How To Choose Your Collagen Powder

Are all Collagens the same? – How to choose the right collagen product. Collagen is the talk of the health industry, and so it should be! Collagen packs a bunch of numerous health benefits, such as: healthy skin, hair and nails slowing down the effect of osteoarthritis reducing joint injuries supporting gut health Let’s also not forget that collagen contains over 17 different amino acids, making it the cleanest source of various key amino acids; each with various functions in the body. Collagen is awesome, check! Collagen supplements have grown over the last few years, and now there are more choices, hefty price tags and often confused consumers on which one is right for them. So what should you be taking? Let’s begin with the fact that not all collagens are the same! There are various formats of collagen supplements out there that contain specific types of collagen. Ask some key questions and do your research Start with doing your research on the products that you are looking at. It’s important to ask key questions to ensure that the brand you are looking for checks certain boxes. Pro Tip: Our Enhanced Collagen line does! Plus, it’s been voted Canada’s best-selling collagen powder, but we aren’t here to talk about that. 1) WHERE IS THE COLLAGEN SOURCED FROM? This is a fundamental question as you want to ensure that the collagen you are consuming Is coming from a good and reputable source. Ensure the product and the company producing it are taking measures to make sure it is sustainably sourced to prevent harm to the environment and other species as well as being conscious about overfishing and fish farming. Choosing grass-fed bovine free of hormones and antibiotics OR approved farms for chicken sources is important. Ensuring the company has certifications in good manufacturing, high-quality standards for quality and potency as well as having tested their product for heavy metals are also very important. 2) IS THIS PRODUCT APPROVED BY HEALTH CANADA? When it comes down to choosing supplements, it is essential to ensure that the product you are wanting contains an NPN (Natural Product Number). This is an 8-digit number you can find on the packaging/bottle that is issued once the product has been sent to Health Canada to ensure it is safe for consumption. Natural health products in other countries often do not need to go through this process and is step is significant to ensure its effectiveness and safety. 3) IS THE COLLAGEN HYDROLYZED? When you want to supplement with collagen, make sure to check if it has gone through the hydrolyzation process (an enzymatic process that breaks it down into a peptide). The reason that this is essential is because collagen is a large molecule and is hard for the body to absorb. The hydrolyzation process breaks it down into a smaller molecular weight, therefore making the most absorbable form of protein that you can uptake in the body and that is more bioavailable. Some collagen containing products or other collagens on the market that have not gone through this process have a more substantial molecular weight making it harder for the body to absorb and utilize. So you are not actually absorbing the powder or liquid you are ingesting (waste of money). Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are KEY. Once a collagen checks all the boxes, it’s really up to you to choose liquid or powder or capsules. Don’t be fooled into thinking one is better absorbed than another. In fact, liquids and capsules are both made using powdered collagen peptides. You're really just choosing based o your lifestyle, what is more convenient for you to take. Your collagen, your way. At Organika, we offer an entire line up of Enhanced Collagen powders (many with additional benefits), as well as liquid and capsule options.  Vegan? No problem. Although collagen cannot be vegan, we have a Plant-Based Collagen Booster to maximize your natural collagen production and protect your existing collagen from breaking down. Find the collagen that best suits you.

