Beef Liver Plus

Collagen 101: What is Collagen Protein?   You’ve probably heard all the buzz surrounding collagen, yet may still be asking yourself: what IS collagen really? You’re not alone, and we’re here to make it easy for you to understand.   Collagen is the most plentiful form of protein in your body, and acts like the “glue” that holds it all together. That’s right, our bodies naturally produce collagen. Collagen contributes to elasticity, strength, and tone throughout the body.   Unfortunately, as we age, our collagen production starts to decline. Collagen production declines even faster due to excess sun exposure, smoking, excess alcohol, and lack of sleep and exercise. But fear not, that’s where collagen supplementation comes to play.   What are the benefits of collagen?  Collagen Protein has many benefits, ranging from supporting your hair, skin and nails, to gut health and bone and joint support.   Hair, Skin and Nail Health:  Collagen helps increase the elasticity and moisture of your skin, while also reducing UVB damage and signs of photoaging. You can forgive yourself for many years of not wearing sunscreen outside.  Bone and Joint Health:  Collagen helps maintain healthy cartilage in the joints, improving function and reducing symptoms of joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.   Gut Health:   Collagen provides your body with the amino acid, L-Glutamine, which is essential in supporting your gut lining.   Collagen Protein vs. Protein Powder: Is there a difference?  Although Collagen Protein and Protein Powder are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different. The main difference involves their amino acid breakdown.   Let’s go back to science class, shall we?   Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are required for many critical roles in your body, such as building proteins, hormone function, and neurotransmitters. Amino acids are categorized between essential and non-essential amino acids. This is where collagen gets involved.  There's a total of 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential. This means, our bodies cannot produce them on our own and need to be consumed through either diet or supplementation. Some easy ways to consume these 9 essential amino acids through diet include meat, eggs, poultry, edamame, or tofu.   What about collagen?  Collagen protein only contains 8 out of the 9 essential amino acids, considering it to be an “incomplete protein”. Protein Powders are typically formulated with all 9 essential amino acids, considering them to be a “complete protein”.   While our Enhanced Collagen Original only has 8 of the 9 essential amino acids, our Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein has all 9 essential amino acids, which is a “complete protein”.   Whether you choose to consume Enhanced Collagen Original or Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein depends on what your goals are. You will still reap the benefits collagen has to offer, but Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein is particularly beneficial if you are focused on your protein consumption, or the growth of lean muscle mass.   Is collagen right for you?   Whatever your goals are, we have collagen that’s right for you. It’s simple, just choose the one that fits your lifestyle.  If you’re looking to start off with the basics, try our award-winning, Enhanced Collagen Original (psssst, it’s Canada’s #1 selling Collagen Powder).   OR  Are you looking to combine your collagen with other supplements?   Choose from a variety of our multi-benefit blends like Enhanced Collagen Pure Beauty, Enhanced Collagen Bone and Joint, or Metaboost Fat Metabolizing Complex Powder.   Are you pescatarian or vegetarian? We have options for you too.   Do you want to have ALL sources of collagen in one? We have you covered.   Do you want to make taking collagen fun? Choose from a variety of our flavoured options, from lemon to chocolate.   The bottom line – collagen supplementation is particularly beneficial as you age, to support your hair, skin, nails, bones, joints, and gut health. Whatever your goals are, we have a collagen for you.   References  https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/#:~:text=Collagen%20is%20the%20most%20abundant,muscles%2C%20tendons%2C%20and%20cartilage.   https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/essential-amino-acids 

