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How to Deal With Cellulite: Can Collagen Help?
Every year, people spend a lot of money to fight cellulite. Whether it’s personal fitness coaches, laser surgeries, liposuctions, or fancy creams, it’s still hard to get rid of it completely. If you’ve been trying to find the best ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite, you’re probably wondering whether collagen can help you do so. In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the advantages of collagen and how your skin can benefit from it. Are you ready to say “NO” to cellulite? Let’s dive in. What Is Cellulite? Even though we’re sure you know how cellulite looks when you see it, let’s discover its scientific explanation. Cellulite is the irregular fat build-up beneath the skin that pushes connective tissues out of shape. As a result, it creates a dimpled, lumpy “cottage cheese” look on your thighs, hips, thighs, buttocks, and arms. “To understand cellulite, you have to understand what collagen is. Collagen is a protein structure, and when it comes to cellulite, it's responsible for essentially keeping fat where it belongs. It's almost like a protective band. If this band tightens too much, fat can escape and rise up to the surface of the skin, causing what we know as cellulite. Collagen supplements work by providing more of the necessary protein to strengthen this band, which means fewer fat cells will get through.” Rex Freiberger, CEO of Discuss Diets If you’ve been obsessed with the idea to get rid of cellulite, you’re not alone. 85 - 98% of women suffer from cellulite. This issue is more than ordinary, and that’s why there’s nothing to be ashamed of. The good news is, you can focus on your health and figure out the ways to eliminate the appearance of cellulite without expensive surgeries and medical interference. Spoiler alert: collagen might become your most potent weapon in this battle. What Causes Cellulite and How Is Collagen Connected to It? With age, our skin slowly stops stretching, loses its elasticity, and starts rolling. But don’t worry, it happens to almost everyone. And, yes, even men. So, how is collagen connected to all of this? Firstly, collagen works from inside your body. It’s exactly where the cellulite appears. And unlike creams, it affects your skin from within, which is much more effective. Secondly, collagen works to strengthen the connective tissue, make your skin more elastic and reduce the signs of aging. It also helps you hydrate skin from the inside and thus, leave it firm and plump (in a good way). “Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes dimpled skin that is uneven and lumpy on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen. It's also referred to as orange peel skin and affects both men and women, with a tendency to be more prevalent amongst women. It occurs due to the misshaping of connective tissues due to fat pushing through. Collagen can help improve the appearance of cellulite as it strengthens the connective tissues, hydrates and improves the elasticity of the skin from within.” Lina Velikova, Medical Advisor at Supplements101 In short, cellulite is a change in the look and texture of your skin. Collagen can slow down these changes and help you fight them without invasive medical procedures. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food looked into the effects of bioactive collagen peptides on the moderate cellulite of 105 healthy weight and overweight women between the ages of 24 and 50. They were taking 2.5 grams of collagen daily for six months. In comparison to the placebo group, those women taking a daily dose of collagen noticed a considerable reduction in the appearance of cellulite. The results were the most significant among women of normal weight. So I Just Start Taking Collagen Supplements Then? How Does It Work? As we always state, there’s no magic pill against aging, which is usually the main cause of cellulite. That’s why you need to have realistic expectations when it comes to collagen and other types of supplementation. Collagen can help you reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve your skin’s elasticity, yet, it won’t happen overnight. You should also note that it can’t fully reverse cellulite, but it can make your skin look smoother and healthier. If you want to see the benefits of collagen for the skin yourself, choose collagen peptide products that are made using collagen type I and III. These are the best types of collagen to promote the synthesis of collagen in the dermis layer of your skin and bring noticeable results. “I would recommend collagen peptides for cellulite. Bioactive collagen peptides are easier for your body to fully absorb, so less will be converted to waste.” Rex Freiberger, CEO of Discuss Diets Thankfully, there are tons of creative ways to include collagen into your daily diet. For example, you can add our Gelpro Advanced Marine Collagen Peptides into your favourite juice, smoothie, coffee, water, or any other drink you prefer. It’s 100% water-soluble, so you can experiment with mixing it into different meals too. Plus, it has no carbs, no sugar, and no fat. Our Advanced Marine Collagen is Type I Collagen, which is what our skin is made of. 3 More Ways to Reduce Cellulite Naturally Not being able to get rid of cellulite entirely doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to reduce its appearance. In this case, a few lifestyle changes can come in handy. Here are five things you can do to fight with those pesky skin dimples on your thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. 1. Exercise Regularly No one has cancelled moderate exercising yet. Except for being generally good for your health, it can also help you have firmer and smoother skin by increasing muscle weight and burning fat. You don’t have to spend seven days per week in a gym to keep yourself in shape. Here, consistency is the key, especially if you focus on your lower body. Choose the type of exercise you prefer and try to stick to your regimen. It can be swimming, jogging, dancing, cycling, or simply walking. As long as you do some physical activity, you’re already working towards eliminating the appearance of cellulite. 