Happy National Hydration day, folks! In honor of a day that emphasizes the importance of drinking enough water, we’re exploring one particular type – collagen water. A buzzword in dermatologist offices, collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the skin that is often referred to as the “glue that holds the body together.” Dive in with us to find out how (and if!) collagen water can benefit you.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein that is found in the skin and makes up 75-80% of the skin’s mass. Serving as the main component of our connective tissues, collagen is found in the following:
- Bones
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Organs
- Muscles
- Blood vessels
- Hair
- Skin
Over the last several centuries, humans have been consuming collagen in various ways. One of the most surprising ways we eat collagen is in gelatin, made by boiling the skin, cartilage, and bones of animals in water.
Health Benefits of Collagen
- Keeps skin firm and glowing
- Improves gut health
- Strengthens hair and nails
- Helps joint pain
- Builds muscle and burns fat
- Promotes heart health
These are just some of the ways that collagen, and in turn collagen water, is good for your health. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t debunk this common myth: collagen drinks do not help with weight loss, though a high-protein diet (collagen is a protein source) will help with fat loss.
Keep in mind that you can get all the benefits of collagen by supplementing with collagen powder (it’s easy to mix into coffee, tea, smoothies, and more) or by drinking bone broth.
So, What’s the Verdict?
If you ask Healthline, they’ll tell you that collagen drinks aren’t worth the hype, concluding that it’s more important to keep your skin hydrated and to preserve your natural collagen. We say – why not both? Especially since our natural collagen production begins decreasing at age 30.
To preserve your own natural collagen, make sure you’re always wearing sunscreen with high UVA protection, wash your face before bed, and wear the right serums and moisturizers for your skin. Mix some collagen into your diet for an added boost, but temper your expectations and know that it won’t magically remove wrinkles or make you look 20 years younger. It does still have some pretty awesome benefits, though!
Want to hear about our personal experience with collagen? Find out how collagen peptides have benefited our RD Sam.
At the end of the day, your health comes down to how well you take care of your body. Are you eating right and getting enough physical activity every day? A lot of people don’t have the time to focus on all of these every day – and we get it. That’s why Snap Kitchen has nutritionist-approved meals that you can heat up in minutes – delivered right to your door. Find out what you’re craving: check out our menu
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