What is Collagen? Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in our body. It provides strength, elasticity, and tone. Although we may think of collagen only in our skin, it can also be found throughout our bodies: from muscle fibres and bone matrix to our blood vessels. Collagen is the protein responsible for strong and flexible connective tissues. The collagen in our skin plays the role of improving our skin's moisture, suppleness and elasticity, and a healthy amount of collagen will give an overall youthful appearance. Our body produces its own collagen, using 3 amino acids as key "building blocks"; they are Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline. Collagen formation in our body involves complex enzymatic reactions, and providing the building blocks is crucial in the process. WHY SHOULD I SUPPLEMENT WITH COLLAGEN? As we age, our collagen formation naturally decreases: starting at 1% every year in our twenties, and up to 50% by the time we hit 45. Poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can further decrease the collagen formation rate in our body. Less collagen leads to a loss of elasticity, strength, and tone throughout the body. You may notice this through signs of ageing, such as: Fine lines/wrinkles Brittle nails Cellulite Sagging skin Loss of moisture Weak ligaments Aching joints Arthritis Cartilage injuries There are ways to bring the collagen formation rate up again, such as providing enough "key building blocks." These amino acids are abundant in collagen-rich food, such as bone broth and chicken feet. Unfortunately, most people don't get enough collagen in their diet. Hence, collagen supplementation is beneficial for most people! It helps reduce the signs of ageing, keep the strength, tone and health of our connective tissues, and even improve the digestive tract. There are so many benefits to collagen other than beautiful skin, hair, and nails! THE MAIN TYPES OF COLLAGEN Let's break down the three most common types of collagen that you'll see in our bodies: Types 1, 2, and 3. Supplemental collagen is mainly found as Type 1, as well as a combination of Types 1 and 3. Generally, sourcing plays a role in the type of collagen that is extracted. For example, bovine collagen is sourced from the hides of cattle and is naturally high in Type 1 collagen. Here is a chart of the most common types of collagen supplements and how they are sourced. Now that you are ready to start supplementing with a Collagen powder, which source should you use? What is the difference? Is there a price difference between them? Here is a breakdown of the characteristics and benefits of bovine, marine, and poultry-sourced collagen: Bovine Collagen Naturally sourced from the hides of cattle (be sure it is sourced from the hides), this kind is very high in collagen Types 1 and 3 and contains a high amount of protein. In fact, it contains almost double the amount found in marine collagen. With a large amount of glycine (a functional amino acid), bovine collagen is excellent for hair, skin, nails, as well as our connective tissues and digestive health. In most cases, bovine collagen will give you a better bang for your buck. Marine Collagen Naturally sourced from the scales and/or skins of marine species (usually cold water fish like cod or salmon), marine collagen is very high in Type 1 collagen, which is known to increase tightness, tone, and skin elasticity. It is very beneficial for skin, hair, and nail health, and is referred to as the fountain of youth. If you are a pescetarian or prefer fish-based products, marine collagen is the one for you. Poultry Naturally sourced from chicken sternum cartilages (very high in Type 2 collagen), it is high in Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate, which are essential for healthy and strong cartilages, joints and ligaments. BioCell Collagen contains a potent amount of hydrolyzed collagen which stimulates collagen production in the skin, supports the health of our joints, and keeps the moisture in our skin and lubrication around our joints. What Can Collagen Do for Me? Collagen is highly beneficial to our body for many health reasons. Mostly known for its anti-ageing effects, collagen has been researched and shown to improve more than just your skin's texture and tone. So, what are the benefits of collagen supplements? Here are a few proven benefits from collagen: Increased moisture within the body (skin & joints) Improved digestive health (leaky gut) Immune support Improved mood Stable blood sugar/weight management Connective tissue health (joints, cartilage and ligaments) Reduction in inflammation within the body Improved bone health The amazing thing about collagen is that it is a very versatile and functional supplement for all lifestyles and ages. It is also an easy supplement to include in your daily routine: add it in your morning smoothies, yogurt, coffee, and even to your baking! Organika's Enhanced Collagen Enhanced Collagen from Organika goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the modern-day health enthusiast. Stress, energy, cognitive function, etc. are all symptoms that can be addressed through Organika's collagen - hence the name "Enhanced"! Whether you are in a time crunch or need a convenient way to get some much-needed nutrients, Enhanced Collagen can help you make an event out of your morning cup, or give your baked goods a nutritious boost. It is super simple to find a product that works for you! Organika has a variety of formulas created just for your modern, on-the-go lifestyle and all can be mixed in water, smoothies, coffees, even baked goods! So find which one works best for you! Check out this handy cheat sheet.   Conclusion: With over 300 various collagen supplements on the market, choosing the collagen that is right for you can seem overwhelming and confusing. When choosing a collagen supplement, always make sure to ask or research a few important details before making your decision. Wondering what makes a great collagen supplement? Find out here in this blog. 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! 

Hydrolyzed collagen has been a popular ‘go to’ in the health food industry for some time now. With so many claims to healing qualities such as improved skin health, relief from joint pain and supporting heart health, collagen has become a staple in many people’s daily lives. The benefits of collagen, internally and externally, seem to be noticed by collagen users... all by adding this simple protein into their daily routine. While we talk a lot about details and types of collagen, and how to use it... let’s get back to the basics. So, what exactly is collagen? LET'S START AT THE BOTTOM AND BUILD UP You may have heard of amino acids. They are the small building blocks that, when added together, create protein. Common amino acids such as lysine, glutamine, and tryptophan play specific roles all around the body. For example, tryptophan helps us build serotonin, our ‘happy hormone’. When you string together a series of different amino acids, we get protein. Protein is needed for growth, repair, immune system support and all-around structural support. COLLAGEN IS A TYPE OF PROTEIN Amino acids that make up collagen are arginine, glycine, glutamine, hydroxyproline and more. The amino acid content in collagen directly influences proper building and growth. Our bodies are made up of collagen. Collagen makes up most of our skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles. We can find collagen in our bones for strength, as well as in the walls of our arteries for that elastic stretch with blood pressure change. Collagen is abundant in the human body. WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE COLLAGEN? When we take a collagen product, we may notice a difference in how fast our hair or nails grow. Some individuals notice a difference in their skin such as less breakouts or more tightness and reduced fine lines. When we see the effects at such a superficial level, it is easy to understand and recognize the internal healing qualities and benefits of collagen, skin rejuvenation is just a fantastic bonus! There are numerous reasons to take collagen. Below are just a few benefits of collagen and reasons why more and more individuals choose to supplement with this super food. Supporting the aging process Aging, stress and activity all require adequate amounts of protein in an individual’s diet. Out of all the macro nutrients, (carbohydrates, fats and proteins), protein seems to be the most lacking in the North American diet. When there is not enough protein in the diet, body tissues break down faster, the aging process speeds up and we are not able to recover as quickly as we should. Our immune system needs protein to function If you tend to get sick often, you should consider increasing the amount of protein in your diet to help build immunity. The amino acids found in collagen will directly increase the number of immune cells that help you stay healthy by combating bacteria and viruses. The protein that makes up collagen is like that of bone broth, hence the reason one should consume bone broth or collagen when sick to aid in quicker recovery. Joint health Collagen protein directly contributes to the health of our joints. As we age, train and move, our joints become stressed. It is important to take care of our joints with rest, recovery and proper nutrition. Daily consumption of a collagen supplement can contribute to the integrity and structure of joints. Graceful aging There are many factors that contribute to an overall youthful look. Staying hydrated and consuming healthy fats is key when it comes to the beauty of your skin. Adding a collagen supplement daily will contribute to the growth of collagen all around your body, noticeably the skin. Collagen is responsible for the elasticity and integrity of our skin. The timeline for results can vary for everyone, from 4 weeks or more. The results you will experience by adding this simple supplement to your diet is so worth the wait. Adding a clean and ethical source of collagen to your daily health regime can pay off in big ways! BE HAPPY, BE HEALTHY