Another summer I can’t drink wine or margarita’s, so it looks like I need to get creative. That was exactly my thoughts as we started to plan our 4th of July party – of course we need to grab beer and such for everyone – but I love sipping on something fancy too!
So I whipped up this SUPER easy Berry Basil Collagen Lemonade recipe.
RECIPE:
I mixed 1 part organic lemonade, 1 part water, 1 scoop of Vital Proteins Tropical Hibiscus collagen, and I chopped up fresh berries and basil to throw in. SO EASY!
BUT WHY COLLAGEN?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and makes up 80% of our skin BUT as we age the production slows down. So by taking a supplement, research has found collagen has benefits.
Let’s go through the top three collagen benefits:
1- Improve Skin Health
When they say improves skin health, think HYDRATES SKIN + REDUCES WRINKLES + PROMOTES ELASTICITY of the skin. Two studies by Healthline show the following:
“In one study, women who took a supplement containing 2.5–5 grams of collagen for 8 weeks experienced less skin dryness and a significant increase in skin elasticity compared with those who did not take the supplement (Find that study here).
Another study found that women who drank a beverage mixed with a collagen supplement daily for 12 weeks experienced increased skin hydration and a significant reduction in wrinkle depth compared with a control group (Find that study here).”
But I also want to add my own experience. Being a momma and pregnant twice has left me with a few stretch marks, ugh. But I SWEAR that they got better once I started taking my collagen supplement postpartum with Lizzie.
2- Helps relieve joint pain
From years of playing sports, my knees definitely bother me from time to time. So this benefit definitely interests me.
As Healthline explains, “Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints. Some studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain overall (Find that study here). In one study, 73 athletes who consumed 10 grams of collagen daily for 24 weeks experienced a significant decrease in joint pain while walking and at rest, compared with a group that did not take it (Find that study here).
3 – Promotes Health Heart
Researchers have found taking collagen supplements aid in reducing the risk of heart related conditions.
“In one study, 31 healthy adults took 16 grams of collagen daily for 6 months. By the end, they had experienced a significant reduction in measures of artery stiffness, compared with before they started taking the supplement (Find more information here).”
I totally geek out on all of the health supplement studies and research because I find it so POWERFUL that we can take control of our health not only by eating healthy but also being knowledgble and working with your one and only body.
Are you on the #collagentrain? Let me know in the comments below!
PS. Here is the link to the collagen I purchased for this recipe.
*Full disclosure, some of these links may be affiliate links and I may make a small percentage if you purchase utilizing my link.***
