The re-emergence of Life, and why collagen matters.

It's been a long cold winter and I did what I seem to do every year - go inside, dive deep and fight my inner demons. And then, when the sun begins to shine and flowers bloom, I pull myself up from that winter nosedive and truly begin the next cycle of my annual adventure in a consciously lived life-experience.

This is deep and heady/heart-breaking stuff. I reached my breaking point last weekend, and blessedly witnessed by my sisters in Soul Circle, I reclaimed my journey and said "enough" to the battle. In surrendering to that fight, I am now able to turn towards the present, lay my armour down and re-engage in The Flow.

This the work of Spring: To rebuild myself, better, wiser, stronger. 

Today I found some interesting claims/information online today, as I seek out my provisions for the next season of awakening and refining.

Supplements have their ebb and flow in my life. In the spring and summer I take more animal based supplements and in the winter, I take more plant based. Not sure if there's scientific evidence on this, but my wisdom says this is natural and appropriate to the needs of my body throughout the many cycles of my life. 

On to the practicalities of my post: what to take when dairy is not an option and I am in that up-flow of animal-based protein? Collagen makes the most sense to me. I don't need a ton of protein powder as I use my smoothies as a snack over a meal, and my protein can be in the form of nourishing, delicious food whether it is animal or plant based.

What is Collagen Protein?

Collagen peptides are short chain amino acids naturally derived from pasture-raised collagen protein. Unlike gelatin, these peptides are soluble in cold liquids as well as hot. Collagen peptides contain the same amino acids as gelatin which are identical to the protein found in skin, nails, hair, bones, cartilage, and joints.

Collagen is a natural and healthy ingredient that has been used for centuries. Collagen-rich foods are a large part of traditional diets. Our ancestors utilized whole-animal nutrition, which provided an abundant amount of collagen, the native form of gelatin.

Skin, Hair, and Nails

Promote youthful skin 
Improve skin moisture Level 
Improve skin smoothness 
Prevent the formation of deep wrinkles 
Stimulate new collagen production 
Building blocks for healthy hair and nails 

Lean Body and Athletic Performance

Increase athletic performance 
Maintain a lean body 
Satiating protein to lose and maintain weight 
Reduce recovery time from physical activity 
Reduce risk of exercise-related injuries

Joint and Bone Health

Maintain bone & joint health 
Reduce joint pain 
Prevent joint matrix degeneration 
Restore bone and mineral density 
Prevent osteoarthritis and oseopenia