Collagen is a vital structural protein that makes up the connective tissues of our body, which is about a third of the protein in our bodies overall. As we age, our bodies produce even less collagen, and this gradual slowdown causes symptoms like skin sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
How is collagen available these days?
Collagen is available as an anti-wrinkle day cream to apply on your face, or as supplements in the form of pills. It is can even be bought in powder form that can be mixed in tea, coffee, or any other beverage. Try our Acai + Marine Collagen Crush or Coffee + Marine Collagen Crush, and you won’t have any complaints. There are some “collagen coffee” products in the market too, which is collagen pre-mixed with coffee!
What is plant-based collagen made of?
There is a growing demand for plant-based collagen in the consumer market. It is a common misconception that this type of collagen is extracted from plants. But that is assuredly not the case, because collagen protein contains a precise combination of amino acids that can’t be found in nature.
Consider the popular “vegan bone broth” that is trending everywhere. These broths don’t contain gelatin – the collagen protein in bone broth that makes it solidify when cold and is reparative for joints, bones, and skin. In fact, it contains assorted vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are similar to some of the ones naturally found in the liquid left after boiling animal bones. The concept of vegan bone broth is that the ingredients in it stimulate production of nutrients found in bone broth.
Plant-based collagen products are promoters or builders – they are usually composed of vitamin C, since it is a potent antioxidant that human bodies use to create collagen. Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for two of the enzymes needed for collagen synthesis.
Do plant-based collagen products work?
With vitamin C being the primary ingredient of these products, it is safe to rely on the study results of vitamin C in relation to collagen production. So these products essentially promote collagen synthesis in the body.
Now comes the tricky part – a supplement taken internally to promote production of anything in the body can only be as effective as your body enables it to be. For example, the effects will be reduced for those with poor digestion because their bodies likely won’t assimilate ingredients nearly as well.
Plant-based collagen is as effective as animal collagen—if what you are using is collagen and not just a collagen builder. Keep in mind that ingestible plant-based collagen is not real collagen, but a collection of ingredients designed to boost the body’s collagen production.
While plant-based collagen supplements work great, marine collagen supplements in powder form are also in vogue these days. This isn’t just a blind trend or fad, because results have been extremely effective. The Matcha and Lucuma flavors are a huge hit, as they not only boost collagen in the body, but taste delicious too. So what are you waiting for? Order yours right now!
