Often called the “scaffolding of our bodies,” collagen is the primary component in our connective tissue, and accounts for anywhere from 25% to 30% of the protein throughout our bodies. So, calling it important is kind of an understatement.
Recently, collagen has taken center-stage in the world of health supplements—and for good reason. From the Kardashians to the pages of Cosmo (plus most doctors and nutritionists), everyone is praising its role in strengthening joints, tightening and smoothing skin, and supporting hair and nail growth.
And, it just so happens, collagen is the secret ingredient you never saw coming! It adds a nutritional boost to cakes, cookies, sauces, lattes, parfait, and a whole menu’s worth of other drinks and eats. And while we can’t say enough about collagen-enhanced food, smoothies, and cocktails, just as great (and usually better for you) is collagen water.
Collagen water is a simple, tasty, and healthy way to keep your collagen levels up while staying hydrating in the process. And the best part is, you don’t have to spend lots of money on exotic ingredients or lots of time on complex recipes.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is collagen water?
- Benefits of collagen water
- 5 reasons to make your own
- DIY collagen water recipes
What Is Collagen Water?
Unlike drinks such as coconut water or almond milk, collagen water is not made from collagen (that would be… errr… less than appetizing), but rather water that has had collagen peptides mixed or infused into it for enhanced wellness any time, anywhere.
And it can be SO delicious! While there are pre-mixed products out there, you’ll want to carefully consider whether it’s worth buying single-serve collagen water bottles over a collagen powder that can easily be mixed at home.
First off, let’s talk cost. Many collagen water bottles out there will run you nearly $20.00 for a four-pack. That’s $5.00 per bottle! On the other hand, buying your collagen in powder form brings the cost of collagen water down to about $1.00 per drink. Far more affordable, and all you have to do is scoop and stir. This latter option comes with the added benefit of reducing plastic waste, which we’ll get a little more into further down.
Collagen Water Benefits
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is responsible for an array of important functions. Unfortunately, after age 30, our collagen production begins to drastically decrease, dropping roughly 1-2% each year afterward. [1] Luckily, drinking collagen water is an easy way to counter this decline, and doing so can lead to life-improving benefits. Here are our top three.
1. Improves joint health
Supplementing collagen into your diet provides your body with amino acids that work their way to the connective tissues in your joints. This can not only increase joint integrity and mobility, but can minimize cracking and clicking sounds and reduce pain.
If you do have joint pain, it may be associated with aging. Don’t worry, you’re not old; it’s just the older you get, the less natural collagen you have and the more likely you are to injure yourself during physical activities. But because it’s loaded with these awesome little amino acids, collagen peptide water can work wonders in strengthening your joints and ligaments, even after activity-related injuries. This increases mobility and reduces joint pain associated with age. But there’s a preventative component too, in that collagen is shown to reduce the likelihood of joint deterioration. [2] This means you can feel younger, longer.
What’s more is that collagen is proving in studies to reduce the pain and increase the function of people suffering from osteoarthritis and other arthritic conditions. [3]
If that’s not encouragement to give yourself an extra glass or two of collagen-enriched water, we don’t know what is! Supplementing your daily diet with collagen water is an easy (and delicious) way to give your body the help it needs to keep your joints strong as you age.
2. Supports radiant skin, hair, and nails
If our joints reveal our age on the inside, it’s our hair, skin, and nails that are responsible for the signs of aging that we—and others—can see.
But daily collagen intake can also help your hair look more vibrant. It dives right into the connective tissue on your scalp to keep pores tight and hair follicles closer, allowing your hair to more easily absorb the amount of nutrients needed to become thicker, healthier, and more luscious. It also helps strengthen nails and makes them grow faster.
Because our skin bears the brunt of exposure damage, particularly from UV (sun) radiation, collagen can be considered one of your body’s best friends in minimizing the effects of aging. Drinking collagen water regularly increases your skin’s flexibility and hydration, which in turn increases firmness and tone, and reduces wrinkles. (Hello, 10-year-younger you!)
3. Boosts hydration
Did you know that research conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that most of us spend the majority of each day dehydrated? On top of not always drinking enough water, things like excessive sodium and sweating can make sufficient hydration even more challenging.
