Collagen for Performance

ProMix Nutrition Natural Collagen Protein Supplements

COFFEE + SMOOTH UNFLAVORED COLLAGEN: THE NEW ROUTINE YOUR AFTERNOON NEEDS

If you find yourself distracted and half-asleep come 3p.m., you’re not alone. Many of us, especially those who are seated and/or staring at computer screens for a majority of the day, experience what is commonly referred to as “The 3p.m. Slump”, a mid-afternoon crash in energy and cognitive awareness where our productivity for the day begins to slow. Our on staff R.D and Exercise Physiologists have searched far and wide for the best ways to beat it, to reenergize the body and mind for a a few more hours or efficiency. On a basic level, try:

  1. Standing, stretching, and taking a quick walk around the office – a little movement and change of scenery can go a long way when you need to refocus.
  2. Give your eyes a break – spend a small stretch of time doing work away from your computer or phone screen. Take a call, catch up with a colleague, or try a quick meditation.
  3. CEO & Founder Albert Matheny advises against taking your walk to the vending machine, so he created a Promix product to pick you back up halfway through you day!

Our Paleo and Keto friendly Unflavored Collagen Peptides are made from grass-fed, pasture-raised Brazilian cows, organic coconut milk, and organic acacia fiber. 2 scoops in your favorite beverage holds off hunger and promotes fat loss by packing 3 grams of MCTs + 10 grams of satiating, lean muscle-building protein into your afternoon coffee or tea with zero fat or sugar. Let’s break down our ingredients and take a closer look.

What is collagen? (Read more about collagen peptides HERE.)

According to the National Institutes of Health, the most accurate collagen definition is a fibrous protein found in cartilage and other connective tissue (1). This strong and fibrous protein is considered to be the most abundant protein in our body, accounting for approximately 25% of our total protein mass (1), though our body’s ability to produce it decreases over time.

Why do I need collagen?

Collagen has made a name for itself in recent years, partly because of its ability to promote optimal muscle mass and function when combined with resistance training (2). Not surprising: we know that lifting weights will undoubtedly lead to increased muscle size and a generally leaner physique, but regardless of whether or not you pumped iron before work, midday collagen supplementation can further improve body composition by providing a blast of satiating protein to keep you fuller, promoting fat loss and restoring your ability to focus (2).

Aside from its benefits with muscle mass and function, collagen can reduce facial fine lines, wrinkles, and dry skin. Previous findings suggest that collagen improves circulation, allowing blood to carry oxygen and other important nutrients to skin tissue (3). Collagen also targets your tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid.

Check on collagen, I’m sold. What are medium chain triglycerides (MCTs)?

Medium chain triglycerides – MCTs – are naturally occurring sources of dietary fat and are absorbed much faster and more efficiently than long chain triglycerides – LCTs (4). MCTs act more like glucose than fat. This is beneficial to our liver and other organs because MCTs have the ability to enter the mitochondria in cells freely and can be quickly oxidized for energy, swooping in to save the afternoon when we’re feeling doozy and distracted at the desk (4). MCTs can also be converted into ketones, which serve as an energy source for your brain (5). Research suggests MCTs are beneficial for cognitive performance(6).

Additional studies have found a significantly greater decrease in body weight, body fat, and subcutaneous fat in people assigned to an MCT diet than, as opposed to those assigned to an LCT diet. This suggests that an MCT diet can reduce body weight + body fat (7).

But why is this collagen coconut flavored?

Don’t worry, it’s natural: coconut milk comes from mature brown coconuts. Just one cup contains about 50 grams of fat— primarily medium chain triglycerides (MCTs)! Sound familiar?

Additionally, coconut milk is rich in manganese and copper, while also serving as a good source of magnesium, selenium, potassium, folate, and vitamin C (8).

Coconut oil has been a controversial topic over the years. The general public grapples with whether or not it’s good or bad every time it hits an ingredient list. However, several studies have seen an association between coconut oil and improvements in waist circumference and increased HDL cholesterol (or, the “good” cholesterol).

Additionally, coconut oil has been shown to be effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, and mild to moderate xerosis—a skin condition in which the skin becomes dry, rough, and itchy (9).

So what is acacia fiber?

Acacia fiber is made from acacia gum, which is a complex polysaccharide. It is primarily indigestible, but fermentable in the colon. Acacia fiber is known for prebiotic properties that allow it to act synergistically with other prebiotics and promote the growth of bifidobacteria, or “good” bacteria.

Okay, I’m in for an afternoon pick-me-up! How do I use Creamy Coconut Collagen?

Add 2 scoops of Smooth Unflavored Collagen to your:

  1. Shaker bottle or blender with 8-12 oz of your selected liquid base
  2. Favorite smoothie recipe
  3. (Our favorite) hot coffee or tea for a little kick of caffeine (check out our recipe for Lean Protein Energy Coffee HERE)!

And vegans—fear not! Our line of vegan proteins, including Organic Pea Protein Isolate, and options enhanced with B12, organic cocoa, and raw cacao are all made specifically for you to utilize in the exact same recipe!

Protein timing affects muscle protein synthesis (MPS) rates. Therefore, it is important to time it correctly! According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine, it is best to fuel within two hours after key exercise sessions and every 3 to 5 hours over multiple meals (10).

(Do the math on how much protein you need for lean muscle.)

Earn that happy hour by seizing the last few hours of your workday – we know you can avoid that 3p.m. slump AND choose to nourish yourself for a better, brighter body and mind.

If you have any questions regarding any of our products and how they support your busy lifestyle, visit our FAQs page, or feel free to email us at sales@promixnutrition.com. Be sure to follow Promix Nutrition on Instagram for the most up-to-date announcements and more life hacks like this one!

References

(1) Collagen – National Library of Medicine. PubMed Health Website. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0022811/. Accessed August 9, 2018.

(2) Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Baumstark MW, Gollhofer A, König D. Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Combination with Resistance Training Improves Body Composition and Increases Muscle Strength in Elderly Sarcopenic Men: A Randomised Controlled Trial. The British Journal of Nutrition. 2015; 114(8):1237–45.

(3) Schwartz SR, Park J. Ingestion of BioCell Collagen, a novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract; enhanced blood microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs. Clinical interventions in aging. 2012; 7:267.

(4) Marten B, Pfeuffer M, Schrezenmeir J. Medium-Chain Triglycerides. International Dairy Journal. 2006; 16(11):1374–82.

(5) Medium Chain Triglycerides & Your Brain. Cognitive Vitality Website. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/ cognitive-vitality/ratings/medium-chain-triglycerides. Accessed August 9, 2018.

(6) Croteau E, Castellano CA, Richard MA, Fortier M, Nugent S, Lepage M, Duchesne S, et al. Ketogenic Medium Chain Triglycerides Increase Brain Energy Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2018; 64(2):551-61.

(7) Tsuji H, Kasai M, Takeuchi H, Nakamura M, Okazaki M, Kondo K. Dietary Medium-Chain Triacylglycerols Suppress Accumulation of Body Fat in a Double-Blind, Controlled Trial in Healthy Men and Women. The Journal of Nutrition. 2001; 131(11):2853–59.

(8) Coconut Milk Health Benefits and Uses. Healthline Website. https://www.healthline.com/ nutrition/coconut-milk. Accessed July 30, 2016.

(9) Encyclopedia of Natural and Alternative Treatments. Consumer Lab Website. https://www.consumerlab.com/tnp.asp?chunkiid=630167. Accessed August 9, 2018.

(10) Thomas, D. Travis, Erdman KA, Burke LM. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2016; 116(3):501-28.