Collagen vs Protein Powder: 9 Best Collagen Powders

The most abundant protein found in the body is known as collagen. It works as a structure for nails, hair, skin, connective tissues, tendons, etc. Since it plays a big role in skin elasticity, it has been widely used as an essential ingredient in various skin care products to treat multiple skin problems. It is a substance that holds our whole body together.

So, Collagen vs Protein powder, what is more important? Over the years, it has gained great popularity and recognition among various skin brands. However, it decreases in our bodies as we age. But you can preserve it by using foods or supplements that support collagen production in the body.

Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and other protein sources can help support collagen formation in the body.

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Post Workout: Collagen vs Protein Powder

Protein is one of three essential macronutrients. Collagen is a type of naturally-occurring protein.

30% of the body’s proteins are collagen. They’re found in bones, tendons, and ligaments. It helps maintain skin cells’ tightness, flexibility, and constant replenishment.

Collagen contains glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. Glycine interacts with glutamine and cysteine to form glutathione, the body’s strongest antioxidant.

There are nine essential amino acids in the body that we can’t produce. Complete proteins include all nine necessary amino acids.

Collagen includes 8 of the 9 essential amino acids.

The ratio is tilted towards glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

Can collagen replace protein powder?

A complete protein powder is ideal after a workout. It ensures you obtain enough amino acids to develop muscles and recuperate.

Collagen helps connective tissues and reduces joint soreness after exercise.

Does Protein Make You Gain Weight?

Have you ever wondered if protein makes you gain weight? Well, it can be determined based on several factors. Protein powder is taken for both weight loss and weight gain. There are some circumstances where it can make you gain weight.

When taken in large proportions without any physical activity, protein powder can cause you to gain weight. Physical activity or exercise helps balance it out to prevent unnecessary weight gain. It happens because protein powders are a source of calories for the body.

For some people, gaining muscle with proper training and protein powder is the real goal. So, with the right physical activity, protein powder will help you lose weight and gain muscle mass.

Do Protein Shakes Make You Gain Weight?

Unfortunately, protein shakes are high in calories. Most protein shakes on the market consist of chocolate and peanut butter, contributing to high calories for your body. So, if you are not exercising, you might add too many calories to your diet, leading to surprising weight gain.

On the other hand, taking a protein shake as a meal replacement will reduce your calorie intake, keeping you fuller for a longer time. But make sure you reduce your overall calorie intake for the day to compensate.

Does Collagen Powder Make You Gain Weight?

Fortunately not! Collagen powder does not make you gain weight. Instead, it will help you build bones and strengthen joints.

On the positive side, it might help with weight loss by reducing your hunger at different times of the day.

Too much collagen won’t make you obese, so what will happen?

Too much collagen might cause intestinal problems. Its big molecules are hard for the body to break down, so extra collagen may cause indigestion, bloating, and gas.

Collagen supplements may cause allergies. Stop using them if you feel irritation, swelling, or trouble breathing.

While consuming too much collagen might be dangerous, you’re unlikely to have major adverse effects unless you’re allergic.

Key Highlights of Collagen

• Collagen is mostly found in our bones, skin, and connective tissue.
• As you age, the production of collagen in your body reduces.
• The decline of collagen in our body can also be caused by smoking or exposure to UV light.
• There is no scientific evidence that cosmetic lotion can help increase collagen in our skin.
• Collagen helps mend new skin cells or wound sites, known as collagen dressing.

3 Types of Collagen

Type 1

• It is the biggest protein type.
• It helps with our skin’s elasticity and hydration.
• It helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
• It strengthens and supports nails, teeth, hair, and bones.

Type 2

• It is mostly found in cartilage.
• It greatly supports the health of your spinal disks and eyes.
• It also helps form the structure of your body.

Types 3

• It is critical for gut health.
• It forms the outmost layer of articular cartilage.
• It helps to support your joints.
• It is a crucial component of your intestine, muscles, and blood vessels.

7 Health Benefits of Collagen Benefits

• Digestive Aid

Collagen helps your digestive tract heal quickly and helps your body fix the mucous lining. Glycine, found in it, helps decrease inflammation and build new tissue in your digestive tract. So, it helps digest food better.

Collagen also helps heal a leaky gut and repairs the lining of your digestive system.

• Improves Skin

As we age, collagen production declines by roughly 1% per year starting in our early 20s and then bumps up to 30% during menopause. Your skin will gradually begin to deteriorate significantly.

On the good side, collagen helps to improve skin by combating wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen also helps to increase the elasticity and regeneration of skin cells.

• Joint Pain Relief

As we have said earlier, collagen is found in the cartilage between the joints. When its production reduces with age, a condition known as osteoarthritis is formed. It causes stiffness and pain in the joints.

A recent study found that 250 people with osteoarthritis felt better when taking 10g of pure collagen peptides daily.

• Weight Loss

Studies have shown that you can significantly lose weight by consuming collagen peptides with breakfast. Moreover, it also enhances your muscle mass and strength, supporting a loss of body fat.

• Boost Metabolism

Your metabolism boosts with the right level of collagen production in your body. As a result, you burn more fat than normal.

