We have noticed recently, in store, the sudden increase in customers asking about collagen and gelatin based products. We always love our customers engaging with their own health and wanting to know more about what we sell and how this can help them. Getting a daily collagen fix is certainly one way you can give a boost to the healthy functioning of your body and mind, no matter what stage of the wellness journey you are on.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body making up 30% of all protein compositions. It is a critical component for the functioning of our connective tissues, and has impacts on other systems in our bodies.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all proteins, and are essential to the proper functioning of all our body systems and organs. The human body only naturally makes some amino acids meaning we need to consume the remaining amino acids through the foods that we eat.

Collagen found in animal product contains the full amino acid profile that humans need to form the building blocks required to maintain and rebuild collagen in our own bodies. This animal derived collagen is most abundant in the tough, grisly parts of meat; cuts that contain the most connective tissue; organs that we don’t normally consume and bones.

So how can we source collagen as food?

Collagen is extracted from animal products by boiling the bones and tissues, then partially hydrolysing and then dehydrating to form a dry powdered substance. This is called gelatin.

Gelatin is only soluble in hot water and will form a jelly-like substance when cooled. You can add to soups, curries, stews, casseroles, hot sauces, tea, coffee, your favourite mylk latte or by making gut busting nutritious jellies, gummies and mousse!

A further processing of gelatin produces hydrolysed collagen. Hydrolysed collagen is a more refined substance where the protein molecules have been further broken down into smaller “pieces” (peptide chains and amino acids). This creates a product that is easier to digest and is soluble in both hot and cold water, making it a fantastic addition to your smoothies, baking, raw treats or just have on its own!

Both hydrolysed collagen and gelatin have the same amino acid profile and can be used for similar results. People with digestive issues may find the hydrolysed collagen easier to digest due to the shorter chain peptides.

Bone Broth is another highly nutritious way to increase your collagen intake. Simmering bones and tissue in water with other aromatics and vegetables for 12 to 24 hours, the collagen and gelatin is released from the bones and forms a nutrient dense tasty soup.

Keep in mind, the quality of the gelatin and collagen is based on the health of the animal. Always use a product that has been sourced from animals that have been raised in comfortable living conditions outside, ideally grass fed and organic.

Go Natural stocks a wide range of gelatin, hydrolysed collagen and bone broth products. Our staff will be happy to assist you in deciding which product would be best for you.