Moringa

For 20-something females like myself, there are so many health and wellness products out there these days that claim the ability to improve our beauty health in various ways from adding shine to our hair, creating strong healthy nails, and clearing up skin imperfections for a healthy glow. The problem with there being so many options is that it can be difficult to find the right products without ending up with a cupboard full of items and a personal care schedule longer than any busy millennial has time for... Luckily there’s one supplement that we can add into our daily lives in some simple ways to help with the health of our skin, nails, and hair while also providing so many other benefits like improved gut health and joint support. This super supplement is collagen! Collagen is my all-time favorite health product and is something I incorporate into my life every day. What I love about this supplement, aside from all the amazing benefits, is how versatile and simple it is to add to your health routine. Here are 4 ways I add collagen into my everyday life. Collagen Coffee Coffee already has some awesome health benefits including antioxidant properties and improving mental clarity and athletic performance, but it can also be irritating on the gut due to its acidity. Luckily, by adding collagen in, we can support our gut health as the amino acids present can help with repairing the gut lining. Cooking with Collagen Powder One of my favorite healthy kitchen hacks is adding collagen to recipes as it is tasteless and colorless, so do not affect the look or flavor of your food, while still providing some amazing health benefits. I normally add 1-2 tablespoons of collagen powder to things like sauces, soups, and oats as well as to the batter of any baking recipes.  Bone Broth Bone broth is a nutritious broth that is packed with collagen protein, amino acids, and some essential vitamins and minerals.   Although I love to make homemade bone broth, I also love using the Organika Chicken Bone Broth for a more convenient option. It’s delicious to simply make in a mug and sip on but is also perfect for using in any recipe that calls for broth. Supporting Your Body’s Natural Collagen Production  Incorporating some amino acid-rich whole foods into your diet can help support your body's natural collagen production. Some options I like are wild-caught fish and shellfish, beans, free-range chicken and eggs, and grass-fed beef. I also ensure to consume a variety of fresh produce containing vitamin C such as citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and tomatoes which is also needed for collagen production. Thanks to collagen’s versatility, there are endless ways you can use it and no matter how you choose to add some collagen into your daily life, your body will thank you for all the amazing benefits!

Is there a certain time in your life to consider taking collagen daily? Collagen, a pivotal protein in our body, supports various aspects of our health, including skin vitality, joint functionality, and muscular strength. Let's explore when to consider collagen supplementation and its myriad of benefits. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I often engage with patients curious about what collagen supplementation entails, what the benefits are, and why it might be right for them. Ultimately the age you start is up to you, but knowing when collagen starts to decline in the body may help you choose when to start. The Onset of Collagen Decline Our body's collagen production typically begins to diminish in our mid-20s, accelerating around age 40, and significantly drops by our 60s. This natural reduction in collagen affects not only our physical appearance, such as decreased skin elasticity, but also the functional integrity of our joints and muscles. Understanding Collagen Production Decline Collagen’s reduction impacts the body's structural support, manifesting in changes in skin texture, joint discomfort, and a decrease in muscle mass. It's not just a cosmetic concern; it's a matter of maintaining bodily strength and mobility. Joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and an overall decrease in muscle strength, are common concerns as we age, and can impact our bodies ability to withstand injury. Research has shown that this decline is due to both intrinsic aging processes and environmental factors like UV exposure and pollution (Shuster et al., 2005). Delving into the Science of Collagen Supplements Research highlights the effectiveness of collagen supplements in addressing these age-related changes. For instance, a study published in 2019 demonstrated how collagen peptides improve skin hydration and elasticity (Bolke et al., 2019). This study highlighted that regular intake of collagen led to noticeable improvements in skin moisture and elasticity, suggesting its potential as a proactive measure against aging. Another study in 2021 highlighted collagen's role in promoting muscle mass and reducing joint pain in individuals across a wide range of ages (Khatri et al., 2021). These findings are significant as they illustrate that hydrolyzed collagen, which is more readily absorbed by the body, can significantly replenish depleted collagen levels, improving many aspects of health, from skin appearance to joint and muscle function. Naturopathic Recommendations on Collagen Intake In my practice, I recommend considering collagen supplementation around the age of 25 to 30. This proactive approach can support not only skin health but also joint functionality and muscle mass, contributing to overall well being. When advising patients, I consider their dietary patterns and overall health profile. Products like Enhanced Collagen Original by Organika is often my go-to recommendation due to ease of incorporation into daily routines and being an excellent source of protein. For pescatarians, Marine Collagen Powder by Organika is a suitable alternative. These supplements can easily be added to morning smoothies, oatmeal, coffee and even water. I recommend a holistic approach to health As always, a holistic health strategy is paramount, and collagen supplements should be part of a balanced lifestyle inclusive of a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Consultation with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen is essential to ensure it aligns with individual health needs and goals. In conclusion, understanding the onset of collagen decline and its effects is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. With the right knowledge and approach, collagen supplementation can be an effective tool in managing the signs of aging and supporting the body's structural integrity. In health, Dr. Courtney Clayson-Russell

