It seems counterintuitive that eating protein can help you lose weight. But that’s actually the case when you consume a particular type of protein known as collagen.
As you may have heard, collagen is one of the key molecules in the human body. After all, it makes up 25-30% of all the proteins in our system and plays a key role in building muscle mass.
So, how does collagen actually help you to lose belly fat? Read on to find out more, plus tips on how to choose collagen supplements that can aid you in your weight loss goals.
Can Taking Collagen Help You Lose Weight? Science Thinks So
While collagen doesn’t miraculously lower the numbers on your weighing scale overnight, there’s scientific evidence that proper collagen consumption can indirectly help you lose weight over time.
A Lower Body Fat Percentage
In 2018, scientists in Korea used animal models to test the anti-obesity effects of collagen peptides extracted from skate skin (a type of fish).
They first fed the mice a high-fat diet (60% kilocalories fat) before giving them skate collagen or water. The collagen-fed groups had lower weight gain and body fats compared to mice in the control group, which confirmed the researchers’ hypothesis.
Later, in 2019, another group of scientists replicated the study with overweight human test subjects.
At the end of 12 weeks, the results showed that participants who took 2,000 milligrams of skate collagen peptides per day had better body fat percentage and body fat mass than those who didn’t.
These results from the animal- and human-based trials suggest that it won’t hurt to add marine collagen peptides to your everyday diet if you’re trying to shave off some extra pounds.
Enhance the Body’s Satiety Effect
Sometimes, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Case in point: Collagen for weight loss.
That’s because protein is more effective than carbs or fats in activating the body’s satiety mode, helping you feel sated for longer.
Proteins like collagen tell the body to produce more of the satiety hormones and dial back on the synthesis of the appetite-enhancing hormone, ghrelin. This is why you feel fuller after a protein-rich meal compared to one soaked in grease or filled with carbs.
In other words, consuming collagen-rich foods or taking collagen supplements can make saying “No” to unhealthy cravings easier, making your attempts at dieting more successful.
Peak Physical Performance
The best thing about collagen has to be its ability to keep you in top form on the field or in the gym. As exercise is pivotal to the success of most weight loss programs, it makes total sense to include collagen in your diet as you work toward a healthier BMI (body mass index) score.
So, how does collagen promote peak physical performance? The answer is threefold:
- Accelerates post-exercise recovery: Scientific data indicates that supplementing with collagen before and after your workout may improve your perception of muscle soreness. What’s more, it could potentially enhance your performance!
- Improves joint discomfort: Don’t let achy joints put a dampener on your workout plans. Instead, supplement with collagen as it has been scientifically proven to improve joint pain when you walk, stand, run, or lift.
- Minimize the likelihood of injuries: A pulled muscle likely translates to an injury that puts you off the mat for at least a few days. Science recommends adding collagen to your diet so you can safeguard yourself against workout-related sprains and strains. The reason? Gelatin helps boost collagen synthesis in the connective tissues after a workout, which means fewer chances of a workout-induced injury.
How To Tell if a Collagen Supplement Is Good for Weight Loss
If you’re thinking of going the supplemental route for collagen, keep in mind that collagen supplements (like any other dietary supplements) aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That said, these supplements are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The only thing you need to consider is the source, form, and dosage of the collagen supplement. Here are a few pointers to help you decide if a collagen supplement is good for weight loss:
Read the Ingredient List Carefully
As a consumer, it’s vital to analyze the supplement’s ingredient list and make sure it’s free of substances like:
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- Heavy metals (especially for marine-based supplements)
- Artificial additives, like anti-caking agents and sweeteners
Instead, make sure the ingredient list is kept clean and simple. For instance, Zen Principle’s Beef Collagen Peptides Powder only has one ingredient on its list — hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides.
Choose the Right Collagen Form
There are two main types of collagen supplements — collagen peptides and gelatin.
The main difference between collagen peptides and gelatin is that the former is fully broken down while the latter is partially disintegrated.
Collagen peptides are usually a better choice for people who prefer their collagen supplements to be easily digested or struggle with digestive discomfort like bloating and gas. Meanwhile, gelatin is a good pick if you want to add texture to your food.
Check the Source
Depending on which collagen supplement you go with, always check the source to ensure its quality.
For beef collagen supplements, make sure it’s made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, like Zen Principle’s Beef Gelatin Powder. We go one step further by ensuring these cows are humanely raised and free of harmful antibiotics, GMO-contaminated feed, and artificial additives.
On the other hand, marine collagen supplements should ideally be created from fresh, wild-caught fish that are sustainably sourced from the sea. Case in point: Our Marine Collagen Peptides Powder, which is nutrient-packed and free of harmful antibiotics and GMOs.
For peace of mind, you’ll also want to choose a collagen supplement produced and packaged in a facility compliant with the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This will help ensure safety and consistent quality, two things you never have to worry about with Zen Principle’s collagen supplements.
The Best Collagen Powder for Weight Loss
Collagen is one supplement you shouldn’t miss out on if you’re looking for a slimmer physique. As research has shown us, this protein helps trim down your body fat percentage, keeps you fuller for longer, and may optimize your physical performance.
On the hunt for collagen supplements as part of your weight loss regimen? Look no further than Zen Principle’s collagen range. From collagen peptides to gelatin, beef collagen to marine collagen, there’s one for everyone’s collagen needs.
