10 Reasons To Take Collagen In The Morning
Have you ever wondered when is the best time of day to take collagen? There are many factors that go into the answer, such as the form, amount, and type of collagen you’re taking, but in general it’s best to take this supplement in the morning so you can get the most out of it. Keep reading to find out why!
1) Start your day right
If you’re taking collagen supplements for skin or joint health, then it’s important that you take them first thing in the morning. The body’s glycogen stores are limited and peak just after waking, meaning that your muscles will be able to use these sugars more effectively for recovery after exercise if you take collagen beforehand. Additionally, collagen is more easily absorbed by our systems during fasting; since most of us don’t eat first thing when we wake up (especially if we sleep through breakfast), taking it at night could make your body less efficient at absorbing its nutrients. Instead, try making it a habit to swallow some gelatin first thing every morning; before coffee or water even touch your lips, you’ll already be improving your health!
2) Burn fat faster
If you’ve ever seen a bodybuilder taking a pre-workout supplement, then you’re familiar with these supplements that contain caffeine and various other ingredients designed to increase energy levels and suppress appetite. Taking one of these before your workout can help you exercise harder and burn more calories. But take it too late in the day and it could interfere with your sleep cycle—which is why so many people swear by morning workouts. Bottom line: Choose a time of day that works for you and stick with it!
3) Boost your brain power
According to a 2013 report from Nutrition Business Journal, more than 50 percent of supplement users take supplements first thing upon waking. Research has shown that taking collagen before you eat breakfast can enhance your body’s ability to absorb protein, which is great for muscle building and fat loss. The right amount of protein in your diet will also keep you fuller throughout the day. By eating less frequently, or skipping breakfast altogether, you’re likely to consume more calories later in the day.
4) Balance blood sugar
Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Protein is going to curb your hunger for a longer period of time, says nutritionist and registered dietitian Julia Zumpano. So it can be a smart breakfast choice if you’re trying to lose weight or avoid too many impulse buys from the vending machine. Collagen has been shown to help with hunger, fatigue, anxiety and depression – all things that can make it tough for people who are overweight or obese to stick with their goals. If you wake up starving, having a protein-packed snack before diving into your morning coffee will help level out your blood sugar so you won’t be tempted by mid-morning snacks—and give you lasting energy well past lunchtime.
5) Revitalize skin
Restoring collagen is a process that can take a few months, and research shows that your body’s natural production of collagen is at its peak first thing in the morning. Vitamin C helps protect against free radical damage that can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging, which means you’ll see more rapid results from your morning collagen ritual. It also boosts blood flow, which can improve skin tone and elasticity.
6) Maintain healthy joints
If you’re over 35, you should be concerned about your joints. As we age, our joints lose their ability to lubricate and produce synovial fluid, which acts as a cushion and prevents bones from rubbing together and grinding against each other. This leads to osteoarthritis and other joint-related issues that can severely impact our quality of life. Thankfully, collagen peptides help replace these lost nutrients and fight joint-related health problems like those mentioned above.
7) Repair muscles faster
Even if you don’t exercise, collagen is a powerful muscle-building protein that can help repair, rebuild and strengthen muscles and joints after a long day of work. Start your day with collagen and it will promote healthy looking skin and hair while also promoting higher energy levels throughout your day. Some people say they even notice an improvement in their memory when they take collagen every morning! As an added bonus: People who take collagen before bed often report better, deeper sleep too.
8) Enhance digestion & absorption
Having a high-protein breakfast can help curb late-morning sugar cravings that sometimes lead us to reach for a mid-morning snack. During our sleep cycle, our muscles continue rebuilding themselves—especially if we’ve trained hard during our day. This process uses a lot of protein, which is why eating a high-protein breakfast can boost energy and give you that I just worked out feel. It’s also essential for promoting muscle growth while you sleep.
9) End cravings earlier
When we crave sugary or salty snacks, it’s usually late afternoon or early evening. That’s because our bodies are lacking nutrients at that time of day, and as a result it thinks its missing out on something important. Instead of going for a big meal at dinner, take collagen tablets with breakfast and lunch—you can even break them up throughout your day if you’re taking them more than once a day. This will ensure you never go too long without essential vitamins and minerals.
10) Better overall health & wellness
Collagen has numerous benefits for general health and wellness, including boosting energy levels, strengthening nails and hair, improving sleep quality, reducing joint pain and improving overall well-being. Studies have also shown that collagen can benefit skin elasticity, mobility and wound healing. These are just a few of the many reasons you should consider taking collagen early in your day.
Conclusion
Not only will taking collagen help with your hair, skin, and nails, but it will also allow you to start your day out right. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and follow a balanced diet rich in minerals. If you begin taking collagen with these factors intact, you’ll notice a positive difference from day one!