Leafy green vegetables
- Bell peppers
Collagen can be easily added to your diet with supplements that are readily available.
As most of you know, I rarely endorse a product on this blog. However, I am making an exception this time! I have been using Naked Nutrition’s Creatine for some time and I have recently come across their Collagen product which I would highly recommend!
Naked Nutrition’s collagen peptides powder has only one ingredient (and the only ingredient you need): Hydrolyzed bovine collagen from European pasture raised cows.
It is odorless and tasteless, making it simple to add to hot or cold beverages, smoothies, or even food like yogurt or oatmeal without a bad aftertaste.
Take Action
So, whether you decide to take a collagen supplement or not, take action today and adjust your diet and lifestyle routines!
Make sure that you are putting your personal health ahead of your business! Your business is meaningless if you are not healthy enough to lead it!
Finally, check out these links for additional health and wellness articles:
