Collagen is an essential protein that can aid athletic performance, reduce joint inflammation, and help you feel healthier, happier and more flexible. Taking collagen supplements is a great way to ensure you’re getting enough of this vital nutrient and is also convenient for people on the go. If you’re thinking about starting a regimen but you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll explain how grass-fed beef collagen supplements are made, why they’re better than grain-fed and what to look for in a good supplement. We also share some tips to increase your collagen production and stay fit and flexible.
The Story of Grass-Fed Beef Collagen
Collagen helps balance your dietary protein ratios and methionine levels, but not all supplements are created equal. What sets grass-fed beef collagen apart?
The Journey Starts With Happy Cows
Getting collagen from happy cows makes all the difference in extracting high-quality collagen. Grass-fed beef is the best option for effective supplements because it contains more omega-3 fatty acids than collagen from confinement-fed beef.
So, what exactly is grass-fed beef? It means grass and forage are the only feed sources the animal has consumed throughout its lifetime, aside from the milk it consumes as a calf. The feed should consist of grass and forage, and the animals should never eat any grain or grain byproducts. When looking for collagen supplements, check that they come from grass-fed beef that does not contain artificial growth hormones like rBGH.
The happiest, healthiest cows are raised where there are lots of fresh grasslands to munch on. Natural grasslands provide most of the nutrients they need, and any deficiencies are supplemented with minerals and salts. Pasture-raising cattle in this way allows them to socialize the way nature intended.
Pasturing cows on grass significantly improves their welfare compared to confinement systems, as demonstrated by research on stress levels and overall production health. Studies show that cows raised on pasture exhibit lower cortisol levels—a reliable indicator of stress—compared to those in confined feeding operations (Hernandez-Mendo et al., 2007). Pasture access allows cows to engage in natural behaviors such as grazing, roaming, and socializing, which align closely with their instinctive needs and contribute to improved psychological well-being (Phillips, 2002).
Additionally, grazing cows benefit from a more natural diet, which supports better gut health and reduces metabolic disorders often linked to grain-based diets in confinement systems (Hale et al., 2021). This enhances their quality of life and correlates with sustainable production, as healthier cows produce higher-quality milk and meat with less medical intervention. These findings underscore the ethical and practical benefits of grass pasturing for livestock welfare.
It’s Time to Source the Collagen
So, which part of the cow becomes high-quality collagen? Most collagen supplements are derived from cartilage because it’s high in collagen. Turning these waste products into collagen supplements is a sustainable way to utilize the whole animal in a health-giving way.
In modern society, people mostly consume muscle, but early humans consumed the whole animalt. The gelatinous connective tissues and fattier parts of the meat hold the collagen that's important for strong joints, luscious hair and a healthy brain. Happy grass-fed cows hold more nutrition like omega fatty acids, CLA and cartilage, so extracting collagen from these cuts of beef results in the most nutrient-dense supplements that reflect what your ancestors ate.
Lastly, Collagen Peptides Are Created
Collagen must be in the form of collagen peptides to be absorbed into the bloodstream. These peptides break down into protein building blocks like keratin, which helps with youthful skin and strong hair. Here are the typical steps involved in creating collagen peptides:
- Connective tissues are cleaned in solution. This process removes excess fat without stripping the nutrients.
- Next, the connective tissues are soaked in vinegar water set to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. This step promotes the release of collagen peptides from the tissues.
- Finally, the extracted collagen peptides are hydrolyzed using evaporation. This process allows the collagen powder to dissolve into warm, hot or cold liquids effortlessly. This form of collagen has a low molecular weight, so it’s easier to use and drink.
Practices That Produce More Collagen
Collagen accounts for approximately 30% of your body’s protein, making it an essential building block for healthy tendons, muscles, joints, skin and bones. It’s also important for your blood vessels, intestinal lining and organs.
As you get older, collagen levels naturally decline, but habits like smoking, unprotected sun exposure and sugar consumption can also cause a drop. What can you do to increase your collagen and prevent loss?
Collagen Peptides, Unflavored (formerly known as The Keystone)
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Take Collagen Supplements
Collagen Peptides, Unflavored (formerly known as The Keystone)
Studies show taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements for 90 days may improve skin elasticity and increase hydration, which could help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen supplements aren’t FDA-regulated, so it’s important to know what to look for when shopping.
Search for products with these words on the label:
- Collagen peptides, collagen hydrolysate or hydrolyzed collagen
- Organic and hormone-free
- Grass-fed
- The single-ingredient being hydrolyzed beef collagen peptides
Sip Ginseng Tea
Ginseng is a plant with several health benefits. It also has powerful antioxidant properties that hold anti-inflammatory benefits, which may slow down aging.
Consuming red ginseng tea is soothing and calming, but it may also improve the elasticity of the fibroblasts, which form part of the collagen structure. This effect could help with stiff joints and skin elasticity.
Use Sunscreen
While sunscreen won’t directly increase your collagen production, it does protect your skin from UV exposure. If you exercise outdoors or spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, using sunscreen can help slow down the breakdown of collagen in your skin. Here are some steps to apply it correctly and effectively:
- Apply at least one ounce of sunscreen from head to toe. Ensure you cover all exposed areas, including the ears and exposed scalp.
- Wait 15 minutes after application before going out into the sun. It gives the sunscreen enough time to absorb and give you the maximum benefit.
- Reapply sunscreen every 30-60 minutes, depending on the SPF you use. You may need to reapply more frequently if you’re doing water-based activities.
Increase Vitamin C
Vitamin C is crucial for the biosynthesis of collagen and protein metabolism. Deficiencies can cause low collagen levels and may result in scurvy in some cases. The human body doesn’t make vitamin C so you can get this nutrient from many food sources, including:
- Strawberries
- Citrus fruit
- Green and red peppers
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
While you can get vitamin C from food sources, it’s also important to take a supplement to ensure you’re getting enough. Look for a one that uses natural ingredients like Astragalus and green tea to add to the nutritional balance.
Should You Take Collagen Supplements?
Yes! While you can get good amounts of collagen from gnawing on chicken feet or eating gelatinous meat, a supplement is an easy and effective way to do it.
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are readily available and you can simply dissolve them in your morning coffee or smoothie. Our range of collagen products are easy to use and made from wholesome, organic ingredients.
Collagen Peptides, Unflavored (formerly known as The Keystone)
$39.99
Author Bio
Jack Shaw is the senior health and fitness writer at Modded as well as a coach and sports enthusiast. For the past 6+ years he's studied and written extensively about how people of all ages and skill levels can stay fit and maintain mental and physical health. In recent years his athletic expertise has been featured in BarBend, TrainHeroic, SimpliFaster and more.