Ketogenic Collagen, Why You Should Add MCT’s To Collagen, Chocolate Pancakes With Blueberry Butter & More!

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I dare you to open up any popular health and fitness magazine and find less than five ads for different proteins that claim to be the perfect blend to turn you into a muscle machine, enhance recovery, repair DNA and quell appetite.

However, it's pretty rare to see collagen ads and even more rare to find ketogenic-friendly collagen sources in the protein saturated nutrition supplement market. I'm a bit surprised by this, as collagen is an extremely immune-system friendly protein source that directly aids in energy production, building healthy DNA, detoxification, digestion, and direct rebuilding of joints, tendons, cartilage, skin, nails, hair and organs – all without spiking the blood sugar or causing as much as an insulinogenic effect as many other protein sources.

That's why, via strategies such as red light therapy, far infrared sauna, organic essential oil skin serums, a weekly clay mask, and even self facial massage with a car buffer I personally incorporate collagen and collagen support quite frequently in my own anti-aging and healthy living routine.

Now don't get me wrong: I'm not against whey protein, rice protein, hemp protein, pea protein and other good protein powders and protein sources, but there is most definitely a time and a place for collagen, so in this article you're going to learn exactly why you should be including collagen in your nutrition supplement protocol, how to time it, what to mix collagen with to enhance ketosis, and my favorite clean source of the stuff.


The Purpose of Collagen

The word collagen comes from Greek roots that literally mean “glue-producing.” It makes up 30% of your body's total protein content and is extremely potent when it comes specifically to soft-tissue repair. Collagen is simply a type of protein – 1 of over 10,000 proteins in your body.

Collagen is a long-chain amino acid and is actually the most abundant protein in the body, responsible for bestowing skin elasticity, hair strength, and connective tissue integrity. In fact, collagen protein makes up 30% of the total protein in our body, and 70% of the protein in your skin!

While collagen is beneficial to the entire body, it's most noticeably beneficial to your skin. This is because as you age, the epidermis (outer layer of skin) thins and loses elasticity via a process known as elastosis. As this happens, your skin tends to show more signs of aging and acquires more wrinkles.

In water, collagen breaks into gelatin, which means that collagen and gelatin are comprised of the same amino acids with a different chemical structure. Think of them as the same tool, but with different packaging. I delve more into the difference between the two in this podcast. Both collagen and gelatin are a must for the efficient repair of connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and skin.

So why use collagen instead of just taking protein powder or eating meat? First, many other vegetable and animal-based protein powders can be somewhat inflammatory for many people. Casein and whey are known allergens, egg protein can be quite inflammatory and many people are sensitive to pea, rice and hemp as well. If you fall into the category of someone who gets bloated, gassy or brain-fogged from a scoop or two of protein powder, you may fall into this category.

Second, collagen protein itself (typically derived from a beef source) is made in the same way that bone broth is made – via low and slow heating to preserve the nutrients and amino acids. So you get a very dense source of amino acids, with relatively few calories, but some amount of “bulk” for satiety (I am also a fan of essential amino acids, but collagen offers a bit more of a smoothie, shake, coffee or tea friendly approach).

Third, collagen offers a convenient way to mainline protein into your body without spiking your blood glucose. Most protein powders digest so quickly that they can actually turn into glucose and kick you out of a fat burning state, or out of ketosis (if ketosis is your thing). Not collagen (and, as you'll discover in a moment, when you combine collagen with MCT powder, you can actually get even deeper into ketosis).


Why You Should Add MCT's To Collagen

Fat is an energy source for your body. That’s exactly why we store it, and that’s why a ketogenic diet that uses primarily fat for fuel can be so beneficial for so many people (click here to read more about how to figure out if this type of diet is right for you). Every single cell in your body needs fat to function properly, and your brain is made up of predominantly fat.

Enter MCT's (Medium-Chain Triglycerides). I like to think of MCT’s as Zeus’ trident without the handle, (just the three prongs). The three “prongs” are glycerol molecules attached to the glycerol backbone portion. Short-chain fats have short “prongs,” and longer chain fats have longer carbon “prongs.” Here’s the point: the shorter the carbon chain, the easier and the quicker it is for your body to break it into energy.

When you are attempting to become a “fat-burning machine”, get into ketosis or adopt a ketogenic diet, your body begins breaking down fats into ketones for energy, and it does so extremely efficiently when MCT's are present. So think of MCT’s as quick, clean fuel you will burn. MCT’s are some of the healthiest “fast fats” because they are what your body breaks fat down into for useable energy. In addition, your brain also uses about 20% of your total daily energy expenditure, and since MCT's cross the blood-brain barrier, they offer potent fuel for cognition as well. MCT’s don’t need to be shuttled around the digestive system, they travel right to the liver and then are distributed for fast and lasting energy.

