Over the past few years, a lot has been said about taking collagen supplements on the daily. Some celebrities and influencers have even hailed it as a wonder ingredient that has helped them improve their skin’s elasticity, make their nails less brittle, promote hairgrowth, and even increase bone density.
While studies about the benefits of collagen are sparse, the few that have been conducted show promising results on some fronts, continuing to boost its use, with some people making its consumption easier by adding it to their daily coffee!
What is collagen?
Let’s start from the basics: collagen is one of the building blocks of many parts that make up the human body, including skin, bones, tendons, joints, and muscles. In essence, it’s a mix of amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline that make tissue strong and resilient. Indeed, collagen is only found naturally in animal flesh, be it meat or fish, though some supplements have been genetically engineered from yeast and other other microorganisms, making them vegetarian-friendly.
What does science say about taking collagen supplements?
Due to its importance in the human body, many people around the world regularly consume collagen supplements. While individuals have said that they’ve experienced numerous benefits from doing so, including improved skin elasticity, better bone density, and stronger hair and nails, the science behind has still not been properly researched.
Even so, Harvard Health lists two very small studies that showed some promise, including one that saw better ‘firmness, suppleness, and moisture content’ in the skin. Collagen’s impact on hair and nails is more disputed, though, and so far, no study has managed to categorically prove or disprove its effect on these.
How to take collagen?
If you’d like to check it out for yourself, collagen can come in capsules or powder, sometimes mixed with other vitamins and minerals, and can be purchased from health shops and even supermarkets.
Apart from popping a capsule as indicated on the packaging, one of the easiest ways to consume collagen is to add it to your coffee. And, in case you’re wondering, the heat from the coffee does not destroy the collagen’s property. According to a study referenced by Healthline, collagen degradation starts at 150ºC, which is a way higher temperature than water boiled for coffee would be (90-96ºC)
Of course, before doing so, you should always consult your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or living with certain medical conditions. You should also follow the instructions on your collagen’s packaging in terms of dose and so on.
