You’ve heard the hype about collagen powder and are starting to wonder if you need to jump on the trend of adding this to your diet. But, if you’ve never tried or used collagen powder before, you may feel perplexed about how you can incorporate it into your daily consumption. Read on to learn more about collagen powder and its benefits as well as easy ways you can implement it into your daily routine.
What is collagen and how is it beneficial?
Collagen is a naturally produced protein that’s found in the body’s bones, muscles, and skin. Collagen production slows with age and, when it does, the skin begins to wrinkle and joints and muscles don’t feel as resilient as they used to. The collagen added to your body with a collagen powder isn’t exactly the same as what your body produces naturally, but it does harbour similar benefits. When taken regularly, collagen can potentially strengthen skin, bones, nails, hair, and more.
Being in a powder form, collagen peptides are easy to add to a variety of foods and drinks you’re probably already consuming. The flavourless nature of the powder prevents it from mixing in a way that changes the taste, making the possibilities endless. However, collagen is considered a sticky protein which makes it prone to clumping, so follow the steps in each of the ideas below to get the best blend.
1. Add to morning coffee
Adding a scoop of collagen powder to your morning cup of coffee or tea is a great way to get your daily dose of collagen. The hot liquid helps the powder blend well but be sure that you stir it in thoroughly to fully mix it in.
2. Blend collagen into a smoothie
If you love enjoying smoothies for breakfast or lunch or find the benefits of a post-workout smoothie beneficial to your fitness routine, consider adding a scoop of collagen. By blending the collagen, you ensure it mixes well into the smoothie so you can enjoy all the benefits without sacrificing flavour.
3. Mix with yoghurt or oatmeal
A hearty bowl of yoghurt or oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to fuel yourself for the day ahead. Mix in a scoop of collagen powder before adding any fruit, granola, or other additives to thoroughly mix the powder in. Sometimes mixing can be difficult when you’re navigating through fruit, so mixing before adding those items can ensure a proper blend.
4. Bake into make-ahead breakfast options
If you’re all about quick, convenient breakfasts to help you get out the door each day, consider adding collagen. Whether you bake baked goods such as muffins or pancakes or you enjoy cooking savoury breakfasts such as quiche or egg muffins, add a scoop of collagen when you’re cooking to ensure you get your daily dose.
5. Add collagen powder to hot soups
Collagen powder doesn’t have to just be an option for breakfast time. If you love dining on hot soups during the cold winter months, include a scoop of collagen powder. The hot liquid will help the powder melt well but be sure to stir it up thoroughly. You can choose to add the powder as you’re cooking the soup or once it’s plated.
6. Creatively mix with water
One of the most traditional and common ways to consume collagen powder is by mixing it with water. Even though it’s flavourless, some people can still taste the chalky texture of the powder. If you’re more comfortable mixing collagen with water, you can get a bit creative with your mixture to balance out the taste. Infusing your water by adding fruits or vegetables is a great way to get more flavour. Below are some popular choices to mix with water:
- Vegetables such as cucumber, jalapeno,
- Citruses such as lemon, orange, or lime
- Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries
- Herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary, or ginger
You can choose to add one or a variety of the above options to deliver lots of flavour to your infused water while adding a beneficial scoop of collagen powder.
Takeaway
If you’ve been considering adding collagen to your diet, it’s time to give it a try. Find a quality collagen powder, such as the options from Orgain, and start getting creative. Try any of these recipe ideas to help you enjoy the benefits of collagen. Once you find something that works for you, make it a habit. You’ll wish you had started sooner.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