In addition, MCT’s are easily digested and have a thermogenic (energy-creating) effect, also known as “boosting your metabolism, they are fast-acting source of energy that breaks down into ketones which can then be used as fuel for your body, they support your gut microbiome by combating harmful bacteria and parasites and they contain antioxidant properties which reduce internal inflammation, which helps the performance of your heart, brain, and nervous system.

And most importantly, when MCT's are blended with collagen, you get the best of both worlds: a readily available source of non-glucose spiking fats combined with a readily available source of non-glucose spiking proteins.


Enter Keto Collagen

Keto Collagen, which is a new supplement I've been experimenting with in drinks and smoothies, is actually a blend of MCT’s and collagen. It completely adheres to my strict requirements of cleanliness and does not contain any soy, dairy, gluten, or artificial sweeteners. It also tastes phenomenal, and comes in a delicious chocolate flavor or unflavored, both of which go great in almost any beverage, coffee or smoothie you can dream up.

Here's the nutrition label of the chocolate Keto Collagen:

As you can see, the simple, clean ingredients are as follows:

-5g of MCT oil powder

-10g of collagen

-Other ingredients: cocoa powder (100% all-natural cocoa powder is used to give a rich chocolate flavor and provide many of the health benefits associated with chocolate without the sugar), stevia leaf powder (Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that has no effect on blood sugar and is easily digested).*

*Note: the unflavored version does not include the chocolate and stevia.

The actual macronutrients of Keto Collagen break down as follows:

-4g Fat

-10g Protein

-1g Carbohydrate

So as you can see, you'll get a hefty dose of readily available fats and proteins, with barely any carbohydrates. Keto Collagen is specifically designed for:

  • People with soft tissue injuries
  • People trying to build muscle
  • People who want to eat more protein
  • People who don’t like eating a lot of solids after workouts
  • People who want a non-inflammatory protein
  • People eating a low-carb ketogenic diet

You can also use Keto Collagen to help get into ketosis or to enhance the benefits of ketosis, such as improved autophagy and apoptosis, where your body purges dead or underperforming cells to allow for new growth, which has innumerable benefits relating to disease prevention and longevityPerfect Keto uses only the highest quality ingredients, sourced in the United States, and the founder of Perfect Keto, Dr. Anthony Gustin, is a functional medicine clinician who developed the unique formula for maximum efficacy.

Dr. Gustin writes that…

…“Perfect Keto Collagen is the product that simply doesn’t exist on the market and compelled me to make a protein that is truly friendly to a low-carb or ketogenic eating style. I chose grass-fed collagen peptides (from the U.S.) with our premium MCT oil powder at a 2:1 ratio to deliver the most keto-friendly protein possible. Not only are the ingredients the top of the line, but the taste is incredible… It tastes like rich chocolate milk — except no dairy and filled with keto goodness. If you’ve been looking for a keto friendly protein, I hope this is amazing for you and I can’t wait for your feedback!”

The 100% grass-fed cattle used in Keto Collagen graze on the West Coast (California, Washington, and Oregon) and Colorado, and to make the collagen, they cook down the whole animal in a way that is similar to bone broth, with low heat to preserve the nutrients and protein. They then keep going a little further and use a technique called cold-process spray drying to turn the product into a powder that is easily digestible – with essentially the same nutrition profile as beef, with extra MCT's added in. They use the highest quality MCT oil from coconuts, which are then blended to minimize any GI problems.


A Sample Collagen + MCT Recipe

Alright, enough of the science and labels – let's now delve into some mighty taste brass tacks, shall we? Below is one incredibly tasty way to use Keto Collagen that goes far above and beyond simply adding a scoop or two to your favorite smoothie or drink recipe. It's called “Chocolate Pancakes With Blueberry Butter” and here's how it goes:

Chocolate Pancakes with Blueberry Butter

Ingredients

  • 4 large pastured eggs
  • 3 tbsp. MCT oil or liquid coconut oil
  • 1 scoop Chocolate Collagen Protein
  • 1/4 scant cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tbsp. Kerry Gold butter for cooking
  • 2 tbsp. Kerry Gold butter
  • 3 tbsp. frozen wild blueberries

Instructions

Warm a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.

In the meantime whisk the MCT oil and the eggs together. Add the coconut flour, protein, baking soda and pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. The batter will be thick.

Once the skillet has come to temperature add the tablespoon of butter.

Pour the batter on to the skillet. Will make 4 2/3 cup pancakes. Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes a side.

