As the popularity of collagen powder continues to increase, more and more companies are formulating collagen supplements to suit the needs of the masses.
With health benefits like improved bone mineral density, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduced joint pain, it only makes sense that collagen is taking off[*][*][*].
While, on the one hand, this creates a variety of options for you to choose from, it can also create some confusion about which collagen is right for you.
In this article you will learn:
What are collagen peptides?
Collagen It is a protein that makes up the bulk of connective tissue. It’s the most abundant protein in your body, providing structure and function to your bones, skin, ligaments, and tendons[*].
As you age, collagen production naturally begins to decline. This is why you may start to see more wrinkles on your face, your joints may weaken, and your bones become more brittle.
Collagen supplements come to support your body against the natural decline in collagen. However, not all collagen supplements are created equal.
Collagen peptides are a type of collagen that goes through the process of hydrolysis.
Hydrolysis involves adding water to break down protein into smaller molecules called amino acids. In this form, collagen is easier to digest and therefore has better bioavailability than non-hydrolyzed collagen.[*][*].
On the nutrition label, collagen peptides may be listed as either “hydrolyzed collagen” or “collagen peptides.”
How to Use Collagen Peptides on Keto
Collagen peptides are an excellent addition to any diet, but they work especially well on keto because of their macronutrient ratio, which is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Some of the most common ways to use collagen include:
breakfast
Add it to breakfast as a protein boost in the morning. You can stir a scoop of collagen into ketogenic oatmeal, add it to your morning smoothie with green powder and some whey protein, or mix it into your coffee with some MCTs for a delicious, nutrient-rich refreshment.
Before or after exercise
Protein is essential for muscle growth and maintenance; This is why most pre- and post-workout drinks are packed with protein. You can simply add collagen powder to water, shake it up after a workout, or make a smoothie with some low-carb fruit options and green vegetables like kale and spinach.
Adding collagen peptides to post-workout is especially beneficial due to its high bioavailability. After a workout, your body is ready to absorb and absorb the nutrients you give it, so optimizing your collagen intake during this time is an excellent idea.
baked goods
Maybe you’re not a shaker person, or you don’t want to add anything to your morning coffee, no problem. You can add collagen powder to any number of keto-friendly baked goods. If you have some chocolate-flavored collagen, add it to some keto chocolate brownies. You can add delicious strawberry collagen strawberry cream cheese balls.
For real versatility, you can add regular collagen to almost any recipe because it has a very mild flavor and mixes easily with other dry ingredients. Pancakes, muffins, waffles, if you can mix it up, you can add collagen to just about anything.
Soups and sauces
Regular collagen, with its mild flavor, can also be added to almost any liquid medium. While shakes and smoothies tend to be the most popular way to add collagen to a meal, you can’t forget about soups and sauces.
Add collagen to homemade or store-bought salad dressings, keto-friendly seasonings, soups, or stews. Not only does it boost the protein content of your meals, but it will add a bit of natural intensity as well.
What makes collagen keto friendly?
Pure collagen is keto-friendly in nature as it is carb-free and high in protein. With that being said, many companies formulate their collagen with added ingredients that increase the carb count or undermine the purity of the product.
For example, some companies add sugar and flavorings that increase the amount of carbohydrates in an effort to make them more delicious. As mentioned earlier, collagen has a very mild flavor on its own, so it can pick up different flavors quite easily. Unfortunately, this often means that collagen powder is no longer keto-friendly.
Another factor to consider when looking for keto-friendly collagen is the fat content. Collagen on its own doesn’t contain much fat. However, you may notice that some companies add ingredients to the powder to increase the fat content.
One of the best examples is the addition of MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), which provide an excellent source of fat for keto dieters. MCTs are easily absorbed and then broken down into ketones, providing a boost of energy along with easily digestible protein.[*].
Therefore, the best keto collagen supplement will be sugar-free, with high-quality collagen, and an ideal source of fat to help you stay in ketosis.
4 Best Collagen Peptide Supplements for Keto Dieters
1. Perfect collagen protein powder
The perfect keto collagen powder Designed specifically for the keto diet.
every meal The perfect keto collagen powder Contains 10g of collagen protein and 5,000mg of MCT oil powder. MCTs give you an extra fat boost, while collagen provides a highly bioavailable protein. Collagen is also sourced from 100% grass-fed cows, which is not only the highest quality collagen, but also the most well researched.
the flavor in The perfect keto collagen powder It comes with natural flavors, stevia, and sea salt – with absolutely no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Highlights:
- Hydrolyzed to improve bioavailability
- No added sugar (only 2 to 3 grams of carbs per serving)
- It comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, peanut butter, salted caramel, toasted and unflavored cinnamon bread.
- MCTs have been added for additional ketone production
- 100% grass fed collagen peptides
- No artificial sweeteners or additives
- Paleo friendly صديقة
- Gluten and dairy free
2. Hydrolyzed collagen in the Great Lakes
Great Lakes Collagen is one of the original collagen companies to offer a powdered format. If you’re looking for pure collagen and nothing more, Great Lakes has just one ingredient – grass-fed collagen.
Although you won’t get all the bells and whistles of some other collagen supplements, Great Lakes offers high quality bovine collagen that is virtually tasteless, odorless, and dissolves easily in any liquid medium.
Highlights:
- Only one ingredient (collagen)
- 100% grass-fed beef
- No artificial sweeteners or additives
- Certified Stone Friend
3. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins delivers bovine collagen with added Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C to enhance bioavailability and collagen production. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the hydration and lubrication of connective tissues, while vitamin C is essential for collagen production.[*][*].
Its original formula is eco-friendly, certified Whole 30 and contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Highlights:
- Add Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
- Paleo Friend and Whole 30 Certified
- bovine collagen
- Free from added sugars or artificial sweeteners
4. Collagen fuel for the primitive kitchen
Primal Kitchen Collagen comes in several different flavors, all of which are derived from bovine collagen. Chocolate, vanilla, coconut, peanut butter, and golden turmeric flavors include coconut milk powder that gives you a little extra fat, and the unflavored option is made with 100% collagen peptides.
Sweetened only with monk fruit, the carb count stays at 2 grams per serving, with natural sources of flavor like cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and peanut flour.
Highlights:
- Free from added sugars or artificial sweeteners
- Certified Love Friend, Primal Friend, and Keto Friend
- bovine collagen
- Ingredients added to increase fat content
Takeaway
On a ketogenic diet, it’s not just about the quality of the collagen you’re using, but also what other ingredients have been added to the formula.
Ideally, the collagen will come from beef (cows) and will also be 100% grass fed. On top of that, there won’t be any sneaky carb sources like added sugar or sweetened flavors.
And if you can find a supplement with added fats, even better. MCTs provide an excellent source of fats that boost ketone production and provide an energy boost.
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