Grass-fed collagen has become a popular choice for people looking to support their health. But what is it, and why is it better than other types of collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it plays a vital role in keeping us healthy. It helps form connective tissue, muscles, bones, and skin; supports joint health; and aids in digestion. Collagen production usually declines as we age.
Grass-fed collagen
Grass-fed collagen is generally made from animals that have been fed only grass and hay, rather than grains or corn. This type of collagen may contain more nutrients than those derived from grain-fed animals, including essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, minerals such as zinc and magnesium, and antioxidants. Grass-fed collagen has also been shown to be more easily absorbed by the body than other types of collagen.*
Grass-fed collagen is a great option for those looking to support their health. The health benefits associated with collagen are numerous. For instance, it may help support skin elasticity, joint health, gut health, bone density, hair and nails, muscle mass, wrinkles, and cellulite.* Furthermore, certain studies have shown that supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen can help to support overall physical health in a variety of ways.*
Pasture-raised collagen
Similarly, pasture-raised collagen is a type of collagen that is derived from animals raised on grass and other natural forage, rather than those fed grains or corn.
When it comes to buying pasture-raised collagen products, it’s important to look for quality brands that use humanely raised livestock sourced from grasslands managed under sustainable practices. It’s also wise to check the ingredients list to make sure the product contains only pure bovine or marine sources of collagen; some products may contain fillers or other additives that could potentially cause adverse effects in some people.
In addition to taking a quality supplement form of pasture-raised collagen, there are other ways you can get more of this beneficial protein into your diet naturally. Eating foods especially rich in collagen such as grass-fed beef and chicken stock can be incredibly helpful; likewise consuming foods high in vitamin C (like oranges) can help support your body's production of collagen in order to support connective tissues and bones. You can also read about the combination of collagen and Kona coffee.
Overall, pasture-raised and grass-fed collagen is an excellent choice for anyone looking to support their overall health; it may offer numerous benefits beyond those found in other forms of animal proteins and is easy to incorporate into your diet without having to make drastic changes.
As always, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Get professional advice if you think you might need a grass-fed collagen supplement or are already taking one to ensure you're not exceeding the amounts you may need.