These bad boys will be tall. After you flip them once, flip them again and gently press down a bit to make sure the middle is fully cooked. Remove from heat.

In a small sauce pot, add the blueberries, cook until they thaw and the fluid begins to simmer. Add in the butter and mix and mash until the blueberries are completely softened.

Serve your pancakes and spoon buttery blueberry mix all over them. Enjoy!

Chocolate Pancakes with Blueberry Butter

Boom. Chocolate pancakes that help you recover and turn you into a fat-burning machine. What could be better?

When else can you use Keto Collagen? Here's a helpful infographic, courtesy of the good folks at Perfect Keto:


Summary

So that's it! Keto Collagen is a very simple, elegant, tasty and unique combination of collagen and MCT's, and I think you'll be quite impressed with the increase in energy and recovery you can experience when using this stuff, without the use of central nervous system stimulants and without spiking blood sugar.

If you want to try some for yourself, simply click here to automatically get 20% off any order now. If you have questions, thoughts or feedback about Keto Collagen, just leave your comments below and I will reply!

Ask Ben a Podcast Question

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19 thoughts on “Ketogenic Collagen, Why You Should Add MCT’s To Collagen, Chocolate Pancakes With Blueberry Butter & More!

  1. cj says:

    LINK DOES NOT WORK FOR 20%
    https://purewod.lpages.co/ben-greenfield-perfect-keto-collagen/

    1. Ben Greenfield says:

      Try these: bengreenfieldlife.com/perfectketo OR perfectketo.com/bgf20

  2. Sarah Stuckel says:

    The iink does not work. Could you tell me how it compares to Melaleuca’s collagen?

  3. miriam bouman says:

    what is the source of the collageen?

  4. Samantha M says:

    Do you think collagen+MCT, intermittent fasting, and EAAs can all play together? I love intermittent fasting and I do an early morning workout in the fasted state. Normally I drink coffee with collagen pre-workout, but I’m interested in trying EAAs pre and post workout during my fast. Would you recommend continuing with collagen, and when would you take it?
    Thanks so much!

  5. Cory says:

    Is it ok to take this with kion aminos? Or does it throw off the ratios of amino acids?

    1. It would be better to take Aminos by without another significant source of protein to maximize absorption

  6. Kimberly says:

    Also does the Perfect Keto Collagen Chocolate have caffeine in it?? I have already purchased the Vanilla and of course it doesn’t have caffeine…

    1. There is some in the chocolate, yes.

  7. Kimberly says:

    I have a 2 cm sliding hiatal hernia. Will Perfect Keto Collagen help or heal this condition?? I almost desperate at this point….

    1. I would recommend speaking to your doctor about this.

  8. MsT says:

    Great article. Always appreciate your ability to bring the information to a level that the lay person can understand. Can you explain the difference between collagen/gelatin powder vs. pills? I have been taking just one tablespoon of collagen powder daily for the past 3 months and it have been a game changer. My mother takes collagen & turmeric in pill form and I am wondering if the body is able to absorb as well. my general rule is the more processes something goes through the more nutrients get lost.

    1. I go into the differences in this podcast episode. Check it out… https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/podcast/biohacki…

  9. Cindy says:

    The discount code does not appear to be working for Keto Collagen. Would you mind updating as I am excited to try!

    1. It's working now. Give it another try!

  10. robin says:

    Does collagen count as a protein when counting macronutrients? If I am aiming to keep protein at about 50 grams/day, would I count collagen as part of that 50 g? I’ve read that because it doesn’t raise mTor, it shouldn’t be counted when figuring out protein macros. Would love some clarification.

    1. Yes, you can count it as protein because it will give you a full set of amino acids. It contains 18 amino-acids, including 8 out of 9 essential amino-acids. Glycine and proline concentration is 10 to 20 times higher than in other proteins.

  11. John Shoffner says:

    Very fun recipe. Will for sure add this collagen to my keto pantry. Some easy questions though; 1) Is there a difference in bioavailability or functionality in the body between beef, chicken and marine collagen of the same Type I and III? Your Kion Flex uses chicken collagen and I have been using a nice marine peptide collagen type III that seems quite effective also. 2) Timing; collagens are a great source of essential amino acids but the uptake of these is sometimes best absent fats in the gut (as in the protocol of taking Nature Aminos). Are collagen derived amino acids sensitive in the same regard, and would the presence of MCT pose an uptake problem? I hope not, cause I really enjoy collagens in my coffee with MCT! Thanks for a great resource and a great new website, Ben.

    1. You can definitely have collagens with fats, as they are found in nature John! (e.g. bone marrow!)

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