• Strengthen Nails

Collagen protein helps you produce your fingernails, teeth, and hair. Making it a part of your diet can help you strengthen your nails.

• Liver Health

Collagen helps your liver detox. It also protects it from foreign substances.

Collagen Side Effects

In many studies, it has been found that collagen is safe to consume, yet there are some potential side effects for our bodies. It includes:

• It may give rise to a hypersensitivity reaction. Therefore, it is important to ensure its source. If you are allergic to milk or fish, you may have an allergic reaction to collagen.

• It can leave a bad taste in your mouth. Some collagen peptides come in a flavourless and natural form, giving some individuals a bad taste after consumption. 

• Due to the high concentration of calcium in shark cartilage, marine collagen can increase the calcium level in the body. 

5 Collagen Rich Foods

• Fish

Fish contains a lot of collagen, which is slightly easier to absorb and digest. It is also the best source of healthy, glowing skin. This supplement is derived from marine collagen. It includes mackerel, salmon, tuna, etc.

• Eggs

The first thing one could imagine having for breakfast is a single, hardboiled egg. It’s a good source of protein that improves skin elasticity and regeneration.

• Meat

Meat contains a good amount of amino acids that help build cell growth in the body. It is a prominent source of collagen in the market today, containing abundant protein.

• Bone Broth

Bone broth is a good source of collagen in the body. You can use bone broth to make delicious soups or try other recipes. It is a health-boosting food for healthier bones.

• Nuts

Nuts contain the highest dietary source of collagen protein. You can add your favourite nut to any health drink or smoothie to make it healthier for your body.

9 Best Collagen Powders on the Market Today

As you age, your body requires collagen supplements to gain potential benefits. It helps make skin look better, strengthens fingernails, eases joint pain, and does many other things.

Let’s look at some of the best collagen powders on the market today:

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

This collagen supplement contains 20g of collagen for a double scoop serving. It is a product that is certified kosher. It has vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to benefit skin and nail appearance.

In addition to this, it supports joints that have been overworked from tears, breakage, or injuries.

Receive 25% off your first order and 15% off each order after that (plus free shipping!) when you subscribe. Ships every 1 to 8 weeks — you decide! Change or cancel delivery frequency at any time.

Natural Force Marine Collagen Peptides

It is a marine-derived collagen peptide best used for treating hair, nails, and skin. Fish is the only ingredient used in this product. However, if you are allergic to fish, you must avoid it immediately.

This product will work best for you if you follow a keto or paleo lifestyle. It contains hydrolyzed pure type 1 protein for nails, skin, hair, and anti-ageing. The product is independently tested for heavy metals, gluten, etc.

Trunature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen

It is a lab-tested, approved product with good results for healthy, glowing skin. It contains 2.5g of collagen per capsule. Consuming 4 capsules per day is recommended to get the desired result.

The product has shown significant results for skin health in several placebo-controlled studies.

Care of Collagen

This supplement works for the elasticity and hydration of the skin. It also helps to make your nails grow stronger and healthier. The supplement can easily blend into your favourite drink for the best taste.

This supplement is obtained from grass-fed cows with vanilla and organic lemon ingredients. It contains no fillers, artificial sweeteners, gluten, or dairy.

Healthy Origins UC-II with Undenatured Type II Collagen

It is clinically tested and studied for the health benefits of active adults. It also ensures bioavailability in the body. It works great for joint health, giving mobility, flexibility, and comfort.

In addition to this, the product is gluten-free and maintains non-GMO standards.

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Peptide Protein Powder Pure

The product is free from gluten, soy, and dairy. Every scoop of the product contains hydrolyzed collagen types I, II, III, V, and X. It is made without hormones and provides many health benefits.

The product is best for healthy skin, gut, nails, and hair. It is available in delicious flavours for a daily boost.

Besha Natural Collagen Peptides

Surprisingly, this collagen powder is derived from a pig, which might not suit many. The product has shown significant results in improving wrinkles after eight weeks. It is available in powdered form that you can easily mix into any drink. It requires 2 teaspoons in your beverage of choice daily.

The only ingredient that the product has is collagen, with no fillers or additives. The only drawback to the product is that it is derived from pigs, which may not be suitable or avoidable for many.

CB Supplements Multi-Collagen Protein

The collagen powder is available in unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate. This product works best for skin, hair, bones, and joint support. It has shown significant results in repairing cells irrespective of hair, skin, and nails. Overall, it indicates smoother and firmer skin. It will keep you looking young for years to come.

Also, the product is best suited for athletes of any level or age. It is made from the highest-quality sources in the United States.

Garden of Life Grass-Fed Collagen Beauty

It is one of the best products to get your daily collagen fix. It is obtained from grass-fed cows containing various ingredients like biotin, vitamin C, silica, and probiotics. The product helps to improve skin strength and elasticity.

So, if you want to improve the health of your skin, you should try this product to get the best result.

Conclusion

So, taking collage powder in proportion helps support good skin health. Plenty of options are available in the market today, from a range of dosages to various ingredients. Therefore, when picking the right collagen supplement, consider its types, dosages, and components, and lastly, it undergoes third-party testing.