Collagen’s Untold Story – Beyond Joints, Hair and Skin to a Healthier Heart

You're likely already familiar with collagen's role in promoting healthy joints, skin, and bones. However, you may be surprised to learn that this powerhouse protein also offers a safeguard for your heart, reducing your vulnerability to cardiovascular issues.

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body, indispensable for the integrity and fortification of connective tissues. However, our collagen production diminishes as we age, starting as early as our 20s. By the time we hit 60, our bodies may only produce half the collagen they once did. Less collagen in our bodies not only results in the more visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin but also elevates the potential risk for cardiovascular diseases.

In the following sections, we’ll explore how collagen actively contributes to heart health and offer guidance on incorporating it into your daily routine, along with advice for selecting the most effective supplement.

1. Supports Stronger and Healthier Arteries

Collagen serves as a critical building block for the arteries, which are the essential conduits transporting blood from the heart to various parts of the body. Lacking sufficient structural integrity, these arteries can become frail, rigid, and less pliable, increasing susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.

Emerging research points to the efficacy of collagen in maintaining robust and resilient arteries. One particular study [1] indicated that participants who ingested 16 grams of collagen daily—divided between breakfast and dinner—experienced a notable decrease in arterial stiffness. Similarly, another study [2] revealed that a smaller dosage of 2.5 grams per day also achieved appreciable reductions in arterial rigidity.

2. Supports a healthy balance of Cholesterol

When it comes to heart health, it's all about maintaining the right balance of good HDL and bad LDL cholesterol. Elevated LDL levels can trigger plaque formation in your arteries, leading to narrowed vessels, disrupted blood flow, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. But here's the good news: collagen can be your heart's best friend. Studies indicate that collagen not only optimizes your cholesterol ratios but also lowers overall cholesterol levels and triglycerides—those risky fats linked to cardiovascular diseases. One study [1] even found that collagen substantially improved LDL and HDL ratios while reducing markers indicative of atherosclerosis risk. Make collagen a daily staple, and you're setting the stage for a heart-healthy life. 

3. Supports Healthy Blood Pressure

Stiff arteries and plaque buildup make it tougher for blood to flow freely, setting the stage for high blood pressure or hypertension. If you're looking to steer clear of these cardiovascular red flags, collagen could be the missing piece of your health puzzle. Emerging research [3] highlights that glycine, a key amino acid in collagen, has the power to lower blood pressure and fend off arterial damage. For a deep dive into the benefits of glycine alone, don't miss our dedicated article on the topic.

But that's not all. Collagen also stimulates the production of nitric oxide, a miraculous compound known for enhancing blood flow and dropping blood pressure. One study [4] revealed that people with mild hypertension who took collagen supplementation experienced significant blood pressure reductions in just four weeks. Another study [5] demonstrated that a daily intake of 2.9 grams of collagen not only alleviated arterial stiffness but also increased nitric oxide levels and reduced signs of vascular damage. Add collagen to your daily regimen for a holistic approach to maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

4. Benefits of Collagen to reduce Inflammation that supports Heart Health

You may already be aware of collagen's power to reduce inflammation in joints and arthritis sufferers. But did you know it's anti-inflammatory benefits is also a weapon against heart disease? Collagen acts as a natural inhibitor of harmful inflammatory substances that contribute to atherosclerosis, or the hardening of arteries. Once again, the star player is glycine, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some research [6] even indicates that insufficient levels of glycine may heighten the risk of experiencing a heart attack. Incorporating collagen into your daily regimen could be your proactive step toward a heart-friendly, inflammation-free life.

Choosing Collagen

Want to give your heart, skin, joints, and bones some love? Start by boosting your body's own collagen-making powers. Load up on vitamin C-rich foods like red peppers, strawberries, and citrus fruits to kick collagen production into high gear. Don't forget about bone broth, grass-fed beef, eggs, fish, and poultry either; they're packed with amino acids and essential nutrients like zinc. Check out our beef and chicken bone broth homemade recipes. And for an extra boost, sip on some green tea, it not only stimulates collagen production but also helps to keep it from breaking down, great antioxidant fighter.

Concerned About Heavy Metals in Your Collagen? We've Got You Covered!

Did the recent social media uproar over Vital Protein's Prop 65 lawsuits make you double-take on your collagen choices? You're not alone. And Vital Protein isn't the only brand caught up in these heavy metal worries.

That's exactly why my co-founder and I created Yonder—to offer cleaner, safer collagen options.

You can breathe easy with our products. We don't just meet California's stringent Prop 65 standards, we ace them! And we are glyphosate and  pesticides-free! In simpler terms, we're way ahead of the safety curve, and we have the FDA cGMP stamp to prove it.

