Collagen vs Whey: Which Protein Is Best For Your Needs

Is collagen the fourth macronutrient? 

We all know about the importance of carbohydrates, fats and protein in our diet, but where does collagen fit in? 

Collagen is different from whey and other proteins, and serves a range of important functions in the body… So what are the different benefits and applications of whey and collagen?

What is Whey Protein Isolate

Whey protein isolate is a complete protein. It is one of the most bioavailable sources of protein and is the gold standard for muscle repair + recovery, weight management, immune support and general wellbeing.

In fact, Healthy Chef Pure Native WPI is more than just a protein. It also includes bioactive components such as:

• lactoferrin which improves bone health
• beta-lactoglobulin which can promote glutathione synthesis and can protect against allergies
• alpha-lactalbumin which can improve resistance to the cognition-depleting effects of stress
• immunoglobulins which have antimicrobial effects.

What is Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is the major component of connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, skin, hair and nails. However, after the age of 25, our natural production of collagen begins to decline.

You might be wondering why collagen has been getting so much air time lately? The reason is, that almost everyone is deficient in this substance due to our modern way of eating.

In the past, we ate nose to tail - meaning we ate the entire animal, not just selected cuts. We got all the other collagen-rich "bits" of the animal, such as the bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

Unfortunately, today’s modern diet does not provide enough collagenous material to support our bodies needs. 

These days, we're more likely to buy pre-packed cuts of meat e.g. chicken breast or an eye-fillet steak that contains little to no collagenous material. As collagen is needed to keep our bones + joints strong, and hair, skin + nails healthy, supplementation of this nutrient is vital.

The Healthy Chef Collagen Protein is an all-natural collagen peptide extracted from the skin and scales of wild-caught fish. The small size of the peptide molecules assists with bioavailability and absorption. And even though Healthy Chef Collagen is sourced from sustainably sourced fish, it’s essentially tasteless, odourless and dissolves completely clear in hot or cold liquid.

Fun fact: The Healthy Chef are one of the only Australian companies producing marine collagen that is sourced from wild-caught fish - not farmed. 

 What does Collagen do for the body?

Healthy Chef Collagen Protein supports all collagen-based structures and connective tissues, including fascia, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails as well as the cells in our gut lining.

"Since using Healthy Chef Collagen everyday, my skin is plumper and I’ve noticed that my hair and nails grow much faster than ever before!"

- Teresa Cutter

So, which one is best for your needs?

If you're low in energy, constantly hungry and or find it takes you a long time to recover from exercise or illness, then you may benefit from increasing your protein intake. Try my Pure Native WPI, Organic Pea Protein or Body Shaping Protein.

If you're getting enough complete protein from your diet alone, then you may not need to supplement with Pure Native WPI. However, with the stressors in today's modern world, our nutrient demands are greater than ever, and so too is our demand for protein.

As for Collagen, these days almost no one is getting enough, so supplementation is vital. My recommendation is to incorporate 2 tablespoons of Healthy Chef Collagen Protein into your day by adding it to your morning Matcha Latte, a smoothie, soup or healthy raw treats.

Fun fact: Collagen contains glycine which has been shown to increase the quality of your sleep.