Collagen can help support digestion and overall gut health.
For all the chocolate lovers (including myself), I share with you my favorite gut-healing, stress-busting hot chocolate recipe. Not only is this yummy, chocolatey beverage full of antioxidants from the raw cacao powder, but it also has blood sugar regulating properties, derived from Ceylon cinnamon. Moreover, this cup of chocolatey goodness contains organic, grass-fed collagen, which is amazing for supporting and repairing the digestive system, plus provides awesome benefits for the skin. So whether you have symptoms of IBS or would simply like to slow the signs of aging, this recipe would definitely cover those bases. In addition, because this lovely cup of goodness includes Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (a serving contains 20 grams of protein per serving), it can even serve as a meal replacement when you are on-the-go…think when running late in the morning and dashing out the door.
*Note: the phrase “collagen peptides” means that the collagen has been broken down, making it easier for the digestive system to absorb and utilize.
Related Posts:
Cocoa or Cacao? Quick…which is the Superfood?
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Benefits of Collagen
Below are some well documented benefits of consuming collagen regularly. According to Vital Proteins website, “Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps give structure to our hair, skin, nails, bones, ligaments and tendons in our body.” As we get older, we naturally lose the collagen in our skin because the production slows down. Moreover, our joints begin to weaken and become less flexible, our hair loses it color and our bones lose their density. Basically, collagen supplementation can help our skin to stay firm, our joints to better lubricated, our bones to be stronger and our hair denser.
- Improves Skin Elasticity & Hydration
- Accelerates Hair & Nail Growth
- Increased Athletic Performance
- Aides Wound Healing
- Repairs the Gut & Supports Leaky Gut/IBS
- Aides Joints & Bone Health
- Reduces Cellulite/Firms Skins
- Builds Muscle & Burns Fat
- Improves Sleep
Collagen is an important building block for the skin. It makes up to 30% of the protein in our body and 70% of the protein within our skin.
[Due to] collagen, we’re better able to move, bend and stretch. Collagen is also behind helping hair shine, skin glow and nails stay strong. – Vital Proteins
Benefits of Adaptogens (Ashwagandha & Maca)
There are actually solutions found in nature that help to alleviate and balance the stress we exhort on our body, sometimes without even knowing. These solutions are called Adaptogens: herbs found in nature that equip the body with resistance to stress, allowing it to adapt to the physical, emotional and environmental circumstance. Basically, adaptogens are plants that have evolved with time and adapted to their environment and continue to thrive and prosper. I wish I had known about these powerful herbs, especially during my personal bout with depression and anxiety because they can be a game changer. Note: It’s important to consult with a Functional Medicine Doctor or Certified Nutritionist before taking a new supplement. Ashwagandha should not be consumed if taking an anti-depressant (SSRI).
More about Adaptogens…
Adaptogens not only help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. Even greater, these herbs help the body cope with external stresses, such as toxins in the environment and internal stresses like free radials, impaired digestion and depression. Read more here.
Gut-Healing, Stress-Busting Hot Chocolate Recipe
I have this hot chocolate (with some fruit and a dollop of nut butter) when I am running out the door and need a quick breakfast. Not only do I get my healthy 20 grams of protein, which keeps me satiated throughout the morning, but it is also refined sugar-free and provides herbal support for stress reduction, due to the adaptogenic herbs–ashwagandha and maca.
Ingredients:
- 1 c. coconut milk
- 1 tbs. organic cacao powder
- 2 tsp. organic maple syrup
- 2 scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ashwagandha powder (optional)
- 1 tsp. maca powder (optional)
- mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Warm your coconut milk in a glass or stainless steel pot over medium heat.
- Stir in the cacao, maple syrup, collagen powder, cinnamon and the optional ashwagandha + maca.
- Pour into a beautiful mug and enjoy! Pair with a piece of seasonal fruit + nut butter.
In divine health,
Kristin
**All information, content, and material of this blog is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
Resources:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/collagen-peptides-gut-healing-and-skin-benefits
https://www.healthline.com/health/collagen-powder-benefits#top-benefits
https://www.vitalproteins.com/pages/health-benefits
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