What are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen is a term that has been used for decades in the beauty industry. However, drinking collagen is a new concept, as the multiple benefits have just recently been discovered. This has led to a boom of edible products containing collagen, but as more products come out to the market, it becomes harder to keep track of all the terms. Some products use the term collagen peptides, while others use hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate. Is there a difference between all these terms? In this article we analyze what exactly are collagen peptides, and if there is a difference with other terms used.
Collagen peptides are for the most part animal sourced, although there are some vegetarian options. The most effective types of collagen are porcine and bovine, as collagen from those animals is exactly the same as human collagen. In order to produce collagen peptides, the raw materials go through a process of extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, purification, concentration, sterilization and drying. At Besha, this process is made with very rigorous standards overseen by the German health authorities.
Collagen is a large molecule making it difficult to be absorbed when applied topically. That is the reason creams and skin lotions are not as effective. When collagen goes through the hydrolysis process the triple helix of collagen is broken up. Long chains are hydrolyzed to form shorter chains and further hydrolysis leads to short peptides, some of which are bioactive. The result is collagen peptides that are highly absorbable by the body.
But how do collagen peptides actually work?
As collagen peptides are ingested, the body perceives them as if your own collagen was being degraded. This triggers your own body to produce more collagen. This was proven in a recent study conducted at the University of Kiel, Germany, where they measured collagen levels in the body of a group of women drinking Besha Collagen* vs a group who were given a placebo. After two months, collagen levels in the body of the group drinking Besha Collagen had increased by 65 percent compared to the placebo group.
Drinking collagen is certainly an effective way of replenishing collagen that the body has lost through the aging process. The most notable benefits are a reduction in skin wrinkles, stronger hair and nails, and more flexible and resilient joints.
So, what is the difference between hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides?
There is no difference between the two terms. Hydrolyzed collagen was the term used as this product first came out. However, as explained earlier hydrolysis better describes the process rather than the product. The term collagen peptides is now used more frequently. There are other terms used such as collagen hydrolysate, collagen powder, collagen supplement, though they all refer to the same product. The difference between Besha and other brands is that its patented formula assures that the result of the hydrolysis process leaves a collagen peptide that triggers production in specific cells.
Regardless of the term used, drinking collagen is indisputably beneficial for your health. As we age, collagen in the body decreases, and it has been proven that the right peptide will help you replenish it. Hydrolyzed collagen, collagen peptides, or collagen supplements will all be equally beneficial to help you delay the aging process, and ensure you lead a healthier and thus happier life.
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