2. Maintain a Healthy Weight Strive for the balance. If you want to achieve good results and relatively soon, then you have to combine exercise with a healthy diet. Try to avoid processed food and products full of harmful sugars, fat, and carbs. “In addition to your supplement, you should try eating more foods which contain collagen or promote natural collagen growth. Bone broth is formed by simmering meat bones for hours, and sometimes overnight. It's filled with collagen so it's nice to strengthen your stomach so improve the immune system too. Both fish and beef are high in collagen. Foods which promote skin health and potentially the development of collagen include lemon, leafy greens such as kale and spinach, and vegetables containing vitamin A. You can eat as much as you want of these true, whole foods. They will help make your diet collagen-rich and clean, so your body and skin will be particularly healthy.” Lesley Reynolds, Co-Founder of Harley Street Skin Clinic With the number of recipes online, you’ll definitely be able to find meals that would be nutrient-dense, healthy, and delicious. And in general, excess body weight can cause many more health problems. That’s why staying fit and giving your body all the vital vitamins and antioxidants are critical to sustaining a healthy lifestyle. 3. Hydrate If you want your skin to stay plump and radiant, you need to supply it with enough water just like the rest of your body. Not only will it help you avoid dehydration but also maintain a healthy look of your skin. According to these recommendations, it’s advised to consume around 2.7 litres of water per day (including from foods.) Of course, the final amount of water you’re going to drink will largely depend on your health, age, gender, and activity levels. “Another method you can try is dry brushing, which helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. Alternatively, you can also try a coffee scrub to help remove water and toxins from your skin.” Lina Velikova, Medical Advisor at Supplements101 Bottom Line Is it possible to eliminate cellulite? No. Is it possible to reduce its appearance? Luckily, yes. Healthy lifestyle and collagen peptides are some of the ways that can help you prevail over cellulite. Are you ready to be patient, have a balanced diet, do enough physical activities, and maintain a healthy lifestyle? Then you’re on the path to success when it comes to reducing cellulite without medical interference. Note: always listen to your body and consult with your doctor first before adding new products to your daily diet.
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Collagen For Muscle Building? Here's How It Works.
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you should know that it takes much more to build muscle than just lifting heavy weights. That’s why many gym goers turn to supplements to help them achieve their fitness goals. Collagen makes up between 1–10% of your muscle tissue. Collagen protein is critical for keeping your muscles strong and helping them function properly. Some researchers have also suggested that taking collagen may boost the synthesis of muscle proteins like creatine, as well as promote muscle growth after exercise. Yet, taking collagen supplements daily without following a healthy, clean diet and good workout regimen won’t help you wake up looking jacked. So, how does collagen work for muscle building and growth? Let’s dig a little deeper. What Is Collagen Protein? Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, aka primary structural protein. It can be found in bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, the GI system, and the vasculature. Apart from being a crucial building block for your body, it also contributes to healthier skin, nails, and hair. “I genuinely feel collagen should be labelled as a superfood! Want to build lean, solid muscle? Take Collagen! Incorporating collagen in your everyday life promotes the proper synthesis of muscle proteins like creatine and subsequently stimulates muscle growth. There are many reasons why I love collagen. Here are a few: if you have dairy/gluten/nut allergies, you're in the clear! Collagen [powder] mixes wonderfully in your AM coffee or beverage of choice. If you don't want to mix anything in your drinks, there are pill options as well. A few other benefits of collagen are: it boosts heart health, gut health, brain health, hair and nails, and increases metabolism. When to take it? Anytime! Ideally, I take it after my kuudose workouts or gym sessions to ensure my muscles are replenished with all the proper nutrients.” Sarah Gillette, Fitness Expert at Kuudose Collagen consists of 19 amino acids and 8 essential amino acids, including the main ones such as glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. Glycine is a nonessential amino acid that is believed to be effective in boosting the health and strength of both humans and animals. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is needed if your body undergoes regular physical stress from heavy training. That’s why it’s a pretty common supplement among fitness professionals. Arginine is vital for improving blood flow to active muscles and controlling blood pressure. It can also help heal wounds and injuries faster. Hydroxyproline and Proline are considered to be the essential amino-acids for whole-body protein synthesis. So, if you want to build muscle, proline has to be present to use protein properly. Also, just like arginine, proline contributes to wound and injury healing. Collagen Protein and Fitness Collagen levels in your body decrease with age, and it can also happen due to a poor diet. That’s when supplements come in to help replenish collagen stores. Here’s how collagen peptides can contribute to boosting fitness and athletic performance. “Collagen aids fitness recovery. Collagen can help you recover from exercise by