​Digestion is a pretty good indicator of over all health.  The gut lining functions to help keep this system working properly. It protects us from the environment and helps with nutrient transport and absorption form the food we eat.  
It can become compromised when we ingest foods that irritate us, when our microbiome is disrupted or we get an infection like the stomach flu or food poisoning.  This compromised gut barrier AKA Leaky Gut can lead to a myriad of health issues including digestive upset, body wide inflammation, brain fog, mood changes and skin issues.
Collagen is a functional food derived form animal skin and bones that contains key nutrients to help support the health of the gut lining. It is the fibrous protein found throughout your body, in organs, muscles, skin, hair, nails, teeth, bones, blood vessels, tendons, joints, cartilage and your digestive system.
Collagen contains high amounts of the amino acids glycine and glutamine that are very important for promoting good digestion and healing the gut lining.  It acts like glue that helps to seal up the leaks. 
You can obtain collagen form consuming bone broth you can also purchase collagen peptides that are in the form of a dehydrated powder that can be added to food and beverages. The great thing about it is that it is tasteless and dissolves easily so it is simple to incorporate into your daily routine. 
 
COLLAGEN TO SUPPORT GREAT SKIN
 
Collagen is also essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. As we age our collagen production declines which can lead to changes in these tissues such as wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, brittle nails and hair loss.
Because collagen is one of the main components of our skin hair and nails it can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks increase moisture retention, improve elasticity, and decrease fine lines.
 
THERE ARE MANY OTHER BENEFITS TO COLLAGEN 
 
Because collagen is part of many tissues found all over our bodies it can

• Helps improve joint pain and mobility.
• Aid in weight management.
• Support heart health.
• Support bone formation, growth and repair.
• Improve liver function and detoxification. 
• It’s also a great source of protein containing about 12 grams per serving. 
  
  

HOW TO INCLUDE IT IN YOUR DIET
 
You can drink bone broth daily or supplement with a collagen peptide powder available at many health food stores. 
 
I make a collagen matcha latte every morning and add it to soups and stews, smoothies or add it to baked goods. 
 
CASHEW COLLAGEN MATCHA LATTE
 

• 2 cups of water
• ½ cup raw cashews or cashew butter
• 1 madjool date
• 1 tsp. matcha
• 1 tbsp. collagen peptides
• Dash cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil

 
Blend on high in a Nutri-bullet, Vitamix or similar appliance until smooth- heat on stovetop to desired temp or serve over ice.
 
If you don’t have a blender you can use cashew or another nut milk in place of the water and nuts, omit the date or use date sugar, maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar and just wisk the ingredients over heat or shake with ice. 

Coconut Yoghurt is made by adding probiotic cultures to coconut cream and letting it ferment to bring it to life.  By adding your probiotic supplement to coconut you are essentially waking it up so that you are consuming a living food.    
 
Probiotics are extremely beneficial to gut health and we now know that the health of our guts has far reaching effects on our moods, energy levels, hormones, immunity etc. 
 
Coconut yoghurt is a great dairy free way to get the benefits of fermented foods. 
Not only is this food delicious and good for your gut but it has some additional  health benefits because of the coconut. Coconut is high in fibre and medium chain triglycerides (good fats), vitamin B12, calcium and magnesium and protective antioxidants. 
 
There are many store bought options but most contain fillers, thickeners and some added sweetener and often we can’t be certain that the cultures are still alive. It is relatively east to make on your own and can be used in many delicious ways. 
 
How to make:
 
You will need either a vegan yoghurt starter or a probiotic capsule that contains some of the strains B. animalis, B. breve, B. longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L reuteri. One that specifies human strain probiotics is even better.  If you are allergic to dairy or vegan ensure you get a probiotic that is totally dairy free. 
 
 
Ingredients:
 
1-2 can of coconut milk (get one with the only ingredient being coconut)
2-4 probiotic capsules or leftover coconut yoghurt from a previous batch or coconut yoghurt starter cultures

• Heat up the coconut milk to just before boiling on the stovetop and then let cool until it is still warm to touch but not hot- 65-80 degrees celsius or warm room temp. You can also make it in a yoghurt maker or an Instant Pot.  If your house is very warm you can skip the heating part and just use room temp coconut milk. 
• Open the capsules and sprinkle into coconut milk and stir well, or add the starter culture or 1-2 tbsp of leftover coconut yoghurt from a previous batch. 
• Pour into sterilized jars and cover with cheesecloth. 
• Leave on the counter for 24-48 hours. The longer you allow it to ferment the stronger the yoghurt will be. You can taste test it to see. As it ferments it will become sourer tasting and a bit bubbly. 
• Once you are satisfied with the flavour you can cover and refrigerate. It should last for about 2 weeks in the fridge. 
•  It is best to start out with eating a few tablespoons at a time to allow your gut to adjust to the probiotics. 
   
  How to use:
  
• Add fruit and nuts for breakfast
• Add to smoothies
• Eat out of the jar
• Add fruit puree to make a desert
• Add cocoa and maple syrup for a desert mousse
• Use as a base for a creamy salad dressing
• Use in place of sour cream
• As a face mask- coconut and probiotics are both nourishing to the skin and anti-inflammatory.