Collagen

COLLAGEN 
The wonder food for glowing skin and smooth digestion

​Digestion is a pretty good indicator of over all health.  The gut lining functions to help keep this system working properly. It protects us from the environment and helps with nutrient transport and absorption form the food we eat.  
It can become compromised when we ingest foods that irritate us, when our microbiome is disrupted or we get an infection like the stomach flu or food poisoning.  This compromised gut barrier AKA Leaky Gut can lead to a myriad of health issues including digestive upset, body wide inflammation, brain fog, mood changes and skin issues.
Collagen is a functional food derived form animal skin and bones that contains key nutrients to help support the health of the gut lining. It is the fibrous protein found throughout your body, in organs, muscles, skin, hair, nails, teeth, bones, blood vessels, tendons, joints, cartilage and your digestive system.
Collagen contains high amounts of the amino acids glycine and glutamine that are very important for promoting good digestion and healing the gut lining.  It acts like glue that helps to seal up the leaks. 
You can obtain collagen form consuming bone broth you can also purchase collagen peptides that are in the form of a dehydrated powder that can be added to food and beverages. The great thing about it is that it is tasteless and dissolves easily so it is simple to incorporate into your daily routine. 
 
COLLAGEN TO SUPPORT GREAT SKIN
 
Collagen is also essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. As we age our collagen production declines which can lead to changes in these tissues such as wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, brittle nails and hair loss.
Because collagen is one of the main components of our skin hair and nails it can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks increase moisture retention, improve elasticity, and decrease fine lines.
 
THERE ARE MANY OTHER BENEFITS TO COLLAGEN 
 
Because collagen is part of many tissues found all over our bodies it can

• Helps improve joint pain and mobility.
• Aid in weight management.
• Support heart health.
• Support bone formation, growth and repair.
• Improve liver function and detoxification. 
• It’s also a great source of protein containing about 12 grams per serving. 
  
  

HOW TO INCLUDE IT IN YOUR DIET
 
You can drink bone broth daily or supplement with a collagen peptide powder available at many health food stores. 
 
I make a collagen matcha latte every morning and add it to soups and stews, smoothies or add it to baked goods. 
 
CASHEW COLLAGEN MATCHA LATTE
 

• 2 cups of water
• ½ cup raw cashews or cashew butter
• 1 madjool date
• 1 tsp. matcha
• 1 tbsp. collagen peptides
• Dash cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil

 
Blend on high in a Nutri-bullet, Vitamix or similar appliance until smooth- heat on stovetop to desired temp or serve over ice.
 
If you don’t have a blender you can use cashew or another nut milk in place of the water and nuts, omit the date or use date sugar, maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar and just wisk the ingredients over heat or shake with ice.