From raw materials to packaging, everything we use is up to FDA GMP snuff. Our products are manufactured in a controlled environment that's not only certified Organic but also cGMP, NSF, and UL Certified. You won't find any banned substances sneaking into our process, ever.

I often find myself educating people on how to scrutinize labels and advocate for their health. Sure, it's ultimately our responsibility to know what we're putting into our bodies. But let's be honest: dissecting ingredient lists while you're rushing through the grocery store isn't anyone's idea of fun.

So go ahead, make your life a little easier and give Yonder Collagen a try. We're all about taking the guesswork out of clean, safe collagen.

Supporting Collagen Production

Looking to boost not just your heart but also your skin, joints, and bones? Start by supercharging your body’s natural collagen production. To do this:

Vitamin C is Your Friend: Eat foods like red peppers, strawberries, and citrus fruits that can help boost your collagen synthesis.

Foods Rich in Collagen boosting properties: Dive into bone broth, eggs, fish, and poultry for amino acids and other nutrients like zinc that are collagen production champs. Check out our chicken and beef bone broth recipes.

Green Tea Magic: This wonder beverage not only stimulates collagen production but also helps prevent its breakdown by being an excellent antioxidant fighter.

Choosing Collagen Supplementation

As we age, starting in our twenties, our collagen levels naturally decline. To fill the gap and supercharge your collagen health benefits, add Yonder Collagen, a high-quality, clean collagen peptides to your routine. Choosing a trusted source like Yonder can make all the difference, especially when the market is flooded with options—over 200k, to be exact—that can be downright overwhelming. If you are shopping for Collagen online and now getting bombarded by over 200k supplement companies trying to sell to you, here is why Yonder is the best and the real deal, so go no further, you finally found the collagen your body is craving and here is why Yonder is your choice:

Yonder: Focus on Type I & III Collagen: 90% of body collagen.

Others: dilute with additional types, reducing efficacy.

Yonder: Focus on Wellness over Profits: Non-GMO, highest quality ingredients.

Others: prioritize profits through marketing angles and formulas.

Yonder: 100% Grass-fed & Finished: Sourced from healthy, organically raised cows.

Others: use grain-fed or partially grass-fed cows from unregulated sources.

Yonder: Glyphosate & Toxin Free: Prop65 certified.

Others: have Prop65 warning, contaminated with high levels of heavy metals and Glyphosate.

Yonder: Maximum Bioavailability: Formulated to preserve amino acid bioavailability.

Others: compromise bioavailability by adding Vitamin C and strong antioxidants. 

Your Go-To Guide on Collagen: What to Know and What to Look For

Let's break down some collagen lingo:

Hydrolyzed Collagen: This means the collagen's been processed to break down large proteins, making it easier on your tummy and great for cold drinks.

Collagen Peptides: This is just another name for hydrolyzed collagen—so, same thing!

Here are some quick facts to know:

Type 1 & 3 Collagen: These are your collagen MVPs, making up about 90% of your body's total collagen.

Bovine Collagen vs other sources: Collagen comes from various sources, but research points to bovine collagen as the most effective option. While marine collagen, often made from unused fish parts like bones and scales, can be noted as a sustainable choice, it can also be high in toxins, same goes for chicken and eggshells with finding a clean source. That's why it's crucial to opt for a clean, reliable collagen source, like what you'll find with Yonder.

Dosage Matters: For real benefits, aim for 2–10 grams per day. Higher doses can actually be a plus for things like injury recovery or uploading from larger depleted levels.

Form is Key: Steer clear of gummies and other forms that offer as low as 50 mg and might include gut-unfriendly ingredients.

Additives: If you’re going for flavored or sweetened options, make sure they're clean. No artificial nonsense or hidden sugars, please!

The Scoop on Flavored Collagen

At Yonder, we offer pure, clean, flavorless collagen peptides for those who like to keep it simple. But if you're in the mood for something flavored, here's why Yonder's Chocolate and Vanilla with MCT versions are the best:

Zero Sugar & Low-Carb: Our Chocolate and Vanilla with MCT options have 0 grams of sugar and just 3 grams of carbs.

Pure Stevia: We only use stevia in its purest form, without chemical dilutions that can mess with your gut. So many brands use the less expensive “stevia” that is diluted with a 17% Solution of DMSO which is a chemical that research shows negatively impacts your gut.

Clean Natural Flavors: Our flavors come from pure plant-based ingredients—no chemicals, no major allergens.

We take flavor seriously. Crafting consistently great taste is an art, and we're proud to say we've mastered it. With the best flavor scientists in the holistic space, we make not just delicious but also healthy collagen options. 

Choose collagen wisely and use it effectively with Yonder!