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Is Collagen Worth the Hype?

Is collagen worth the hype? (spoiler alert) Yep! It sure is. Before I get into sharing ways to incorporate collagen, I wanted to share what it is, the types of collagen, what it does, and why it's important.
Apr 1, 2021 | Joy McCarthy

Is collagen worth the hype? Yep! It sure is. Before I get into sharing ways to incorporate collagen, I wanted to share what it is, the types of collagen, what it does, and why it's important. Consider this your collagen 101! If you're already a collagen pro, just scroll down halfway to the many ways to incorporate it into your day. 

What is collagen?

It's essentially the glue that holds us together and it's the most abundant protein in the body. In fact, 30% of the body's protein content is collagen. 90% of the dry weight of the dermis (which is the inner layer of the skin) is collagen. It makes sense that it's been nicknamed the "scaffolding" of the skin. Humans have been consuming collagen for centuries in the form of bone broth. 

What are the different types of collagen?

There are 29 types of collagen but 80-90% are type I, II, or III. The majority are type 1. Up to 80% of the collagen in the skin is Type I. Fish and bovine collagen are mostly Type I collagen. Bovine also contains some type III. 

When the skin is sun-damaged, there is a loss of type I collagen and a little change in type III. Collagen provides structure and strength to skin, joints, and many other body tissues. Type III collagen is found in blood vessels. 

As you age, collagen begins to break down and you produce less, so it's a double whammy. This begins in your twenties - waaaaah!

Collagen decline is easily seen in the skin where fine lines and wrinkles appear as you age. Ain't nothing wrong with laugh lines, however!

What can collagen do?

There is lots of human research on collagen and this is exactly why supplementing with collagen in smoothies, teas, and chocolate chip collagen snowballs (wink wink!) has become so incredibly popular. When you hear people say that collagen isn't worth the hype, you can just forward them my post. And the reality is, I barely scratched the surface on the research and the benefits. You can also watch a video I did on Cityline here. 

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As I discuss in my video, there isn't a dramatic difference in marine vs. bovine for their health benefits based on the research we have right now. 

It is important to note that the research-proven dose is 7-10 g of hydrolyzed collagen to reap the benefits.

Hydrolyzed collagen simply means the form of collagen otherwise known as "collagen peptides". This is the form you want to consume because it's absorbable. The collagen is broken down into smaller, easier to absorb molecules.

Here are some different ways to incorporate collagen into your day! 

  1. Put it in a beverage like water, tea, or latte. I love mixing it into any of my organic herbal teasa Matcha Latte or this Turmeric Collagen Spicy Latte.
  2. Incorporate it into your favourite smoothie!
  3. Mix into this Golden Elixir.
  4. These divine Collagen Chocolate Chip Snowballs are perfect for snacking!

Remember that there is no one supplement that is going to be the silver bullet to youth or health. It's truly a holistic approach that combines eating well, moving your body, and incorporating mindfulness practices into your day to manage stress and feel joyous! 

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If you've got any questions, please feel free to post them below!

Have a joyous week!

Joy xo

34 Comments
Nadia   •   April 6, 2021

Hi Joy, Thanks for this post. I’ve always wondered about the benefits of collagen. Having been a vegetarian for years, I have a difficult time with the idea of consuming animal products. Even though I do eat fish now, the idea of ingesting their scales is just something I can’t get over! Lol! From what I understand, vegan sources of collagen just aren’t as effective. Is there any advice you can pass along to help me out? Thanks

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 7, 2021

Niki Martinez   •   April 6, 2021

Thank you for this. I am a vegetarian and kept reading about collagen and wondering if the Marine works.

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 7, 2021

Shine   •   April 6, 2021

What type of Genuine collagen and how much is recommended daily according to the study you posted to improve bone density in post menopausal women?

Reply

Natasha   •   April 6, 2021

Is it safe to consume while breastfeeding?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 7, 2021

Beth   •   April 6, 2021

I’ve tried numerous collagen products all of which upset my digestive system. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 7, 2021

Shine   •   April 6, 2021

What type of Genuine Health collagen and how much is recommended to take daily based on the bone density study you posted to increase bone density mass in post menopausal women?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 7, 2021

Jenn   •   April 6, 2021

What if your vegetarian or vegan? How can you get collagen? Also how should you take this on top of your fermented protein and other gut superfoods, probiotic or other genuine health products? I always wonder if I am taking to much. Thanks In advance.

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 7, 2021

Claudia   •   April 12, 2021

Which type of collagen repairs ligament damage?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 12, 2021

Kirsten   •   April 13, 2021

What are your thoughts on Vegan collagen products?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 13, 2021

Christina   •   April 13, 2021

I have tried the Genuine Health marine collagen before and despite reviews stating there is no fishy taste I noticed a distinct flavour to it that made it difficult to consume (it was the unflavoured variety). Is this normal? I don't want to invest in it if i would have the same experience. Are collagen pills as effective?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 13, 2021

Lindsay E. Demaries   •   April 15, 2021

Can you consume too much collagen? I put a scoop in my coffee, then in my smoothie and then sometimes another scoop in a herbal tea in the afternoon.

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 16, 2021

Margaret Mangum   •   April 18, 2021

Have you heard of Sun Warrior vegan collagen?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 20, 2021

Maggie Genius   •   April 27, 2021

I'm a vegetarian and really debated taking bovine collagen. I'm on Native Path that recommends 20grams. It's such a fine powder I have never noticed it was added to my coffee, especially since I use coffeemate as my creamer. Was I surprised! Now I wonder if I need the 10gram package? I'm 70 with osteoporosis and admit I'm not interested in food. This also has protein. My aches and pains are much better in less than 3 months. Wrinkles on hands have smoothed out. Now, just work on the face and neck! The problem I found is there are so many choices at so many prices and so many reviews about which were processed correctly.

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 27, 2021

Rosemary   •   April 27, 2021

I take the tablet form.. Is that ok?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 27, 2021

Lisa McAllister   •   April 27, 2021

This is correct. I'm about 5 yrs on collagen and you wouldn't guess my age. I spread 16 50 lb bags of mulch today. Take the collagen!!!

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 28, 2021

Heather   •   July 17, 2021

Hi there, I have been reading your article about collagen and was wondering if all of the information and way to take a collagen supplement is the same for both males and females? Thank you!!

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   July 19, 2021
Joy McCarthy   •   July 19, 2021

Sandra   •   August 19, 2022

I’ve been using Genuine Health unflavoured marine collagen for about a year now. I believe it does help my skin although nothing really will turn back the clock other than invasive surgery! I take mine in my morning coffee. Dissolves in and adds a creaminess. No flavour. I am a vegetarian but I do eat fish from time to time so this works for me more so than bovine collagen.

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   August 23, 2022

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