Drinking water is imperative to staying healthy. Studies even show that it can also increase our metabolism and improve our mood! But, honestly, how inspiring does plain old watered sound versus something fruity and flavorful?! [4, 5]
Luckily, beyond supplying our bodies with revitalizing support, certain collagen powders are bursting with natural flavor. This makes it way, way easier to drink an extra glass or two of water that you may otherwise skip.
5 Reasons To Make Your Own Collagen Water
Before clearing out your fridge and cabinet space to make room for all that collagen goodness, you should know there’s no shortage of reasons to just make your own collagen water. Here are my top 5:
- Save time—Making your own collagen water couldn’t be easier. Just take a scoop or two of your favorite collagen powder into a quality shaker bottle and “shake, shake, shake… shake, shake, shake… shake your bott-le.”
- Save money—In the same way that you end up wasting a ton of money by eating out every day instead of cooking in, making your own collagen water is far more cost-effective than buying pre-mixed collagen water bottles. Leading pre-made collagen water bottles,, cost $4.50 per bottle or more! Compared to the 58-serving container of Skinny Fit Super Youth Multi-Collagen Peptides (only about a dollar per serving) making your own collagen water is a no-brainer.
- Save space—Let’s face it, space is sometimes harder to come by than time. Individual collagen water bottles are anything but space-friendly. Despite having 1-2 month’s worth of collagen goodness, a single container of collagen peptides can be stored pretty much anywhere.
- Save the environment—It’s estimated that there are 150 million metric tons of plastic in our oceans. And that’s not to mention the plastic sitting in landfills or tossed along curbsides. Plastic is like some sardonic form of glitter—it gets everywhere and doesn’t seem to go away! Individually packaged collagen water (like regular water bottles) only adds to the problem, but making your own at home is a simple and effective way to minimize your plastic footprint. And maybe save the whales along the way.
- Save yourself (in the long-run)—Admittedly, “save yourself” sounds a little melodramatic, but it’s by no means an exaggeration. The importance of collagen in our bodies is indisputable, and the mounting evidence indicating that it can help us live more active, healthy lives only underscores why you should be including it in your diet. Making collagen water yourself also allows you to tailor the amount you drink to fit your body’s specific needs.
How To Make Collagen Water (DIY Collagen Water Recipe)
Alright! Let’s get to it, shall we?
First thing’s first: Flavor! You’ll want to get your hands on one or two flavors that you absolutely love. This is why I recommend SkinnyFit Super Youth. Each of their collagen flavors (besides unflavored, of course) is a taste explosion with every sip.
SkinnyFit also makes the ordering process super easy! And if you have any questions, their customer service team are all NASM Certified Nutrition Coaches and can easily make suggestions for you.
Instructions:
- Mix one scoop of your favorite flavored Super Youth collagen with 8-12 oz. of cold water. Sip and enjoy! That’s it!
Best Collagen Water Flavors
SkinnyFit Super Youth collagen peptides come in a variety of different and delectable flavors. Each one is unique and perfect for mixing into water, within seconds. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with other recipes!
1. SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen, Tropical Punch flavor
Where the “tropical” flavor of some supplements reminds you of a discount cruise ship full of screaming kids, Super Youth Tropical Punch is the equivalent of an exclusive beachside bungalow resort. At least for your tastebuds.
Here’s what you’ll find in each serving:
- 7g of protein
- No added sugar
- 5 types of collagen
- Vacation-y refreshing taste
Click here to learn more about Super Youth Tropical Punch.
2. SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen, Chocolate Cake flavor
Let your inner chocoholic out! SkinnyFit’s Chocolate Cake collagen is rich in taste but without the jeans-shrinking effect of actual chocolate. Nothing guilty, only pleasure.
Here’s what you’ll find in each serving:
- 7g of protein
- No added sugar
- So much chocolate flavor
- Zero guilt
Click here to learn more about Super Youth Chocolate Cake.
3. SkinnyFit Super Youth Collagen, Peach Mango flavor
Another ode to warmer climes, Peach Mango is sweet and slightly tangy, influenced by the tastes of summer and made with natural flavors. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a sunny afternoon.
Here’s what you’ll find in each serving:
- 7g of protein
- No added sugar
- A new appreciation for two totally underrated fruits