While it’s true that collagen protein can be found in powder and capsule form from virtually any vitamin or supplement brand, the primary place you can find collagen is in your body.
That’s right. Collagen first and foremost is produced in the body, often referred to as the glue holding the body together. It gives strength to your hair and nails, provides elasticity to the skin, lubrication to the joints, enhanced recovery to muscles and increased protection against bad bacteria in the gut. Sounds pretty great, right? Well, the bad news is that as the body ages, collagen production decreases over time. So once a person reaches approximately the age of 30, the body begins to produce less and less collagen as the years go by.
Now before you start to panic, there are plenty of ways to get the recommended daily dose of collagen protein into your system to keep your body happy, healthy and functioning at its peak.
When determining how much collagen to incorporate into your diet, it’s important to take a look at your lifestyle. (This is why we did the work for you with our calculator!) For example, if you have a steady workout regimen and are frequently putting your body through vigorous burnouts or cardio sessions, it’s likely you will need more protein than someone who spends most of their day stationary. Additionally, stress levels and the environment (think UV rays from sun exposure), can determine how quickly your body is breaking down collagen protein. So, when determining how much you need to take on a daily basis, take into consideration these factors.
As a general rule, most studies recommend taking between 2.5 and 15 grams of protein daily. This dosage is based on hydrolyzed collagen, such as that used by BUBS Naturals, as it is more bioavailable, or easily absorbed by the body, than undenatured collagen.
Depending on your reasons for taking collagen protein, you might want to consider varying your dosage. For example, the smaller dosage (between 2.5-5g) is still beneficial for improving the appearance and elasticity of the skin in addition to increased joint functioning. However, if the intention lies in enhancing muscle mass or all-over body health, a higher dosage (up to 20g) should be considered.
Many collagen protein supplements take this daily recommended dose into consideration. BUBS Collagen Protein Powder, for example, suggests mixing two scoops of the powder into your preferred drink of choice to get all 20g of protein in one serving. If, however, you’re just aiming for better hair and skin health, mixing just one scoop into your coffee or smoothie will do the trick!
Many brands and products advertise collagen as a key ingredient in their products. For example, walk through any beauty aisle and it’s likely you’ll be overwhelmed with creams, lotions, and even shampoos and conditions advertising their collagen content. Before reaching for those products, however, it’s important to note that collagen is least effective when absorbed through the skin. So even though facial moisturizers might seem like an effective way to fight incoming wrinkles, the majority of the collagen proteins in these products don’t make it past the skin’s barrier. Therefore, it’s best to leave the collagen-infused beauty products on the shelf and opt for the other two options instead: food and supplements.
Tons of food products contain collagen, which is good news because collagen is best absorbed by the body when ingested alongside food of some kind. Some of the foods highest in collagen protein include bone broth and chicken; fish, especially the skin; citrus, berries and tropical fruit; garlic, bell peppers and tomatoes; leafy greens like kale and spinach; and some nuts, like cashews. Honestly, one hearty salad for lunch could set you up with enough collagen for the whole day.
If your daily requirements are higher, or you simply want to give your body that added boost, implement collagen protein powder into your diet for optimum collagen consumption. Whether you choose to take it in your daily smoothie or want to whip up some protein balls enhanced with collagen, your body will thank you.
Getting your daily recommended dose of collagen protein powder shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why BUBS created their Collagen Protein Powder with a simple scoop so you can get the right amount you need without doing any complicated calculations or measurements. Simply dollop one to two scoops of the powder into your drink and let the protein do the rest.
Additionally, if you’re looking to boost your immune system and increase hair and skin health, check out the Fountain of Youth Formula, designed specifically to increase collagen and immune strength in the body. The same steps follow -- just blend a scoop into your smoothie to get not only the daily dose of collagen but the recommended amount of Vitamin C and Biotin as well.
With BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein and Fountain of Youth Formula, keeping your skin, joints, gut and overall body healthy has never been easier!