You may have heard about collagen in your skincare, or conditioner, but have you ever heard of a collagen latte? Collagen is an important component of skin and digestive health, and it can start working from the inside out.

COLLAGEN FOR SMOOTH DIGESTION

Digestion is a pretty good indicator of overall health. You’ve heard the saying, “you are what you eat,” but a more accurate adage would be, “you are what you digest.” One of the most important factors keeping your digestion working properly is your gut lining. It protects you from unwanted toxins in the environment and helps us get the most out of the foods we eat.

Unfortunately, our gut lining is also quite sensitive. It can become compromised when we ingest foods that irritate us, when our gut bacteria gets out of whack, or when we get an infection like the stomach flu or food poisoning. A compromised gut barrier (AKA Leaky Gut) can lead to a myriad of health issues including digestive upset, body-wide inflammation, brain fog, mood changes and skin issues.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to protect your gut lining. One of my favorite gut-supportive foods is collagen. Derived from animal skin and bones, it is a fibrous protein found throughout your body, including your hair, skin, organs, and – you guessed it – your digestive system.

COLLAGEN TO SUPPORT GREAT SKIN

Collagen is also essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. As we age, our collagen production declines. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, brittle nails and hair loss.

Because collagen is one of the main components of our skin, hair, and nails, it can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks, increase moisture retention, improve elasticity, and decrease fine lines.

OTHER BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN

 Helps improve joint pain and mobility

 Aids in weight management

 Supports heart health

 Supports bone formation, growth, and repair

 Improves liver function and detoxification

 Great source of protein, containing about 12 grams per serving

HOW TO INCLUDE IT IN YOUR DIET

Collagen contains high amounts of the amino acids glycine and glutamine which act like glue that helps to seal up the leaks in your gut lining. One of the best ways to include collagen in your diet is through bone broth, but you can also buy collagen peptides, a flavourless powder that can be added to food and beverages.

I add it to soups, stews, and smoothies, or you can add it to baked goods. My favourite way to use it, though, is in my daily matcha latte.

CASHEW COLLAGEN MATCHA LATTE

 2 cups of water

 ½ cup raw cashews or cashew butter

 1 medjool date

 1 tsp. matcha powder

 1 tbsp. collagen peptides

 Dash of cinnamon

 1 tbsp. coconut oil

Blend on high in a blender until smooth. Heat on stove-top to desired temp, or serve over ice.

If you don’t have a blender, you can use any type of pre-made nut milk (in place of the water and raw nuts), and sweeten with date sugar, maple syrup, or honey (instead of a date). Just whisk the ingredients over heat or shake with ice.

If your digestion isn’t what it could be, consider booking a FREE 15-minute introductory consultation with me today. Let’s get to the bottom of your issues, from the inside out.