Collagen Peptides: The Better Protein Powder

I’m not really sure when protein powder became such a mainstream choice for most people. Over the last 20 years, every time you would mention protein powder I would correlate that to body builders — but as the years have gone on, its been more of a thing for moms .

From moms who work full time outside the home to moms who stay home with kids or even moms who stay home and work a job inside the home, everyone has jumped on the protein bandwagon because these protein powders allow you to basically have a daily fix of protein without the cooking of food being required.

It’s handy – and convenient.

When I was taking prenatal care for my fifth, my OB instructed me to eat sufficient protein during pregnancy – it helps with varicose veins (by promoting circulation) and can reduce the risk of complications.

Up until that point, I had never had complications from pregnancies so I wasn’t too crazy about taking up a protein powder in terms of a dietary choice. But… I’ll admit that it got me thinking a little harder about the nutrient level of my food.  My daily protein intake wasn’t anywhere near what it should be, and that was because we just didn’t eat that much meat. We weren’t vegetarian or vegan, but since we wanted to stick to our grass fed/wild caught meat choice, it was hard to incorporate meat in our diet daily because the cost was just too astronomical.

I really wasn’t too eager to take protein powder, simply because I would rather get my nutrition from real food and not a form of supplements. Many are high in sugar, and in some cases can be overly processed.

Though I did do my best to find the best protein powder out there – it was just convenient on those days that I was in a hurry or I was really tired. 

But…. I quickly found that the best brands tended to be the most expensive – 

• No added sugar
• Processed at lower temps to reduce the free glutamic acids
• Made from plant-based materials or, if made from animal based products, then made from those animals not treated with hormones or antibiotics
• No additives, thickeners, stabilizers, etc.
• No soy

I was using Young Living’s Protein Complete for a while, but found that even though it was a great option, it was far too expensive for what I wanted to pay.  

I personally prefer an animal based protein powder because an animal based powder because they have a higher biological value. Unlike plant-based powders, a higher biological value allows that protein to be absorbed and used by your cells – with amino acids that are more beneficial

However… it was both challenging and costly to find just the right protein powder. Until I found Collagen Peptides – and it was then that I knew I had found the perfect protein powder. 

What is Gelatin?

Gelatin is a processed version of collagen – found in both animals and humans. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is the substance that holds the whole body together. It is found in the bones, muscles, skin and tendons, where it forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure.

As you get older your body makes less collagen –  as a result, you experience stiff joints and less flexibility. 

I use Vital Protein Collagen Peptides – it’s made from pasture raised (grass fed) cows, and doesn’t contain any added sugar. Collagen is broken down into peptides, and can be used in cold or hot drinks – it blends in without affecting the flavor. It’s odorless and won’t thicken – so it’s perfect in shakes and smoothies. Collagen Peptides are different than Gelatin – while the peptides are meant to add to shakes and smoothies, Gelatin is used to make recipes that gel up.

Is Gelatin Really Healthy?

In many cases, it is assumed that a diet high in protein will lead to kidney disease and cancer – which can have some logic … but there are some exceptions.

If you are getting a large amount of your protein from protein, and you eat muscle meat and eggs without glycine-rich foods and organ meats (gelatin/collagen peptides), then you will be at a higher risk for cancer.  If you are eating a diet that is nose to tail (meat supplemented with gelatin/collagen peptides – or, glycine rich foods) then you don’t need to worry so much about being too protein rich.

Gelatin or Collagen Peptides?

Gelatin or Collagen Peptides – what’s the difference? Which one serves better as a protein powder added to your drinks?

Green (Regular Gelatin)

Gelatin powder is cooked collagen – the green canister of Vital Proteins will cause a liquid to gel when added to it and then cooled. You can use this type of gelatin for making homemade jello, fruit snacks, or gummies.   The green tub needs to be dissolved in warm liquids only.

Blue (Collagen Peptides)

The blue canister does not cause liquids to gel. It’s more easily absorbed in the body and is great for supporting a healthy metabolism.  Simply take a teaspoon and stir into your coffee, milk, juice, smoothie, or even tea. You can find it on Amazon HERE.

Sources:  

• Do High Protein Diets Cause Kidney Disease &/or Cancer
• Glycine and Cancer
• Gelatin, Stress, Longevity