The Secret Healthy Ingredient That You Should Add to Your Coffee

Joy comes in the morning. And it usually comes in the form of a cup of coffee. (Sometimes following an awesome morning workout.)

And I’ve always loved my morning cup or two of hot coffee. Always. In fact, I didn’t think it could get much better — unless you’re talking mornings when I do my bulletproof coffee. But, it can! Even in the afternoon when it’s iced! And it’s all due to a new healthy secret ingredient I’ve been adding to it … it doesn’t change the taste at all, but it adds a healthy boost to your java.

Yep, collagen. Heard of it? Here’s a primer.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the main protein found in animal connective tissue — which gives you gelatin when its boiled. It’s basically the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system and is highly bio-available and digestible. And, especially in the Paleo community, it’s the new nutritional hotness. The idea is that back in the day — when we used to eat the whole animal — we got lots of collagen regularly and naturally in our diets. But now we don’t. Hence adding it back in with bone broth or in the form of the powder that Vital Proteins sent us to review and that you see above.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen?

I first heard of collagen supplementation from Tina at Carrots ‘n’ Cake. She’d always add it in her iced coffee and I was all “what is that about?” It’s said to help promote healthy and thicker hair and nails, youthful skin, strong bones, joint health, immunity, digestion and a healthy weight. And, if you look at the nutritionals of the Vital Protein Collagen Peptides I tried, it’s pretty much an awesome protein powder.

Why Coffee?

The question should be more like, why not coffee? Because, coffee. But in all seriousness, you can add the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides to your smoothie or really any other hot or cold liquid (although, if you are going to do smoothies, try this powder that’s mixed with greens, too — it’s awesome and has a smoothie-friendly flavor). But my favorite way to drink it is in my morning or afternoon coffee, when I’m feeling a little tired, extra sore or a little snacky. It’s a fantastic addition to any coffee mug. And, again, NO TASTE. So your coffee still tastes like coffee.
It’s like my very own little healthy secret. Except it came from Tina. And now you know, too. So I guess the collagen cat is out of the bag. But, guys, really. It’s awesome!
Have you ever tried collagen? What did you think? —Jenn