We Answer Your Questions About Collagen and Muscle Growth
TJ Ferrara
about 3 years ago
Collagen peptides have soared in popularity in the last few years, especially in the fitness world. We’re not surprised at the increased popularity, given how easy it is to consume, and how many benefits it can offer your body. You can mix collagen protein into your morning cup of coffee or smoothie, bake it into your next tray of homemade baked goods, even drop it into a dynamite turkey chili. Since it is pure protein, many people wonder what role it has in helping you build and retain muscle mass, as a complement to any workout or fitness regimen. We’ve broken down every way that collagen protein can positively impact your workout below.
What are collagen peptides?
First, let’s define what we’re talking about. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body, and it makes up most of our connective tissue, including tendons, and ligaments. This protein provides a framework for many of our body’s structures. Most collagen supplements are made of collagen peptides. Collagen peptides are collagen protein that has been hydrolyzed, or broken down, into a size that is easier for your body to absorb when consumed.
Can you use collagen to build muscle?
So, can you use Bubs Naturals collagen protein to help build muscle? Absolutely. Let’s find out why. Collagen is not a complete protein. A complete protein is a protein that is made of the nine essential amino acids, that your body cannot produce on its own. This means that the body needs to source these amino acids from your diet, and they can be found in a variety of foods that we eat on a regular basis: whey, eggs, soy and more. Our collagen protein can offer 7 of these 9 essential amino acids, helping you build and retain muscle during and after your workouts.
So what does collagen do for muscles?
As we mentioned before, collagen is rich in amino acids. It offers a majority of the essential amino acids that your body needs to function, and those amino acids are always hard at work. Glycine and arginine work together to make creatine. Creatine is a popular supplement among bodybuilders, as it helps muscles produce energy during heavy lifting. It also helps your muscles withstand heavier weights. One study suggests that combining collagen peptides with resistance training contributes to muscle mass, body mass and strength. These results are of course due to the presence of the important amino acids found in collagen. Arginine is known to increase the presence of growth hormones. Research suggests that this could have positive benefits for people who lift weights to stimulate muscle mass growth. Glycine is also believed to protect muscles during periods when they could waste away, such as during illness.
Why else should I take collagen while building muscle?
Collagen levels drop as we age, which can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in joint and skin issues. The best way to get collagen is to make it from the nutrients we get in our diets, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just don’t get enough. Furthermore, our ability to produce collagen can decline as we get older. This process eventually takes a toll on our joints. There is wear and tear associated with repetitive motions, which is why trainers will suggest mixing up your workout routine. This wear and tear can lead to issues such as arthritis as the connective tissue in your joints wear down. If you find that your weight lifting routine includes a lot of repetition, boosting your collagen intake can benefit you in the long run. Studies have found that athletes who supplemented their workouts with collagen peptides experienced less joint pain when they exercised. In short, if you’re looking for an established method for gaining and retaining muscle mass before, during and after your workouts, you need to check out our collagen protein. Our hydrolyzed, grass-fed collagen peptides can help you do more than retain muscle: you can also expect stronger skin, healthier hair and nails, joint support and more. We think it’s time you discovered what this indispensable fitness tool can do for your workout and recovery.
The bottom line: collagen can transform your workouts.
Our bodies can make collagen from the proteins we eat. When we consume complete proteins, our bodies break it down into amino acids used to build proteins for various bodily processes and structures. From our DNA to our bones and brains, these amino acids are always hard at work. Our collagen protein, your ticket to jump starting muscle growth, helps take your workout regimen to the next level.