Amid our bustling lives, focused on the well-being of our loved ones, we often overlook the importance of nourishing our own bodies. As a mother of two teenage sons engrossed in the world of weightlifting and protein-rich diets, I found myself reassessing my own nutritional choices. They know that protein can help build and keep muscle. Protein can also help you feel fuller longer, so you satisfy cravings. But that wasn’t for me; I was just trying to cut calories and carbohydrates. But my journey led me to a profound realization – the critical role of protein, particularly Collagen Peptides Protein powder, in enhancing women’s health.
A friend forwarded an article from the New York Times that opened my eyes. It essentially said that women, especially as they age, may not be getting enough protein.
The recommended protein intake, roughly half a gram per pound of body weight, is equivalent to 87g for the average woman, which becomes challenging to attain through natural foods alone. Calorie reduction as you age further compounds this issue. Enter supplements, shakes, and boosts from protein powder for women – indispensable allies in maintaining optimal protein levels.
Women may not think they need extra protein because they are not trying to look like gym rats. However, as someone who helps women build pelvic floor muscle strength to keep bladder leaks at bay, I started to wonder if a lack of protein can hinder the strengthening of the pelvic floor.
Diving deeper into the impact of protein powder on women’s health, I couldn’t ignore the significance of collagen supplementation. There are many sources of protein, but collagen, as a source, has many other amazing benefits for women, for example, cheaper whey protein. Collagen, the body’s structural cornerstone, depletes as we age, affecting muscle integrity. This means that it’s not only needed for building muscle but for trying to keep what we already have. For women focused on pelvic floor health, this revelation is paramount.
Collagen Peptides Protein powder specifically fills the protein gap and is essential for building and keeping muscles, and maintaining a healthy level of collagen in the body. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body. Beyond muscle support, collagen is the bedrock of various bodily functions. It fortifies skin and nails, prevents hair loss, supports bone density, and maintains tendon and joint health. These claims aren’t mere promises; they reflect the profound impact collagen has on our skeletal tissue – an aspect often overlooked in the pursuit of vibrant health.
This is for those of you who are skeptical. I know, there are grand claims. We dug into the research.
Biochemically, collagen is approximately one-third glycine, such that every third amino acid is a glycine molecule. The next most prevalent amino acid is proline or its derivative, hydroxyproline. Together, proline and hydroxyproline comprise ∼23% of the amino acid content of the collagen molecule [ 1,2]. The hydroxylation of proline is carried out by the enzyme prolyl hydroxylase, which requires oxygen, iron, and ascorbate (i.e., vitamin C) as cofactors for successful activity. Okay- if you added Vitamin C to your supplement, it would be even better!!!
Elivital’s Collagen Peptide Protein not only has 18g of protein, but 20g of collagen peptides in every serving, which also uses the amino acids present to boost functionality. It is rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine, which help promote collagen synthesis in our body.
Proline increases estrogen in menopausal females, without estrogen therapy (remember, estrogen goes down during menopause, but the standard estrogen replacement therapy may be linked to high cancer risk). Increased estrogen lowers the pH of vaginal tissue to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and improve vaginal microbiota and lubrication. This is why one often sees UTIs increase after menopause. And UTIs and incontinence are highly correlated.
Additionally, the Elivital Collagen Peptides Protein powder is hydrolyzed, which means it is easy to digest and mix. Unflavored means it can go in almost anything, from coffee to chia seed pudding to smoothies. So while I don’t want to look like a gym rat, I do want to do everything I can to make any pelvic floor muscle-strengthening efforts successful, and who wouldn’t want to benefit from fewer wrinkles and fuller hair?
What is collagen protein powder and why is it important for women?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, providing structure to skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. For women, especially as they age, natural collagen production decreases. Supplementing with collagen protein powder can help replenish these levels, supporting muscle health, bone density, and skin elasticity, which are crucial for overall wellness.
How does collagen differ from other protein powders like whey or plant-based protein?
While all protein powders contribute to your daily intake, collagen protein powder is unique in its amino acid profile, particularly its high content of proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These specific amino acids are key building blocks for the body’s own collagen, making it particularly effective for supporting connective tissues and skin health.
What are the specific benefits of collagen for women’s health?
Collagen offers a range of benefits for women, including supporting muscle maintenance, improving bone mineral density, and promoting skin and joint health. The amino acids in collagen, such as glycine nd proline, may also help with digestive health and even provide support for menopausal symptoms and urinary tract health by balancing pH levels.
How much collagen should a woman take daily?
The recommended daily intake can vary based on individual health goals and lifestyle. The article mentions a specific product with 20 grams of collagen peptides per serving. It is best to follow the dosage instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right amount for your needs.
Can I get enough collagen from my diet alone?
While some foods like bone broth and certain animal products contain collagen, it can be difficult to consume a sufficient amount consistently through diet alone. Collagen protein powder provides a convenient and concentrated source to ensure you are meeting your body’s needs, especially as natural production declines with age.
Is collagen protein powder easy to digest?
The article mentions that collagen peptides are highly bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed and digested by the body. This makes them a gentle option for those who may have trouble with other types of protein powders.
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