The whole truth about plant collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen is a protein of animal origin, so its intake represents an inconvenience for those who have a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, there is a viable alternative for people with this type of dietary preference: plant collagen.

Some refer to collagen as “the glue of bones.” And it is no wonder, since it is essential for the support of organs, the formation of bone mass, tendons and ligaments. It is also essential to maintain skin elasticity and promotes cartilage regeneration... These are just some of the properties that you have most likely heard in relation to collagen.

On the other hand, the decrease in this protein in the human body is linked to the aging process, since recent studies show that, by the age of 40, collagen levels in the body have been reduced by around 50%. For this reason, every year more middle-aged people begin to consume it as a supplement, with the aim of combating the effects of old age, or to relieve symptoms related to joint diseases ( 1 ).

Is it possible to benefit from the properties of collagen without compromising our eating habits? Yes, it is possible, and here we tell you how to do it.

Does Plant Collagen Exist?

Although there are certain vegetables and legumes that have a certain amount of protein, collagen is solely and exclusively of animal origin. Plants do not bind their tissues with collagen or use it in their support tissues as occurs in the animal kingdom. However, we can find products classified as “genuine collagen of plant origin”. What would these actually be?

When we talk about plant collagen we are referring to its properties . Therefore, vegetable collagen seeks to give you the same benefits as that extracted from animals, only using different amino acids and nutrients present in vegetables.

In other words, plant collagen exists because, just as in animals, plants use proteins and fixation methods that share the same characteristics, and we can take advantage of them with the same results and without having to consume animal derivatives.

Like animal collagen and the proteins you consume, they are all broken down into amino acids regardless of their animal or plant origin. It is the amino acids that are absorbed and enter the blood. The difference between consuming animal collagen is that it has the proportion of amino acids necessary to build new collagen fibers in the body.

Likewise, when we talk about plant collagen we are referring to carefully selected plant proteins and other molecules with nutritional and support value that provide the same proportion of amino acids and the same function as collagen of animal origin, providing the same properties without using cruelty to animals and respecting the highest vegan standards.

You might be interested in: How long is it advisable to take collagen?

Where Does Plant Collagen Come From?

Plants are a great source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals and a plant-based diet is capable of providing adequate nutrition to those who decide to be vegan ( 2 ). In addition to this, many plants have healing properties very similar to the effect that animal collagen has, as well as proteins with amino acids that simulate the action of collagen taken orally. Among the main vegetables used to produce collagen of plant origin are:

• Green vegetables : Broccoli, cabbage and green beans are vegetables rich in vitamin C, A, B1 and B2, which help absorb iron, reducing the feeling of fatigue. They also regenerate red blood cells, so they are good for people with anemia.
• Carrots : Being very rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, carrots help the digestive system and improve the appearance of the skin. In addition, they strengthen the immune system.
• Peppers : Being rich in antioxidants, they help delay the effects of aging by fighting free radicals.

These are just some of the vegetables used to make what pharmacies sell as vegetable collagen. As you can see, the effects of some plants on our skin, joints and interstitial tissue are very similar to those of collagen.

Benefits of Vegetable Collagen

Collagen is a protein molecule present in all mammals, and its role in the fundamental development of life is very important. We do not say this in vain, since almost 7% of a human's body mass is made up of it. It is present in bones, muscles, joints, tendons, nails, hair and even eyes.

For this reason, when this polypeptide begins to be scarce, it generates multiple complications and many people seek to consume collagen for their skin and avoid premature aging. That is why we can list the following benefits of plant collagen ( 1 ):

• Collagen for the skin gives it elasticity and firmness. So it prevents sagging and wrinkles that come with age.
• Strengthens nails and hair, preventing hair loss.
• Reduces pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, chronic arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and gout.
• Strengthens the connective tissue that joins bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage.
• Promotes muscle regeneration after exercise.
• Lubricates the joints, preventing friction between them from causing discomfort.
• Gives flexibility to muscles and joints.
• Reduces vision deterioration, keeping the cornea healthy.

Hydrolyzed Collagen VS. Vegetable Collagen

As already mentioned, plant collagen is made up of molecules and amino acids with the same function as natural collagen fibers. Within the Plantae Kingdom we can easily find foods that provide us with the same benefits as consuming hydrolyzed collagen.

So, if we are about to discuss which of the two is the best, we must declare a tie, since science and modern extraction techniques have made it possible to improve our health without making distinctions about our eating habits.

Therefore, whether you consume hydrolyzed collagen or plant-based collagen, you will be doing your health and well-being a favor.

You might be interested in: Is it good to take collagen?

Vegan Food with Collagen

Plants have great versatility in the world of gastronomy, thus demonstrating that neither meat nor carbohydrates should be the protagonists in the kitchen. For that reason, here we list the best vegan dishes with vegetables with properties similar to those of collagen.

• Cabbage and carrot salad
• Chop Suey
• Carrot cake
• Broccoli omelet
• Sauteed with broccoli and spinach
• Green Bean Stew

By supplementing your diet with plant collagen, you will be able to stay healthy and fit. However, since there is a wide variety of products that claim to be collagen for vegans, which one will really provide benefits to your health?

Vegetable Collagen that We Recommend

We recommend using Veggie Collagen, which is the plant equivalent of hydrolyzed collagen. This formula is a natural and vegan product, made 100% based on vegetables such as carrots and turmeric. Also includes Vitamin C, MSM and Glucosamine. It does not contain gluten, soy, lactose, dyes, preservatives, or added flavors.

See Veggie Collagen

This supplement, among other benefits, nourishes and strengthens the skin, bones and joints. Therefore, it is made to relieve the symptoms of joint diseases.

In conclusion , although collagen is a protein that we find only in the animal kingdom, it is not necessary to eat meat to benefit from its properties. Even if you are not consuming collagen fibers like those found in animal cartilage, plant collagen exists and uses the fixation methods and microstructural properties of plants to offer the same benefits without breaking the principles of a vegan diet.

For this reason, we urge you to purchase the best plant collagen products, as we assure you that your body will thank you.