Marine Collagen: Beauty from the Sea   You may be seeing marine collagen or hearing about it, but unsure what the difference between that and bovine collagen is, and/or which one you should be consuming. As expected, Marine collagen comes from fish and is rich in Type 1 collagen. The collagen from this source is pescatarian-friendly for those that do not consume bovine (which also has Type 1 collagen). However, there seems to be an ongoing debate over what is the best source of collagen and why some may opt for a marine source. We are diving into all things marine collagen and answering all your questions about it. Where does marine collagen come from? As the name implies, marine collagen comes from the sea – derived from fish scales, bones, and skin. Organika's Marine Collagen powder is sourced from Canada! It comes from the scales of wild-caught cod, pollock and haddock from the North Atlantic. What is marine collagen used for? What are the known benefits? Collagen, in general, is used to help with skin health (specifically with aging skin, wrinkles), stronger hair and nails, as well as promoting joint health. Rich in Type 1 collagen, marine collagen is linked with beauty benefits and tissue repair. Some of the most popular benefits of marine collagen include: Rejuvenated skin Improved skin texture and hydration Fuller and smoother hair Stronger nails Faster-growing hair and nails Reduced cellulite Why do some people prefer marine collagen? Some may consider marine collagen a more sustainable alternative. The fishing industry often has a lot of unused raw materials from the fish they catch, including the fish skins where marine collagen comes from. In that case, marine collagen can be a more comfortable choice as it may seem to offer a more economical and environmentally friendly option for various companies. Consumers may like to see that instead of wasting fish skins, companies can use the excess materials to create other products. Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen? This is the million-dollar question consumers are asking. The truth: although they come from different sources, fundamentally, the type of collagen from both sources is the same. Collagen is a large molecule, so for it to be efficiently absorbed and utilized by the body, it must first be broken down into smaller pieces, which you may have heard of as collagen peptides. Furthermore it must go through a process known as hydrolyzation: natural enzymes break down collagen into the smaller collagen peptides, without the use of heat or chemicals. High bioavailability in a collagen supplement is assured by the size of its peptide molecules, known as the molecular weight. The smaller the molecular weight, the easier it is for collagen peptides to reach the blood stream and be effectively used in the body. Both Organika’s marine and bovine collagen go through these processes for high bioavailability and ease of digestion. The nitty gritty: marine collagen naturally boasts a lower average molecular weight than any other collagen source - Organika's weighs in at an impressively low 2-2.5 kDa, compared to an average 40-45 kDa in most bovine collagens. However, bovine collagen can have a molecular weight comparable to that of marine collagen - all it takes is more rounds of hydrolization. This is how we achieve a molecular size of under 3 kDa for our bovine-sourced Enhanced Collagen Original! So essentially, what it comes down to is personal preference and dietary restrictions. It can also be beneficial to combine a variety of collagen supplements (bovine, bone broth, marine and even poultry-sourced collagen) for optimal health. Want options for Marine collagen? There is something for everyone – whether you prefer powder, capsules, liquid, or a water enhancer – there is a collagen option for you. Marine Collagen PowderHigh in type 1 collagen, which is essential for maintaining skin, hair and nail health. Hydrolyzed for easy digestion, our marine collagen powder is also tasteless, easily mixing into beverages or foods. Salmon Collagen Capsules Convenient capsules more your thing? Try our Salmon Collagen Capsules. Because they're higher in omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to beauty health you get support with joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Note: some people prefer salmon capsules for marine collagen because of the omega-3s that have added skin and arthritis benefits. Liquid Marine Collagen If you prefer liquid or flavoured (with orange), you must try this beauty elixir. Made with marine collagen, 200 mg Vitamin C, and 500 mcg biotin, you are getting the ultimate beauty benefits. Effervess A convenient source of marine collagen and vitamin C in a fizzy tablet that will give your water (and your skin) a makeover. Enjoy a variety of flavours: Kiwi, Cranberry, Rose, Lavender and Honey Peach The contents of this article have been fact-checked and reviewed by Registered Holistic Nutritionists.