Benefits of Adding Collagen to Coffee - A Discussion

Introduction

The market for collagen supplements has seen significant growth in recent years. Consumers are drawn to the potential benefits, including improved skin complexion and reduced joint pain, and are exploring creative ways to incorporate collagen into their diets. One such method gaining popularity is adding collagen to coffee. This article aims to explore the question of whether it is advisable to include collagen in coffee.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a dense, fibrous protein that is insoluble and can be found in various parts of the body, such as bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It constitutes approximately one-third of the body's total protein by weight. There are different types of collagen, with the majority (80 to 90 percent) found in the body belonging to the following types:

• Type I: Found in skin, ligaments, tendons, bone, dentin, and interstitial tissues.

• Type II: Present in cartilage throughout the body and the vitreous humor of the eye.

• Type III: Found in skin, muscles, and blood vessels.

As one gets older, the body's production of collagen decreases, leading to a decline in the structural integrity of skin and bone tissues. This can result in the formation of wrinkles and the weakening of joint cartilage. One potential approach to counteract this process is to increase collagen intake through sources like bone broth or by using collagen supplements.

What Kinds of Supplements for Collagen Are There?

Collagen supplements offer a measurable way to increase collagen intake beyond what can be obtained from the diet. These supplements are sourced from various origins, with pork, cattle, and marine sources being the most common, all predominantly containing type 1 collagen.

Advancements in technology have also led to the development of vegan collagen supplements produced using genetically modified yeast and bacteria. Most collagen supplements are hydrolyzed into peptides, making them easier for the body to digest and incorporate into connective tissue.

These supplements are typically available in powder or liquid form and come in both flavored and unflavored varieties. Many people prefer the unflavored option, as it can be seamlessly added to foods and beverages without altering their taste.

What Are the Benefits of Adding Collagen to Coffee?

The benefits of adding collagen to coffee are numerous and often overlooked. Collagen supplements begin to degrade at high temperatures, but the temperature of the daily coffee is much lower. The average cup of coffee is brewed at around 160 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the temperature at which collagen starts to degrade (572 degrees Fahrenheit). Adding collagen to the coffee not only tastes good but also offers several benefits.

• Help the Liver: Coffee alone has benefits for the liver, such as slowing scar tissue growth and potentially fighting against liver diseases and cancer. Collagen, rich in amino acids like glycine, can further protect the liver from damage.

• Improve Digestive Health: While coffee can worsen symptoms for some individuals with leaky gut, adding collagen to coffee may help heal the lining of the intestines, reducing hormone imbalances, digestive issues, and autoimmune disorders. Coffee stimulates muscle contractions in the colon, aiding digestion, and collagen protects the mucosal lining of the digestive system.

• Enhance Skin, Hair, and Nails: Collagen's amino acids nourish the skin, nails, and hair, promoting cell renewal, elasticity, and lubrication. It can prevent dryness, brittleness, wrinkles, and fine lines, supporting overall skin health. Additionally, coffee provides antioxidants and nutrients that benefit the appearance of skin, hair, and nails.

• Alleviate Aches and Pains: Collagen, along with coffee's anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce joint inflammation, easing arthritis symptoms and age-related aches and pains.

• Prevent Bone Loss: Collagen contributes to bone strength and structure. As collagen declines with age, bone mass can decrease, leading to conditions like osteoporosis. Collagen supplementation may help prevent bone breakdown and reduce the risk of fractures.

• Boost Muscle Mass: Collagen is essential for muscle health, and supplementing with collagen, especially when combined with exercise, can help maintain muscle mass and strength, counteracting the effects of sarcopenia (progressive decrease in power and muscle mass with aging).

• Promote Heart Health: Collagen supports the elasticity and flexibility of arteries. By maintaining artery health, collagen can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Collagen supplements have been demonstrated in studies to lower artery stiffness and increase levels of HDL (good cholesterol), decreasing the risk of heart disease.

Adding collagen to coffee is an easy way to incorporate it into a daily routine and enjoy these benefits. However, it is important to remember that moderation is key, as excessive coffee consumption may have negative effects. As always, consult with the healthcare provider before making any significant changes to the diet or starting any new supplements to ensure it aligns with the individual needs and health status.