With So Many Blends and Types Available, How Do You Know Which Collagen Is Right for You? If you’re thinking about starting collagen supplements, you’ve probably heard about the wide range of collagen powder benefits. From glowing skin and shiny hair to improved gut health and stronger bones and joints, collagen has become a popular wellness staple. But with so many types of collagen and collagen blends on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? Choosing the best collagen supplement doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through it step by step. Start by Identifying Your Needs When choosing a collagen supplement, begin by asking yourself: What do I want collagen to help me with? Are you focused on healthier skin, hair, and nails?Do you struggle with joint or bone discomfort?Are you looking to support gut health?Or maybe you want all of the above? Knowing your main goal will guide you toward the best collagen for your lifestyle and wellness needs. Understanding the Different Types of Collagen and Their Benefits Yes, there are different types of collagen. While scientists have identified over 16 types, the most commonly discussed in collagen supplements are Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 collagen. Type 1 Collagen Type 1 collagen is found in hair, skin, nails, and bones and is the most abundant collagen in the body. It plays a key role in: • Skin elasticity and firmness• Anti-aging support• Overall skin structure Marine collagen and bovine collagen are excellent sources of Type 1 collagen. If beauty and skin health are your main focus, Enhanced Collagen Pure Beauty powder is a great option. Type 2 Collagen Type 2 collagen is primarily found in connective tissues such as joints, ligaments, and cartilage. As we age, cartilage and connective tissues naturally weaken, which is why Type 2 collagen is commonly used to support joint and bone health. Chicken is a rich natural source of Type 2 collagen and can be found in Full Spectrum Collagen 1,2,3,5,10. Enhanced Collagen Bone and Joint is another targeted option, as it contains Types 1 and 3 collagen along with ingredients like MSM and glucosamine for added joint support. Type 3 Collagen Type 3 collagen is another abundant collagen type found alongside Type 1 collagen. Together, Types 1 and 3 collagen help support: • Skin elasticity• Healthy hair and nails• Gut health For a blend that provides both Types 1 and 3 collagen, Canada’s #1 selling collagen powder, Enhanced Collagen Original, is a popular choice. If you’re looking for additional protein support, Essential Aminos Enhanced Collagen Protein offers a complete protein boost along with collagen benefits. Should You Choose Bovine, Marine, or Plant-Based Collagen? The best collagen source depends on your lifestyle, dietary preferences, and wellness goals. Bovine collagen Provides both Type 1 and Type 3 collagen and is commonly used for skin, joint, and gut health. Options range from Enhanced Collagen Original to blends like Enhanced Collagen Relax, Enhanced Collagen Sleep, and Enhanced Collagen Chocolate. Marine collagen A great choice if you avoid bovine products or want to focus primarily on Type 1 collagen. Marine Collagen Powder and Salmon Collagen Capsules are popular marine-based options. Plant-based collagen support If you follow a plant-based lifestyle, Plant-Based Collagen Booster helps support your body’s natural collagen production. Other Collagen Formats to Consider Beyond powders, collagen supplements also come in capsules and liquid forms. If you prefer capsules, Enhanced Collagen Protein Capsules or Vegetarian Collagen capsules may be a better fit. If liquid supplements are more convenient, Liquid Enhanced Collagen with Vitamin C and Biotin or Liquid Marine Collagen sourced from sustainable North Atlantic Cod are great options. What to Look for in a High-Quality Collagen Supplement Not all collagen supplements are created equal. The most important thing to look for is hydrolyzed collagen peptides. Since collagen is a large protein molecule, hydrolyzation breaks it down into smaller peptides that are: • Easier to digest• Better absorbed by the body• Tasteless and odourless• Easily dissolved in hot or cold liquids High-quality collagen should also be: • Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle (for bovine collagen)• Free from hormones, antibiotics, artificial ingredients, dairy, and gluten• Non-GMO• Clean and single-ingredient when possible All of Organika’s collagen supplements meet these standards. How Much Collagen Should You Take Per Day? Once you’ve chosen the collagen supplement that fits your goals, follow the dosage instructions on the package for best results. Consistency is key. The easiest way to make collagen part of your routine is to “habit stack” it with something you already do daily: • Add it to your morning coffee• Blend it into a post-workout smoothie• Mix it into recipes or meals Making collagen a regular part of your day is the best way to experience its long-term benefits.

Let’s face it, alcohol is a part of our culture, and while it may be nice to take part in your social celebration with a glass of wine or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with green beer, it is never recommended to drink in excess. Drinking alcohol can deplete nutrients and burden your liver, it can affect a person’s blood pressure, heart rate, immunity and more1. The intention of course, is to enjoy your social function or evening out without neglecting the health of your body. So for the special occasions where you will be consuming alcohol, keep these things in mind:   It’s dehydrating Alcohol’s dehydrating action may be the most commonly observed side effect of a night out, lending to nutrient depletion and electrolyte loss, thus perpetuating symptoms associated with a “hangover”, such as headache, fatigue and nausea. Drinking plenty of water is essential. A glass of water between each alcohol-containing drink may help to decrease the overall volume of alcohol consumed while also helping to prevent dehydration. Coconut water is good option for hydration that provides a natural supply of electrolytes.    It’s depleting Because of alcohol’s dehydrating action, water soluble nutrients like B vitamins and vitamin C can be depleted when consuming alcohol. B vitamins play an important role in energy production and nervous system health; while vitamin C is an important antioxidant for the maintenance of good health. Supplementing with a B-Complex and Vitamin C may help to counteract depletion by replacing what is lost in urine.     It burdens your liver The majority of alcohol consumed will be metabolized in the liver increasing its toxic load. Milk Thistle is traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a liver protectant. Milk Thistle can help improve liver function and detoxifying activity throughout the body. If you do mistakenly overreach your limits, make sure you get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and eat a healthy breakfast. Drinking ginger tea or taking a ginger supplement has been shown to reduce feelings of nausea if you happen to have an upset stomach. References: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body