What is Collagen
Collagen provides a structural framework for your bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays many roles in your anatomy and physiology. Collagen has become a widely used supplement to support healthy hair, skin, and nails, relieve digestive issues, build muscle mass, boost the immune system and reduce joint pain.
Collagen is also found in the cartilage surrounding your joints, digestive system, skin, and gums. Without collagen, your body would have no structure because the various parts of your body would not be held together. Collagen is a rich source of essential amino acids. Amino acids are the body’s building blocks, used to build new proteins. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot make by itself and must be ingested through food or supplements. Supplying your body with these essential amino acids can assemble the proteins it needs for optimal function.
Collagen in powder form is the most common type of collagen supplement and has no distinguishable taste. Collagen protein, also called gelatin, is made by cooking and drying collagen, which is then processed into a powder. When collagen protein is added to cold liquids, it gels. This property allows collagen protein to replace thickeners in soups, broths, and gravies. To add extra protein, you can add it to other dishes, such as omelets or desserts.
Collagen Peptides
For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, collagen protein is a gluten-free thickener. Alternatively, there are collagen peptides. Collagen peptides go through a different process than collagen proteins. The essential amino acids are broken down, which is said to help with absorption. Collagen peptide powder does not gel when mixed with liquid but blends easily with hot and cold liquids. You can add collagen peptides to water, juice, smoothies, baking, tea, and coffee.
Using Collagen Powder in Your Meals
Collagen powder can be added to almost any meal. You may choose either collagen protein or peptides depending on your desired result. Collagen’s nutritional profile does not change at high temperatures, making it safe to cook and bake with. Heating collagen will not damage the collagen or diminish its nutritional value. If you want to add collagen powder to a specific recipe, countless recipes online include collagen powder in the ingredient list.
Cooking
You can use collagen protein as a healthy thickener in various recipes.. Generally, the best form of collagen powder to cook is collagen protein, which gels when added to liquid. Cooking with collagen protein is as easy as mixing the protein with a hot liquid until it dissolves, then letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to cool. You can add the mixture as a thickener to gravies, soups, homemade gummy candies, jello, pudding, or marshmallows. You can also add collagen peptides to salad dressings, sauces, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and pretty much anything because they will not gelatinize. Collagen in peptide form will not drastically change the texture of what it is added to, but it may thicken it slightly.
Baking
You can use collagen protein as an egg replacement. Mix 1 tablespoon of collagen protein with three tablespoons of hot water. Use this mixture in place of 1-2 eggs. Collagen peptides, which do not gel with liquid, do not change the texture when added to recipes. You can throw some into your batter when making muffins, brownies, protein bars, and more.
Drinking
Collagen peptides mix well with liquids, so you can add them to any beverage. Add a serving to your juice, smoothie, or protein shake. Due to the amino acids (protein) in collagen powder, you can even use it as a protein powder replacement.
Add collagen to your daily meals to help boost your protein levels or promote better overall health. Using collagen powder is quick and easy and provides essential nutrients that will help your body function at its best. It truly couldn’t be easier to supplement your diet.
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