Gluten-Free Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies

I have been using collagen powder in my coffee and smoothies for a long time now, and recently started incorporating it into my baking recipes. As a nutritionist and recipe developer, I love being able to create recipes that have healthy benefits, too. When I was brainstorming a recipe to whip up with the Chocolate Enhanced Collagen, I immediately thought of chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting! I mean, what a great way to kick up the flavour with some more chocolate (the more the merrier). The cupcakes, along with the batter, are super simple to make and they are so decadent! I made them gluten-free, dairy-free and used coconut sugar. You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. I taste tested along the way because quality control is important!

Frequently asked questions: 1) Which Collagen type is better to take? All types of collagen can be beneficial because of their unique amino acid profiles and the roles that they play in our body. The best type of collagen to take is the one that you feel will give you the most health benefits. If you want healthy skin, hair, and nails, look for Type 1 collagen. Type 2 collagen is great for our connective tissues, so using chicken-based collagen (Bone Broth or Biocell) is an excellent idea. Choosing a collagen type is really up to you, and what you personally need to use it for. 2) How much Collagen should you take, and when can you start to see results? Ideally, you should take it at least two tablespoons daily (see the next question for more details), for at least one month until you start to see results. After a few weeks of consistent use, you should notice that your nails are stronger, your skin appears tighter and does not seem as dry. 3) How much collagen do I need every day? The average person needs around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. So if your weight is 60kg, you will need 60g of protein per day. The amount of collagen you may take is 30% of that or roughly 18 grams per day. Based on this rough calculation, you can reap the most benefits from your collagen supplement with consistent consumption of 2 servings of collagen per day. Generally, you will start to see a difference in the tone of your skin, how quickly your hair and nails begin to grow, as well as decreased joint aches and pains. 4) Can I take too much collagen? Collagen is a protein, so overconsumption means you will be getting extra calories from it. Bear in mind that collagen is not a complete protein, so it is not intended to replace a healthy diet, nor should it be your only source of protein. Reminder: Collagen doesn't generally cause side effects. However, if you do suffer from digestive disturbances or a sensitive digestive tract, starting with a small dose, and working your way up, is always a good start. 5) When is the best time to take collagen? The amazing thing about collagen is that you can take it anytime, hot or cold, and even add it to your baking! However, there is some research out there suggesting that, for optimal results, collagen is best taken on an empty stomach for better absorption or one hour before bed. Collagen is highly bioavailable, so our bodies are already able to absorb it quite rapidly. For optimal results, you can also try something like "collagen loading", where you can take collagen three times per day for one month. Deciding when to take collagen is really up to you and what works best for your schedule! 6) Do you need to take Vitamin C with Collagen for absorption? No, you don't need to take your collagen with Vitamin C for absorption. However, Vitamin C plays a huge role in our collagen production. Supplementing with Vitamin C daily will boost your natural collagen production and is also beneficial while supplementing. Vitamin C is also a great antioxidant and has been shown to help with beautiful skin. 7) Is collagen safe for children and pregnant women? Collagen is essentially a protein. Organika's Enhanced Collagen is safe to consume for children, as well as for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, before starting any new supplement regime (especially while pregnant or breastfeeding), we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider.  8) Which is better? Bone broth or collagen? Both collagen and bone broth have amazing benefits! Bone broth contains a high amount of collagen in it, as well as essential minerals and GAGs (glycosaminoglycans): think Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid and Glucosamine. Supplementing with both provides you with a variety of different types of collagen, as well as the added nutrients found in bone broth. 9) Where does Organika Source its Collagen from? Organika takes great pride in ensuring that all of its products come from the cleanest, purest, and most sustainable sources possible. Both the chicken and bovine collagens are USDA approved, and sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals, without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. All of Organika's collagen products are hydrolyzed and tested for all heavy metals, toxins, and are GMO-free. 10) Why is Marine Collagen more expensive than bovine? You will find that marine collagen always has a higher price point. There is a reason behind this, as it always comes down to how the collagen is sourced and the supply that is available. Organika's Marine Collagen is sourced from the scales and skin of freshwater cod. This quality of sourcing provides more health benefits. Best of all, it's flavourless and odourless! Do you still have questions about Collagen? Download our e-book to learn more about the different types of collagen and which one is for you! 

Go ahead, make it iced. Enjoy a ‘pick-me-up' but with a bit more decadence in both the chocolate and health department. This mudslide is still refreshing, coffee-licious, and tasty, but also contains less sugar and ALL the benefits of collagen (think hair, skin, nail, gut and joint health). Mudslides are best served cold, so be sure to enjoy before the summer days are done. Cheers to your glow-up! Makes 1 drink