Collagen for Champions: Ancient Nutrition Fuels Modern Warriors

1 April 2024
Eben van Tonder

Introduction

In the heart of East Nigeria’s Bauchi state, an intriguing conversation between Theodore Udeh, a Nigerian research collaborator, and Mr. Peter from Benue unveils the potent legacy of chicken in traditional healing practices, particularly for bone fractures. This dialogue, recorded in the “Earthworm Express,” explores how consuming an entire chicken, bones included, forms a cornerstone in the recovery of fractured bones—a practice deeply rooted in Benue’s cultural heritage. This age-old wisdom, where the gender of both the chicken and the preparer plays a crucial role, highlights a profound connection between diet, healing, and tradition.

UFC fighters, judokas, and boxers, constantly pushing their bodies to the limits, stand to gain from understanding the role of collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, in healing and performance. Collagen’s critical function in bone, skin, tendon, and joint health makes it invaluable for athletes facing the physical demands of their sports. While the body contains at least 16 types of collagen, types I and II are especially significant for their structural roles, aiding everything from bone fracture healing to maintaining robust joint cartilage.

Unlocking the Power of Collagen for Bone Healing

The process of collagen synthesis in the body doesn’t play favourites with the type of collagen ingested. Whether it’s from a stewed chicken or a beef bone broth, the body breaks down collagen into amino acids and peptides. These components then signal the cells to ramp up their own collagen production. It’s a sophisticated system where the specific type of collagen synthesized is determined by the body’s needs and the genetic instructions of the cells, not directly by the ingested collagen type.

Recipes for Recovery: Chicken and Beef with Bones

For those in the combative sports arena, incorporating bone-in chicken and beef into the diet offers a natural boost in collagen intake, essential for repairing the wear and tear of rigorous training and competition.

Chicken for Bone Healing: Following the Benue tradition, consuming a whole chicken, including the bones, can aid in bone fracture recovery. The preparation involves boiling the chicken until the meat is tender and the bones soft enough to consume entirely, ensuring a rich intake of collagen and other nutrients critical for bone healing.
Beef Bone Broth for Strength: Cooking beef with bones, especially those with exposed marrow, in a slow-simmered broth extracts collagen and minerals, creating a nutrient-dense soup that supports bone strength and overall vitality. To prepare, simmer beef bones with a splash of vinegar (to help leach the minerals from the bones) and your choice of vegetables for flavour, over low heat for 24-48 hours. Strain and enjoy the broth, which can also serve as a base for soups and stews.

Conclusion: Ancient Nutrition for Modern Athletes

The fascinating interplay between traditional dietary practices and modern nutritional science offers a wealth of insights for today’s athletes. By embracing the collagen-rich traditions of ancient healing practices, fighters and sports enthusiasts can harness the nutritional powerhouse of collagen for optimal healing, recovery, and performance. As the tales from Gaji Village to global sports arenas show, the bridge between ancient wisdom and modern understanding of collagen underscores a universal truth—the foundation of great strength and healing begins on our plates.

This exploration into the medicinal use of chicken for bone healing, as shared by Theodore Udeh and Mr. Peter, serves as a testament to the enduring power of collagen. Whether through traditional dishes or modern supplements, the quest for enhanced recovery and resilience continues, with collagen at its heart.