Collagen supplements are getting more and more popular amongst runners and athletes. The benefits of collagen peptides are clearly seen in athletes’ overall health, strength and recovery. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is the key component of all connective tissue. Collagen provides the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system, essential for mobility. Peptides are short chain amino acids naturally derived from collagen protein. Collagen represents 90% of organic bone mass and is a major component of ligaments, joints, and tendons. Collagen peptides powder supplements provide rapid absorption and repair of all structure in the body. The challenge to consume natural foods with collagen is that it is found in ligaments, cartilage and bone marrow of certain animals that we simply don’t eat very much. Most people focus on lean forms of protein or plant-based diets, that causes a high level of collagen deficiency. Fortunately, we can replace our loss of collagen by adding collagen peptides supplements powder to our daily diet. Also, eating certain foods that will help the body to synthesize collagen is very important.

Benefits of Collagen Peptides for Runners and Athletes

-Improves circulation
-Supports bone density and joint health
-Promotes recovery
-Decreases joint discomfort
-Supports healthy inflammation response due to endurance training
-Boosts metabolism by increasing lean muscle mass (even helps with weight loss)
-Improves gastrointestinal function (helps increase the integrity of the epithelial lining, tight junctions and reduces gut inflammation.
-Increases stomach acid to help improve the absorption of nutrients.

For runners and athletes, consuming collagen peptides can help with protecting joint tissue, ligaments muscles and tendons. Collagen deficiency can result in joint pain and systematic or localized swelling (targeted areas like knees or ankles). Taking collagen peptides daily, especially after long-distance training or strength training can improve the tissue, joint and muscle recovery, and provides 18g of protein per serving.  Also, taking collagen peptide supplements plays an important role in muscle development which helps to increase your metabolism and energy levels. Taking collagen (especially combined with exercise) helps to increase skeletal muscle gains resulting in an increased metabolism. For runner with injuries, collagen peptides are so helpful in the healing process, making it much faster and more efficient.

 What are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides are small bioactive peptides obtained by enzymatically hydrolysis of collagen, the breaking down of the molecular bonds between individual collagen strands to peptides. Collagen peptides powder is the best and easiest supplement to add to your daily diet, you can add it to any of your meals, drinks, smoothies, baking. To include specific foods that contain antioxidants to help the body synthesize collagen is also essential. The only foods that actually contain collagen is grass-fed bone broth and egg yolks.

Top 10 foods to help with collagen synthesis

1. Wild Salmon- Contains zinc, a mineral that’s been shown to activate the proteins needed for collagen synthesis.
2. Chlorella- Contains a nutrient that helps boost collagen production; Chlorella Growth Factor.
3. Leafy Greens- Contain chlorophyll to help prevent collagen breakdown (bok choy, arugula, kale, spinach, lettuce, green beans, broccoli).
4. Citrus- Vitamin C helps link the amino acids together to help form collagen (collagen production phase).
5. Eggs- Rare food that contains collagen in the yolk and eggshell membranes. Also, rich in sulfur, a mineral required for collagen production.
6. Berries- Contain a nutrient called ellagic acid to prevent collagen breakdown.
7. Tomatoes- Rich in the antioxidant lycopene which helps prevent collagen breakdown.
8. Pumpkin Seeds- One of the richest plant sources of zinc to help with collagen synthesis and lower the rate of collagen breakdown.
9. Avocado- Provides powerful antioxidant benefits and vitamin E to help prevent collagen breakdown.
10. Garlic- Contains sulfur which helps synthesize and prevent collagen breakdown.