What is the Difference Between Collagen Powder and Bone Broth?

Some people are confused about what exactly bone broth is, why it's popular and how it differs from collagen supplement powder.

Join us for a deep dive into the benefits of collagen and how it can be obtained through supplements and bone broth. It will become clear why you consider adding both into your daily routine.

1. What is Collagen?

Let's start the discussion and review exactly what collagen is.

You may have heard the buzz or seen collagen mentioned more as it has become a popular way to slow down the aging process by helping to strengthen thinning hair, smooth wrinkly skin, relieve creaky joints, improve poor gut health and reduce inflammation.

The human body is made up of approximately 16% proteins, and collagen makes up around 30% of the overall proteins. Hence, it is the most abundant protein found in our body.

Collagen is a key structural protein within our connective tissues including our skin, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. It effectively works as a strong and flexible "glue" that holds and binds cells together. Collagen also sends out important signals to help repair damaged cells and reduce inflammation.

Like most things in our body, collagen is produced through a complex process. It starts with protein and vitamin C, plus required amino acids to produce what are called fibrils. Fibrils are like strings in a shirt, the fibrils are what holds everything together in our bodies.

Unfortunately, as our bodies age, we naturally produce less and less collagen. This reduction starts in our 30’s and accelerates in our 40’s and beyond. Our physical bodies will show signs of aging accordingly: crepey and sagging skin, gut and digestive issues, achy joints to name a few.

This article cites the many benefits of collagen gained through studies and experience. They also bring up the important point to ensure any collagen supplement or bone broth we consume should be of high quality.

One way to produce more collagen in our bodies is to eat superfoods and drink bone broth. Another way is to take an actual supplement, which is concentrated, bio-available and easy to take. We recommend all of these approaches to ensure you can see and feel a difference.

2. What Does Collagen Do For You?

Adding collagen to our diet is easy to do. These are the improvements people have seen as a result:

•Smoother skin, thicker hair, stronger nails, and less painful joints
•Enhanced immune system and reduction in inflammation
•Curbing of hunger cravings which can cause weight loss
•Easier digestion, improved gut health
•More energy without caffeine jitters

3. Collagen Powder vs. Bone Broth

a. Collagen Peptides

Let's start with what collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen) are and how they are different than bone broth.

Because collagen protein is a large structure, our bodies are not able to effectively absorb collagen in its original form. To make collagen more bio-available (better able to be absorbed and used by the body), the collagen is extracted from bovine hides and hydrolyzed.

Hydrolysis uses water to break down the collagen fibrils, leaving behind the amino acids, protein and collagen--known as peptides. The peptides contain concentrated collagen protein that is highly bio-available.

Today, hydrolyzed collagen or peptides are made into powder, enclosed in a capsule, can be mixed into liquids and used in cooking and other foods (gummies for example).

b. Bone Broth

Bone broth is made from the usually discarded bones, skin and connective tissue from animals. The main ingredients can be sourced from pork, beef, veal, turkey, lamb, bison, buffalo, venison, chicken or fish.

The bones and connective tissue, or skin from fish, are boiled for hours (recommended for at least 10+ hours), leaving behind a powerful concentration of gelatin (concentrated collagen), minerals and amino acids.

Although bone broth does not contain as much concentrated collagen such as in a supplement, it offers a nutrient dense broth that can be sipped or made into a soup or stew. It's convenient to take along anywhere and provides a filling snack or meal.

Broth not only has all the benefits of collagen, but it also includes other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus which helps maintain strong bones and teeth.

Each approach has its place in our diet. Some believe we can never get enough collagen. So taking a supplement and drinking delicious bone broth both help our bodies to stay strong and healthy.

It's easy and cheap to make bone broth at home, making it a cheap option to add collagen and other important nutrients to our bodies. You'll need a lot of time though to make a good back, and maybe you don't have that time or desire. Luckily, today you can buy high-quality, ready-made bone broth or bone broth powder to mix into liquids or food.