We all know that collagen is touted as a miracle ingredient for firm and plump skin. Skin clinics globally offer a seemingly endless array of treatments that promise collagen product. But, the benefits of collagen stretch a lot further than a youthful complexion.
This fibrous, structural protein – yes protein – is found abundantly and naturally in the human body and it is officially having a moment. Why? Research has found that collagen-based protein can be absorbed by the body more easily and faster than whey-based protein. It can also speed up muscle recovery, support muscle growth, aid tissue-building and repair and help retain muscle mass. Collagen contains 19 amino acids and 8 essential amino acids. Of these, Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) including leucine, isoleucine and valine make up three of the nine essential amino acids that your body cannot produce by itself. So, when you ingest a collagen-based protein formula rich in collagen and BCAA’s, your muscles will love you for it. Here’s why.
What is Collagen Protein?
Collagen is a protein. It is found in humans and all mammals. It is a vital building block for ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones. It obviously also plays a big role in the look and health of your nails, skin and hair. In our bodies, collagen molecules make up for 30 percent of all protein in the human body, roughly 65-80% of the proteins in a ligament and 70 percent of the proteins in a tendon. In other words, it is vital to muscle health, repair and recovery. While whey-based protein powder is favoured for its ability to build muscle ‘bulk’ for those seeking highly defined silhouettes, the BCAAs found in collagen are excellent for muscle recovery. This is why whether you are at the beginning of your fitness journey, or you’re a seasoned fitness devotee, collagen protein has an impressive range of benefits. One reason many people are making the switch as their preferred source of protein is that, unlike whey-based protein which is derived from dairy, collagen is tasteless and easy to digest. Some people with lactose intolerance can find whey-based protein powders and supplements a bit tough on the stomach. This can be especially uncomfortable during a workout.
What are the benefits of BCAAs?
There’s plenty to brag about when it comes to Branched Chain Amino Acids AKA leucine, isoleucine and valine. If you’re wondering what the difference is between collagen and BCAAs, you actually can’t have one without the other. The three main BCAAs contribute to the formulation of collagen molecules. Here’s a taste of how they can support your hard work in achieving optimum fitness.
Muscle Growth
While BCAA’s are more heroed for their ability to aid muscle repair, leucine in particular has been associated with stimulating muscle growth. In gym circles, leucine is known as the ‘switch’ that activates muscle building. While you need energy and protein to build muscle mass, think of leucine as a kickstart. One of 9 essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body alone, leucine has a much greater ability when it comes to stimulating protein synthesis when compared with other amino acids.
Maintain your muscle mass
You may not want to start competing with Arnold Schwarzenegger in terms of muscle mass, but you certainly don’t want the muscle you have worked hard for to melt away. While muscle proteins are constantly broken down and rebuilt, muscle wasting or breakdown is a natural part of the ageing process and can also occur during times of illness. In humans, BCAAs account for 35% of the essential amino acids found in muscle proteins and 40% of the total amino acids required by your body. BCAAs and other essential amino acids need to be replaced during times of muscle wasting to slow its progression.
Minimise muscle fatigue
It can be hard to fit those workouts around a busy schedule. For many of us who are running around juggling work, families and life in general, an early morning or lunchtime gym session may be all we can manage. But, coping with exercise fatigue and staying awake in that 3.30pm meeting? Your muscles use up BCAA’s during exercise, meaning levels of tryptophan increase. Converted to serotonin, this chemical contributes to the development of fatigue during exercise. Studies have shown that BCAAs can improve mental focus during exercise and reduce exercise-based fatigue.
Decrease post-workout soreness
You’re probably a little too familiar with the onset of painful muscle tears in the days following a fantastic workout. If you’re a more regular gym-goer, you would better know this phenomenon as Delayed-Onset-Muscle-Soreness or DOMS. It doesn’t seem fair to put in all that hard work only to be pained for it later. But, BCAAs have been shown to not just decrease the damage caused to muscles, but decrease protein breakdown during exercise. In one study, people who were supplemented with BCAAs before a squat exercise experienced reduced DOMS and muscle fatigue compared to the placebo group.
Discover Formulite’s New Collagen Range
If you haven’t already, try Formulite’s new Recovery Collagen Protein formula. In four flavours, they contain hydrolysed collagen protein, an amino acid blend with BCAAs, mineral salts and vitamin C. They are also low-carb, low-sugar and gluten and dairy free. Discover more here.
