What are Praetorian Power Balls you ask?! These are what praetorians (an elite unit of the Imperial Roman army) use to snack on to keep up their fuel during long battles. Ha! Only joking! I am currently participating in a 6 week fitness challenge at my local gym FITISM and I am part of a team called Patrick’s Praetorians (think Russel Crowe in Gladiators). As well as crazy fitness challenges this week we had to do a health challenge – make 6 identical healthy snack balls that were gluten and dairy free and contained no refined sugar. They were going to be judged on appearance, taste, ingredients and keeping to theme. After I’d put my hand up to say I’d sort it for the team, it then proceeded to take over my whole week and become something akin to a school project – Luckily the effort paid off and we won in all categories!
Our secret ingredient was Collagen Hydrolysate. I have been using this product for years and recommend it to clients. It is basically bone broth in powder form and highly nutritious. Nowadays, we tend to favour only muscle meat (chicken breast, steak etc) but it is in the bones and cartilage where a whole amino acid profile (arginine, glutamine, glycine and proline) are high and hugely beneficial for health.
Benefits of Collagen Hydrolysate
Muscle and Joint care
Collagen hydrolysate is high in the amino acid glycine which is anti-inflammatory and helps to regulate metabolism, maintain lean muscle mass, preserve bone strength and joint mobility.
Aids liver detoxification
Glycine is an important component of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), which helps prevent cell damage. GSH is also a major player in Phase II liver detoxification helping the body process and eliminate pesticides, xenoestrogens, and other avoidable and unavoidable toxins from the environment, food, and products we use.
Enhances Digestion
Collagen soothes and heals the digestive tract and helps repair the mucous lining. It also helps break down the protein and fat from foods, making them easier for the body to digest.
To help with digestion, before meals, add 1 scoop of collagen hydrolysate to your beverage of choice. Doing so will increase protein absorption and hydrochloric acid production. It will also help heal your digestive tract.
Improves Sleep
Glycine plays an important role in the neurotransmitters within the brain. Recent research shows that glycine improves sleep quality in people who have difficulty sleeping. So for those that have trouble sleeping, I recommend mixing 1 tablespoon collagen hydrolysate with my sleep time tea an hour before bed.
Collagen hydrolysate is relatively odourless and tasteless, making it easy to mix into warm drinks, smoothies, or recipes.
Where to buy?
I buy this product here. You can get it cheaper through iherb but you get stung on import fees so it’s not worth it.
Australian friends – you can purchase Collagen Hydrolysate for an amazing price from My Home Pantry.
Healthy Protein Balls
Ingredients (makes roughly 6 balls):
50g roasted peanut butter (unsweetened)
100g dates
100g desiccated coconut
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons of Collagen Hydrolysate
Method
Put everything into a food processor and blend for a few minutes until thoroughly mixed. Roll the mixture into small balls and pop them in the freezer for 20 minutes. Transfer into the fridge and serve chilled as a healthy snack.
These protein balls make a great post workout snack or eaten between meals to keep blood sugar levels balanced and hunger at bay. Enjoy!
