Dr. Axe's Favorite Proteins

By: Dr. Josh Axe

Most people have heard of the macronutrients (protein, fats and carbs) when it comes to nutrition. However, I’d like to take a deeper dive into protein.

When I ran my chiropractic clinic in Nashville from 2007 to 2014, I noticed that most people typically get enough muscle-building protein in their diet. What they don’t get enough of—and oftentimes none of—is connective tissue-supporting protein such as collagen that’s found in traditionally made bone broth or my Multi Collagen Protein and my Bone Broth Protein™ products.

Why does that matter nutritionally and health-wise? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Up to 30% of all the protein in your body is collagen, while up to 70% of skin, hair, nails and nearly 100% of connective tissues are collagen. In short, collagen literally holds you together.

And get this: once a person hits about 25 to 30 years of age, the body’s natural production of collagen starts to slow—and none of us is exempt from this. As the body slows its collagen production, it can directly affect the skin, hair, nails, joints and even the gut.

That’s why I formulated my Multi Collagen Protein and Bone Broth Protein products—to get back what’s been missing in a convenient, practical and easy way. Here’s a little bit about them:

Multi Collagen Protein

I formulated Multi Collagen Protein with 5 types of collagen instead of the 1 or 2 that you’ll typically find on the market because, overall, different types of collagen support different areas and functions of the body. You’ll find types I, II, III, V and X in my Multi Collagen Protein.

Additionally, I sourced this product from 4 food sources: Eggshell membrane from USDA certified hatcheries; pasture-raised beef from South American cattle; sustainably wild-caught whitefish (pollock, cod and haddock) found in deep, cold waters of North America; and chicken bone broth from US chickens.

You’ll also be glad to know that it is all collagen—no fillers—and is a pure, unflavored and easily dissolvable powder that can be added to virtually anything, including your morning or afternoon coffee, smoothies, soups, yogurt, puddings, baked goods, pancakes and more. Plus, its connective tissue-supporting protein supports healthy skin, hair, nails, joints and a healthy gut!

Bone Broth Protein Vanilla

I love making bone broth from scratch, simmering the bones, cartilage, and tendons from chicken, turkey, beef, fish and other animals for at least 12 to 24 hours—sometimes as long as 36 to 48 hours.

Unsurprisingly, the protein responsible for the strength in those animals’ bones, cartilage and tendons is collagen. Being a protein, the collagen in bone broth also has amino acids (the building blocks of protein), including what I call “superstar” ones, such as proline, glycine, glutamine, arginine and cysteine. Additionally, bone broth inherently has electrolyte minerals.

All combined, the collagen, gelatin, amino acids and minerals in bone broth make it simple for those looking to get more connective tissue-supporting collagen and other nutrients in their diet.

That’s great news! Now for even better news . . . With my Bone Broth Protein line, I don’t have to make bone broth regularly if I don’t have the time or don’t want to because my Bone Broth Protein powder is made from real bone broth and supports healthy skin, a healthy gut, healthy joints and more.

But that’s not all. Bone Broth Protein is made with no added salt, colors, preservatives or artificial ingredients, is free of the 8 common allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soy), and is an ideal protein source for those who are sensitive to dairy, grains, eggs, beef, nuts, and legumes. It's also Non-GMO, Paleo Friendly, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Soy Free and contains No Artificial Ingredients, so it’s suitable for a variety of diets.

For many proteins, such as whey protein or “raw” protein products, heat isn’t their friend, so they are recommended to be used only in “cool” recipes, such as smoothies because the heat and processing can denature the proteins, diminish enzyme content and more. However, Bone Broth Protein can be used in practically anything because the heat and long cooking process of the bones are what create the nutrients found in bone broth.

That’s one reason why Bone Broth Protein is so amazingly versatile and can be used and served cold, warm or even hot—without altering its nutritional value. Plus, it comes in a variety of flavors and can be used in hundreds of recipes—all while providing 20 grams of bone broth-fueled and connective-tissue supporting protein per serving.