Over the past few years collagen has emerged as a popular wellness trend and it has all the reasons to be in the lime light. This has been regarded for a long time as the best supplement that can make one to have a youthful skin, strong nails and healthy joints. But by far the largest part of collagen supplements is derived from animal products, which unfortunately excludes vegans. And that’s where vegan collagen powder comes into play!
Welcome to the world of vegan collagen powder If you want to know more about this product, how to use it, and the impressive benefits that it has on your body, then this is precisely the information you’ve been looking for. Welcome to vegan collagen powder guide, where we will discuss the benefits and ways how you can take this supplement into your lifestyle.
Vegan Collagen Powder is the collagen of plant origin produced by putting the collagen of vegetables under very high pressure to break them down at the molecular level.
Collagen is the body’s largest protein and is largely involved in the Skin, Hair, nails, bones and joint health. Classically, collagen supplement sources come from animal sources as the bones, skin and cartilage of cows, pigs and fish.
That being said, the vegans or those that want to shift away from consuming animal products do not have to, they can benefit from vegan collagen powder. Vegan collagen per se does not exist (through collagen is an animal-based protein), but there are plant-based ingredients out there that promote the production of collagen in our body. These alternatives are typically made from ingredients like:
Amino acids: These are some of the very basic units of protein which assist your body in synthesizing collagen.
Vitamin C: Contained in the body necessary for the synthesis of collagen.
Silica: It is located in the plants and aids in increasing the skins tone and firmness.
Zinc: Another vital mineral that play a significant role in synthesizing collagen.
Biotin: Ensures that hair, skin as well as nails are healthy.
These ingredients are combined in vegan collagen powders through which consumers can satisfy their body’s need for collagen without consuming animal collagen.
Benefits of Consuming Vegan Collagen Powder
Now that we’ve discussed why you might need vegan collagen powder let’s talk about how you can use it. Vegan collagen powder has quite some gains that we can all enjoy,
especially for those looking to maintain their overall health and youthfulness, without relying on animal-based products.
1. Improved Skin Health
Specifically, vegan collagen powder is the best friend of your skin you have always wished for. This protein product is known to play a critical role in maintaining skin firm, smooth and moisturized. Taking vegan collagen powder helps the body create collagen, which could minimize aged signs such as lines, crow’s feet, and skin that is hanging loose. It is not rare to hear some of the users commenting that their skins have become softer and more elastic, giving them a youthful appearance after prolonged use.
2. Stronger Hair and Nails
Sick and tired of brittle nails or hair that appears to lack lustre? Here, too, you can use vegan collagen powder. Most collagen sourced from vegan carry biotin which enhances hair and nails quality. Eventually the hairs in your head will begin to appear smoother, this means they are growing thicker, the nails will also start to feel less brittle.
3. Joint Support
Sometimes older people might develop joint pains, nonetheless, taking vegan collagen powder will support joint health. In addition, by increasing your body’s own natural production of collagen, the powder strengthens the cartilage that provides a cushion to your joints, which may help decrease stiffness and soreness.
4. muscle recovery
As we saw, the supplement was found to enhance both muscle mass and recovery rates.
Vegan collagen powder is a product that might be incorporated into the daily diet especially by those who exercise and take meals after workout. Muscle recovery is partly dependent on collagen, which is used in mending damaged protein fibres in the body. Vegan collagen supplements supply the amino acids which are required for reconstruction and development of muscles after exercise.
5. Gut Health Support
Most of the population is unaware that collagen also boosts gut health. Besides, amino acids in vegan collagen powder useful to maintain the integrity of your gut lining, and may help to reduce symptoms of leaky gut.
Disadvantages
Of course, nothing in life is without its draw back and so it can be said that, such supplements are not an exception. That said, there is nothing wrong with vegan collagen powder; it has its advantages which are worth knowing; although the following considerations should be taken into account.
1. It’s Not Actual Collagen
As we mentioned before, it makes no sense to talk about vegan collagen there, because collagen itself is an animal-based product. Vegan collagen powder doesn’t directly supply collagen, but instead provides nutrients that help your body produce more of it on its own. For those looking for an exact collagen replacement, this might be a drawback.
2. While making changes, it may take some time before such changes start to yield results.
As for animal collagen, it offers immediate supplement while vegan collagen powders work on rebuilding your body’s collagen matrix which takes time. They may require you to use them for a few weeks or even months before you can realize great enhancements in your skin, hair, nails or joints.
3. Possible Digestive Issues
Nevertheless some people may develop mild digestive upset when they first introduce new supplements to their regime. Vegan collagen powder comprises of amino acids, vitamins and minerals which may lead to bloating or digestive issues for persons with sensitive stomachs. It is always wise to begin using the lowest possible dose and then gradually increase it.
