Collagen is a complex protein that supports healthy skin and is said to aid weight loss. Collagen is found in many skin care products to improve skin health and reduce wrinkles. However, collagen is also available in powder form which is a nutritional supplement, and can be added to beverages, foods, and baking ingredients. If you are interested in taking collagen powder, use 1–2 tablespoons daily. Mix in food ingredients, and enjoy its health benefits.
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Method 1 of 4: Reasons to Use Collagen
Step 1. Add collagen powder to your food if you want to increase your protein intake
Collagen powder is very popular among Paleo and Ketogenic dieters due to its high protein content. Using collagen powder is an easy way to add this vital nutrient to your daily diet.
This is a great idea if you regularly train your muscles or exercise because the protein in collagen helps build and restore muscle
Step 2. Try collagen if you want to reduce hunger and lose weight.
Collagen powder is believed to reduce cravings, especially sweet foods. Protein helps regulate blood sugar levels, and cravings for sugary foods are usually caused by fluctuations in blood sugar. By using collagen powder, you can balance and eliminate the urge to eat.
Over time, it helps you lose weight, when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise
Step 3. Use collagen if you want to reduce arthritis
In general, collagen powder helps reduce inflammation in the joints of the body. These additional nutrients help promote bone health. Consider collagen powder if you have arthritis or osteoarthritis.
This can help relieve bone pain in athletes
Step 4. Try using collagen to improve overall skin health
While skincare products that contain collagen can help treat problems in certain areas, adding collagen powder to your diet can hydrate your skin as a whole. The use of collagen powder also helps the skin produce collagen naturally thereby reducing wrinkles.
The results may only be seen after 8 weeks
Step 5. Choose between collagen protein or collagen peptide
There are two types of collagen powder, and both are very beneficial. Collagen peptides are great for skin, bone, and digestive health. Collagen powder is most effective for gut health and improving sleep quality. Overall, collagen peptides are the most easily digested and able to retain nutrients.
- Use collagen protein if you want a substitute for gelatin. The gel-like consistency of collagen protein is great for use in cooking or baking.
- Choose collagen peptides if you are going to mix them with liquids. Collagen peptides are perfect for blending into smoothies and soups.
Method 2 of 4: Making Drinks with Collagen Powder
Step 1. Mix collagen powder in coffee for added protein
If you want a nutritional boost in the morning, add to 1 tablespoon (7–15 grams) of collagen powder to the coffee, along with cream and/or sugar to taste. It's an easy way to get some protein at the start of the day, which helps kickstart your metabolism.
- If you add more than 1 tbsp. (15 grams) into the coffee, the consistency will turn weird.
- Try adding 1 tbsp. (15 grams) more in the diet throughout the day, if possible.
Step 2. Add collagen powder to your smoothie to make a protein-rich drink
You can add 1-2 tbsp. (15–30 grams) of collagen powder is one of my favorite smoothie ingredients. Add before blending, and use the smoothie feature in the blender to mix all the ingredients well.
For example, you can mix 250 ml almond milk, cup ice, 1 ripe banana, 1 tbsp. (15 ml) honey, avocado and 1 tbsp. (15 grams) collagen powder. Blend all ingredients in a blender for 30–60 seconds until smooth. Then, serve in a glass
Step 3. Make a healthy strawberry lemonade drink with the addition of collagen powder
Mix 3 sliced strawberries, of a small diced cucumber and 1 lemon wedge in 2 jars or glasses. Then, shake to mix the fruit and cucumber. Add about 2 cups of water and honey to taste. Mix in to 1 tablespoon (7–15 grams) of collagen powder, and consume it within a day if you can.
You can increase or decrease the amount of collagen powder as consistently as desired. If there is enough, the drink will usually be thicker
Method 3 of 4: Cooking With Collagen Powder
Step 1. Use collagen to make egg cups
Mix 12–13 eggs, 120 grams of unflavored collagen peptides, 120 grams of grated cheese (optional) in a bowl. Shake well, and prepare a muffin tin. Fill each hole in the pan about halfway. If you want, you can add other ingredients such as bacon and sweet potatoes. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 180°C.
- You can also add asparagus or tomato garnish.
- This menu is perfect for a healthy and delicious breakfast.
Step 2. Mix the collagen powder into the pancakes to make a muscle-building food
Add to 1 tablespoon (7–15 grams) of collagen powder to the prepared pancake flour. Mix before adding liquid ingredients.
Also, if you want a detox and protein-rich option, mix 3–4 eggs, 1 tbsp. (15 grams) psyllium husk, 75 grams of berries, and 1 tbsp. (15 grams) flour, then make the dough. Then, cook on low heat for 2–4 minutes on each side
Step 3. Add in soup to increase protein content
Stir the collagen powder in the cooked soup to add protein without changing the taste. Also, use 1-2 tbsp. (15–30 grams) of collagen powder to complete your favorite soup recipe. This is best suited for soups that use 500–700 ml of broth. For best results, add to creamy soups as collagen powder makes the liquid thicker.
For example, take a pot on the stove, and mix 1 chopped cauliflower, 1 small chopped zucchini, 1 sliced onion, 6 minced garlic cloves, 500 ml of stock, and 500 ml of plain almond milk. Cook for about 10 minutes. Then, in a blender, add 1 handful of basil, 1–2 tbsp. (15–30 grams) collagen powder, and additional almond milk if desired. Puree, and serve hot or cold
Method 4 of 4: Making Healthy Snacks
Step 1. Make a fresh fruit snack with collagen powder
You can make fruit snacks from natural ingredients. Heat 500 ml of fruit juice or kombucha over low heat. While stirring, add 250 grams of fruit puree. Sprinkle 8 tbsp. (120 grams) collagen powder.
- After all the ingredients are mixed, pour into a mold or baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then, put it in the refrigerator or freezer until it hardens.
- Most fruit snacks sold usually contain a lot of sugar and artificial coloring.
Step 2. Try making healthy brownies with collagen peptides
If you're not worried about your diet, add 2-3 tbsp. (30–45 grams) of collagen powder in your favorite dough. However, you can also make healthier brownies. Mix 180 grams of almond flour, 150 maple syrup, a pinch of salt and cardamom, 2–3 tbsp. (30–45 grams) collagen powder, 2 eggs, 60 ml avocado oil, and 2 tbsp. 910 ml) vanilla extract.
- Bake at 160°C for 30–40 minutes.
- Refrigerate 10 minutes before eating.
Step 3. Make healthy jelly with collagen powder
You can make a delicious snack with just two ingredients. Pour 120m of fruit juice in a saucepan over low heat. Then, add 30 grams of collagen powder, and stir until well blended. Add another 350 ml of fruit juice, and turn off the heat. Pour into a glass bowl, and chill for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator or freezer.
Use orange, cranberry, or grape juice
Step 4. Use collagen powder to make healthy fudge cakes as a diet-supporting dessert
Use a food processor to mix 50 grams of ghee or butter, 50 ml of coconut oil, 50 ml of collagen powder, 30 grams of maple sugar or stevia, 1.5 tsp. maca powder, and 1.5 tsp. coconut flour. Then, add 120 grams of grated coconut. Pour into the mould.
- Chill in the freezer until firm.
- Sprinkle salt if you like.
- This snack is perfect for both Paleo and Keto diets.
