Collagen is a protein found in abundance throughout our bodies. It is an essential building block for our skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, connective tissue, and teeth. Collagen is well known for its effect on skin, but the benefits go beyond beauty. We’d like to share with you the benefits of collagen and how to boost your collagen intake.
4 benefits of collagen:
- Improves skin elasticity – Studies have shown that collagen increases skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
- Reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis – Aches and pains often pop up as we move into and past middle age. Collagen supplementation can reduce or relieve joint pain, especially when paired with progressive strength training.
- Increases muscle mass and bone density – Starting in our thirties, we lose muscle and bone mass which leads to increased frailty. Consuming collagen and taking part in other healthy lifestyle activities, such as a yoga practice, helps us counteract the effects of aging on our bones and muscles.
- Decreases the appearance of cellulite – One double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study showed a reduced degree of cellulite and increased dermal density in women who supplemented with bioactive collagen peptides for six months.
With all these benefits, no wonder collagen is such a hot topic! Fortunately, it’s easy to consume and produce more collagen because it’s abundant in whole foods.
4 ways to increase your collagen intake:
- Eat more protein – Your body creates collagen from the amino acids in protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and beans so make sure you’re supporting optimal health with daily protein.
- Drink bone broth – Making bone broth at home can help you get a regular mugful of nutrients, collagen, and (sometimes) gelatin. If you usually have a cup of tea or coffee after dinner, this may be a pleasant substitute. Tip: Unless you’re already adapted to a high-fat, low-carb way of eating, skim off the excess fat from the surface of the broth to avoid short-term digestive troubles.
- Eat gelatinous foods – There’s an abundance of gelatin (which is the cooked form of collagen) in less popular cuts of meat like chicken feet, oxtail, and beef shanks which become tender after slow cooking. If that’s out of your comfort zone, you can make low-sugar dessert jellies using powdered gelatin.
- Add collagen protein powder to your favourite beverage – Collagen protein powder is versatile because it’s flavourless and dissolves in hot and cold liquids. Add it to your morning coffee or tea to get the day started with some extra protein.
Getting more collagen is easy and delicious when you eat wholesome, protein-rich foods. And with so many beauty and health benefits, we encourage you to boost your collagen intake today!
While we can’t help you slow cook a pot of bone broth, we can help you relax after a job well-done. If you’d like to celebrate adding a collagen boost into your self-care routine, give us a call to book a relaxing massage and a rejuvenating facial.
Feel great, look great with Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa.
Massage. Facials. Waxing. At Hand & Stone, our registered massage therapists will help to relieve tension, soothe tired muscles and ease headaches. Interested in our facial services? We know radiant, healthy skin reflects how you look and feel. Hand & Stone’s facials are performed by certified estheticians and we are proud to offer Dermalogica®, YonKa and Diego Dalla Palma products so you can enjoy a bright, beautiful complexion between regular appointments.
We’ll help you look and feel your best, affordably! Call today to schedule your appointment! We’re open 7 days a week with extended hours and gift cards are available for all occasions. Contact us today!