We share useful tips on which foods and drinks to pair with, and the best time of day to take your collagen every day, answering the most frequently asked questions
After RealFood Collagen Complex joined our product range, a few questions came up about how to take it. In the lines below we'll look at some everyday situations where you should pay attention to the way and timing of taking our new product - these are also questions we often get when meeting our customers, at events, and in our communication on social media.
How Does RealFood Collagen Complex Differ From the Well-Known RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen?
The raw material (the collagen) used in RealFood Collagen Complex is the same as in our first collagen product. In our powerful beauty cocktail, however, the 100% pure hydrolyzed collagen is enriched with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, zinc, as well as a natural strawberry flavor.
Because of the change in its composition, the handling and care of the product differ. The well-known collagen, besides its pure composition, doesn't require any special care in its use, as it can be added to foods and drinks up to a high temperature (121° C), and it has no taste that would change the sensation.
Should You Drink It Morning or Evening?
One of the most common questions we receive is what time of day to drink collagen. Both with the plain version and with RealFood Collagen Complex, both time windows have their own positive effects.
When hydrolyzed collagen is taken in the morning or on an empty stomach, it is already being prepared for absorption by the stomach acids, which further stimulate protein uptake. On an empty stomach, the body has already begun producing acids, which is favorable for the collagen absorption process. Studies show that when taken in the evening before bed, collagen supports cognitive function and promotes restful sleep, thanks to its many amino acids.
As for the other ingredients you'll find – numerous studies examine the effective antioxidant action of vitamin C on the body, and in particular – on the skin. It has good antioxidant properties and protects it from the harmful effects of UV rays. When taken in the morning or in the earlier hours of the day, the vitamin plays a role in energy production and helps keep it in line with the body's natural rhythm and its energy needs. In addition, it is a cofactor for collagen and will contribute to its optimal synthesis.
Is It Better to Take It Before or After a Workout?
As we already know well, collagen is a protein valuable for the optimal function of the muscles, joints, and tendons – when taken right before a workout, it prepares them for the upcoming strain, and afterward it helps speed up muscle recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
In turn, vitamin C, again thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties, effectively supports the body after exertion. A study on active athletes shows that it manages to fight the oxidative stress that builds up during strength training and acts effectively against free radicals and the effects of their production.
Which Drinks and Foods Can You Add It To?
Since this is also one of the main differences between our two collagen products, RealFood Collagen Complex is suitable to be added only to cold or room-temperature foods and drinks. This is because its formula is enriched, and although the collagen itself is exactly the same as in the blue packaging, the purple packaging also has added vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and zinc. It is precisely the presence of the acid and vitamin C that is why we recommend you not expose the product to high temperatures. The temperature up to which you're allowed to heat it is 40° C. To meet this condition, you can safely add the collagen to your favorite iced tea, lemonade, juice, cold frappé, or, the classic option – simply in water.
The pleasant strawberry flavor will come through best in it, and if you like strawberry-flavored (and healthy) drinks, we promise you'll love it. We advise you to avoid putting it in hot tea or coffee. The product itself won't become dangerous, but it will lose its beneficial properties, and there will be no point or visible effect from taking it.
When it comes to food, we advise you not to cook with the collagen, for the same reason. If you want to add it to a cooked or baked dish, it's important to wait for it to cool down below 40° C. Keep in mind that its added flavor may also alter the taste of the food you add it to. RealFood Collagen Complex is the perfect addition to your sweet desserts, such as pudding or raw energy bites – the ideas are endless.
Between the two jewels in the crown of RealFood – Hydrolyzed Collagen and RealFood Collagen Complex, there are some differences in the way and timing of intake, and for the action of the individual ingredients in this powerful beauty cocktail to become noticeable, it's important to drink it according to the recommendations for its use. We remind you that, besides our tips, building a routine is essential – daily collagen intake is the first requirement for it to build up in the body and produce a visible effect.