Can Collagen Be Added to Coffee?

The rising popularity of collagen supplements has led to various trends, including the addition of collagen peptides to coffee. Many people find this to be an easy way to increase their collagen intake. Unflavored collagen powder can be added to coffee or other beverages without significantly altering their taste. However, one may be concerned about the effect of heat on collagen when adding it to hot beverages like coffee.

Will Collagen Be Destroyed by Heat?

Proteins, including collagen, can undergo denaturation when subjected to high temperatures or liquids that are both acidic and alkaline. Denaturation involves slight changes in the protein's structure. Collagen peptides used in supplements are typically obtained from animal hides through exposure to acidic or alkaline solutions, followed by cooking at temperatures up to 190ºF (88ºC) to extract the peptides. This process denatures collagen and enhances its absorption in the digestive tract.

It is important to note that collagen proteins can undergo further degradation when exposed to even higher temperatures. This degradation can break down the protein, potentially affecting its functionality. A study found that collagen proteins started to degrade at around 302ºF (150ºC).

Considering that coffee is typically brewed at temperatures ranging from 195ºF to 205ºF (90ºC to 96ºC), which is significantly lower than the temperature at which collagen proteins degrade, adding collagen to your coffee is unlikely to negatively affect the quality of the supplement. As long as your coffee remains below 302ºF (150ºC) when adding the collagen powder, the supplement should maintain its effectiveness.

How to Add Collagen to Coffee?

In order to add collagen to coffee, follow these simple steps:

• Brew coffee using the preferred method.

• Measure out a serving of collagen protein, typically around 20 grams.

• Gently stir the collagen powder into the coffee until it fully dissolves.

Another popular trend is butter coffee or bulletproof coffee, which involves adding butter and MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil to the coffee. Advocates of this trend claim that it can suppress appetite, aid in weight loss, and enhance mental clarity. While limited scientific data supports these claims, adding butter to coffee may help individuals on a very low-carb keto diet maintain ketosis, a metabolic state where the body primarily uses fat for energy.

Butter coffee is also popular among intermittent fasters, who abstain from food for specific periods. However, it is important to note that consuming coffee with added fat breaks the fast.

Some individuals also incorporate collagen protein into their butter coffee to potentially enjoy the benefits associated with collagen supplementation. However, there is currently insufficient data to suggest that adding collagen to butter coffee provides additional advantages compared to adding it to regular coffee.

Ultimately, the choice of adding collagen to the coffee or butter coffee is a personal preference, and it is important to consider your specific dietary goals and preferences.

What Are the Other Alternatives to Incorporate Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides can be incorporated into various hot or cold foods and beverages, in addition to coffee. Here are some examples:

• Smoothies.

• Juices.

• Tea.

• Oats.

• Soups.

• Mashed potatoes.

• Jello.

When adding collagen to hot foods, it is recommended to incorporate it towards the end of cooking or preparation when temperatures have slightly reduced. This helps to prevent the degradation of the collagen. For cold foods and beverages, solubility may be a concern, and thorough mixing may be necessary to ensure proper dispersion of the collagen.

Adding collagen supplements to foods and beverages will not alter the flavor because the majority of collagen supplements have no taste and no odor. This makes it convenient to incorporate collagen into the favorite recipes without compromising taste.

Conclusion

The amazing rise in popularity of collagen protein supplements is mostly attributable to their potential advantages, which include enhancing skin elasticity and easing wrinkles and joint pain. According to studies, the quality of the supplement remains unaffected when collagen powder is added to hot coffee that has been made within the typical temperature range (195 to 205 ℉ or 90 to 96 ℃). Given that collagen supplements are generally safe, including them in a healthy diet could be a wise investment in an individual’s well-being. People may readily obtain collagen supplements in both physical locations and online sellers if one is thinking about giving them a try. But before including collagen in a daily regimen, like with any vitamin, it is recommended to speak with a physician. With their help, one can make sure that it fits their particular health demands.