Collagen has become all the rage in recent years – and for good reason! A structural protein naturally produced by the body, collagen is found in connective tissue, skin, tendones, bones and cartilage, providing structure, support and strength to skin, muscles, bones and tissues. However, as we age, we produce less and less collagen, which can lead to symptoms of ageing including wrinkles, loss of elasticity and hydration in the skin, and joint pain or loss of mobility. As a result, the use of collagen supplementation to replace that which the body is no longer producing has become popular. Yet most collagens are made from animal sources such as beef or marine collagen supplements, with very few vegan alternatives available on the market. Until now…
BodyScience’s Vegan Collagen Protein is a complete blend of essential nutrients for anyone following a vegan diet, including plant-based protein, plant-based amino acids in the same proportion as those found in animal-based collagens and essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins C, D and B12, Zinc, Iron and Omega-3s. It’s free from artificial colours, flavours and sweeteners, and can help prevent any nutrient deficiencies in a vegan diet, while still providing the benefits of a vegan collagen protein which are often only available in animal-based products. Curious? We dove into the benefits of using a vegan collagen protein so you can decide whether it’s the missing ingredient in your health routine.
Table of Contents
1. Collagen is broken down into amino acids in the body for absorption.
Many people claim animal collagen sources are superior to plant-based sources, however the truth is this: collagen isn’t absorbed by the body in its whole form. Instead, it’s broken down into amino acids and used by the body to naturally increase collagen production. This means that vegan amino acids in the same proportion of animal collagens, like BodyScience uses, are just as effective as animal sources, as they’re all broken down in a similar way.
In fact, vegan collagen proteins actually contain additional nutrients which may improve collagen production when compared to animal collagens. For example, a vegan collagen protein often includes vitamin C and other health-promoting vitamins and minerals, which act as precursors for collagen production, meaning these products provide more benefit than animal-based collagen products or foods. Vitamin C in particular supports natural collagen production, as well as immune system function and skin health, and prevents environmental damage to your skin, so a product containing this vitamin will be far more effective than an animal-based collagen which simply provides amino acids to the body when broken down.
2. It’s more sustainable and ethical.
Many people who follow a vegan diet choose to do so to protect the wellbeing and treatment of animals. The good news is, vegan collagen proteins can provide the same (if not more, as discussed) benefits as an animal-based collagen product, without any harm to animals in the process. This makes it a more sustainable, ethical alternative.
Even better, vegan collagen protein tends to be a cheaper option than animal-based collagens, making it a win-win!
3. It doesn’t cause inflammation.
Some animal-based foods, such as red meat, can have an inflammatory effect on the body when consumed in excess, while plant-based foods and products tend to have the opposite impact, reducing inflammation and supporting general wellbeing and health. By opting for a vegan protein collagen, you get just as much benefit without the downside of increased inflammation in the body.
And, as we know, inflammation is a key driver for many illnesses and chronic health conditions, including cancer, gut health problems and diabetes, and can also contribute to metabolic conditions and weight gain. So using a vegan collagen protein is a great way to avoid these things!
4. It’s tolerable for more people.
For anyone with dairy or casein or whey allergies, you’ll likely be aware of how difficult it can be to find protein products which taste delicious, meet your nutrient needs, and don’t aggravate symptoms of your intolerance. However, vegan collagen proteins tick all these boxes. Free from dairy, they’re much better tolerated by people with these allergies or intolerances.
5. It’s convenient and effective.
Collagen, plant-based proteins and important nutrients for anyone following a vegan diet, all in one product? It’s a convenient and easy way to prevent any nutrient deficiencies and ensure you’re getting your daily dose of important vitamins and minerals made difficult to obtain when you’re not eating any animal products. It’s tailored specifically to improving natural collagen production, meeting protein needs, and addressing nutrients often neglected on a vegan diet, so you can look and feel your best consistently.
So if you decide you want a powder that can help boost collagen production, address potential nutrient deficiencies, and provide your body with a bunch of plant-based protein to support muscle repair and synthesis and keep you feeling fuller for longer, a vegan collagen protein powder like BodyScience’s newest product seems like a great way to go if you ask us!