4. Allergies and Sensitivities
Whenever you are choosing seafood, do not forget to read the label and see what the producers have included as ingredients. If you are among those who are allergic to certain foods, then ensure that the vegan collagen powder you use has prohibited items such as some plant-based proteins or extra additives.
How to use vegan collagen powder.
A vegan collagen powder is very easy to incorporate into one’s diet since there are many ways to consume it. It is possible to take it added to different foods and drinks and which can easily be incorporated into the daily diet plan. Here follows Ethical Vegan Collagen Powder usage guide:
1. In Smoothies
There is a myriad of methods you can take the vegan collagen powder, but one of the most simple is to incorporate it into your morning smoothie. Just mix a spoonful of collagen powder in any fruits/ vegetables of your choice and in any liquid preferred (almond milk, coconut water or any juice of your choice). That way it is easy and tasty for those who needs a start for the day.
Recipe Idea:
1 banana
1 cup of spinach
1 Tablespoon of almond butter
‘’They actively took two tablespoons of vegan collagen powder.’’
1 cup; almond milk
Ice (optional) Pulse all the ingredients until well combined and you get a creamy and smooth texture.
2. In Coffee or Tea
If you’re a coffee or tea taker, vegan collagen powder can be dissolved in that morning cup. Most collagen powders are tasteless especially when they are derived from vegan sources hence will not alter the taste of your coffee. This is one of the easiest ways you can incorporate the use of collagen in your morning regimen without any additional struggle.
3. In Oatmeal or Porridge
Adding your vegan collagen powder to your oatmeal or porridge is another great idea go, particularly if you aren’t quite a fan of consuming drinks in the morning. All you need is to pour one scoop of the powder into your bowl and then add toppings plus milk.
4. In Soups and Stews
It is also possible to add vegan collagen powder to other nonglazed dishes as well. As we mentioned earlier, vegan collagen powder is easy to mix with liquids, and that makes soup, stew, and sauce ideal meals for it. But it is recommended that you make additions after you have cooked your recipe in order not to neutralize the active components.
5. In Baked Goods
For the lovers of sweet dishes, it is encouraged to mix vegan collagen powder with baked foods. It can be folded in with the batter of pancakes, muffins or cookies without making the texture poor. Just bear in mind not to cook at such high temperatures because this will bring down the efficacy of some of the nutrients.
Instructions for Use
Vegan collagen powder can sometimes be somewhat tricky to integrate and with some tips, it will be very helpful. These are guidelines to assist you to get the best out of your supplement, regardless of the particular product you have chosen to use.
1. Start Small
For beginners with vegan collagen powder, it is advisable to begin with using a quarter to a half a scoop and then one can build up from there gradually. This also allows your body to acclimate to the supplement and thus the chances of having stomach upset are minimized.
2. Stay Consistent
As with every supplement, it is important that vegan collagen powder is used on a regular basis. Swallow it once a day, or as stated on the product’s packaging and label. Whether you incorporate it into your morning smoothie or afternoon tea, creating a routine will help you stay on track.
3. Hydrate
Collagen supplement is more beneficial when your body is well-hydrated, thus, ensure you take a lot of water during the day. It is also wise to drink water that ensures the nutrients in the powder are assimilated to the body properly.
4. Be Patient
I already said that it may take some time before you notice changes in the skin, hair, nails or joints. You should begin to see changes within four to six weeks and must keep on using it to sustain those changes.
A List of Nutrients and Their Proportions needed to Make a Vegan Collagen Mix
For those who are willing to explore and try a homemade vegan collagen blend, then this is very much doable as long as you have the right ingredients. Let’s start cooking; below is a simple guideline about how to prepare vegan collagen at your kitchen. This blend consists of plant derived nutrients important in the synthesis of collagen in the body.
Ingredients:
Pea protein powder which has healthy amino acids; 1 cup
1/2 cup of silica rich horsetail extract powder
100 g of Vitamin C powder (ascorbic acid)
Zinc gluconate powder, Zinc Gluconate : 1/4 cup
5 milligrams of biotin in the form of powder where one-fourth cup is considered as five milligrams of biotin powder.
1 cup of hyaluronic acid powder which acts as skin hydrating element
Optional: Spices including sesquiterpene vanillin or cinnamaldehyde are important food natural flavoring compounds.
Instructions:
In one large bowl, combine all the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
The next time, you are going to use the same mixture, you have to store it in an airtight jar.
Take 1 scoop (approx. 15 ml) once a day in your choice of the beverage or in the foods as mentioned earlier above.
The use of this homemade mixture means it will supply these beneficial nutrients to your body thereby encouraging the laying down of collagen naturally.
Final Thoughts
For those people who want to enjoy great skin, hair, nails, and joints, vegan collagen powder is a great product to take since they do not contain animal products. However, it is important to note that it may not be possible to have an immediate outcome when using this supplement, but if you will make a point of taking it every day, then be sure you will have the best outcome.