helping to fuel your muscles with a high-quality protein source. During your workout, your body breaks down muscle tissue, and protein helps to repair this tissue. Grow those muscles and go back to the gym, feeling stronger! Collagen supports joint and ligament health as well. It helps to ease joint pain and reduce the risk of deterioration. Besides, collagen protein is an easy way to get that added protection.” Latoya Warner, Fitness Specialist & CEO at Lacey Warner Fitness Collagen May Improve Muscle Mass Since collagen is one of the main parts of your muscles, as its amounts decrease, so do your muscles. A German study suggests that post-workout collagen supplement can promote muscle growth if combined with exercising. There’s still not enough research to prove that collagen can help increase muscle mass in younger and healthier people. Yet, considering that collagen plays such an important role in muscle building, it has significant potential. As we mentioned earlier, collagen consists of such vital amino-acids as arginine and glycine, which are critical building blocks for creatine. And there is already enough research data proving that creatine helps increase muscle mass, build strength, and enhance athletic performance. Collagen May Alleviate Joint Pain Collagen is one of the key components of cartilage, which cushions and supports your joints. As you get older, this tissue becomes weaker, especially if you’re an athlete. This can lead to joint pain and even arthritis. Using collagen hydrolysate supplements can help reduce joint pain and specific symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to the 24-week study. Joint pain can be very unpleasant and limit your ability to exercise. Daily use of collagen peptides may help reduce joint pain, enhance mobility, and make your workouts more effective. Collagen May Prevent Sports Injuries and Speed Up Recovery No one likes injuries. Period. Not only sports injuries are painful, but they also prevent you from keeping a stable workout routine. Collagen might help you reduce the risk of injury and thus prevent you from losing precious training time. According to one of the studies, collagen supplementation can contribute to increasing the diameter of tendons in joints. As a result, it can help lower the rates of ankle injuries in athletes. And if you do get injured during a workout, your muscles recovery will depend on restoring muscle fibres and building scar tissue. As you might have already guessed, both of these processes require collagen to help you heal quicker. How to Properly Consume Collagen to Achieve Best Results? Honestly, there’s no magic time nor way that is believed to be the best to consume hydrolyzed collagen powder. Whether you decide to add it into your morning coffee, blend it into a protein shake or smoothie, or make colourful gummy bears out of it, it’s ultimately up to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find out what works better for your body. And, speaking about gummies, here’s how you can make delicious protein-rich rosewater gummies at home: Recipe by Henry Nankivell Ingredients: 3 tablespoons (45ml) of gelatin powder 90ml water 1 tsp beetroot powder 425ml water 125g honey 6 tablespoons (90ml) of rose water Directions: Grease and line a 20 x 20 cm baking tin with parchment paper. Alternatively use silicon moulds. In a bowl, stir the gelatin into the 90ml water. Set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the water and beetroot powder and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the honey and stir until the honey is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the rose water. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into the tin/mould, and place into the fridge to set. Can Collagen Supplementation Help Maintain Muscle Mass? Even though more research is still needed to unravel the full potential of collagen hydrolysate for muscle growth, the existing data suggest that collagen peptides can help reduce joint pain, speed up recovery after sports injuries, and contribute to muscle building. However, to benefit from the consumption of collagen supplements, you need to maintain a healthy, clean and protein-rich diet as well as exercise regularly. Besides, since collagen is one of the most commonly found proteins in your body, it contributes to your total protein intake and thus can help you maintain the desired muscle mass. So, depending on your workout goals, you can try introducing collagen together with other sources of protein into your diet to enhance your fitness performance. However, always remember to consult your doctor before starting a new supplementation regimen. If you’re looking for high-quality collagen protein, feel free to check out the entire range of Gelpro organic protein products. And don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
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Collagen & Anti-Aging: The Secret Is Hidden in a Protein Shake
If you’re over twenty-five years old, you’ve probably done some research about how to maintain your skin younger and slow down the aging process. And you might have noticed that when it comes to anti-aging, the buzzword “collagen” prevails the most. So, why do all the skincare and nutrition products rave about collagen? Is it really the answer for that glowing and elastic skin? Let’s dig deeper to discover more about this protein, and how it may help you stay young and beautiful. Aging and Collagen Production Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It consists of four fundamental amino acids: Proline, Glycine, Arginine, and Hydroxyproline. In fact, almost 70% of your skin is made up of collagen. That’s why it’s so vital in your anti-aging efforts. Since this connective protein consists mostly of non-essential amino acids, your body can produce then on its own if your diet is full of them. Yet, with age, this process becomes only slower. “The production of collagen is continuous, throughout our lifetime. In our 20’s production will slow down and that causes the skin to thin and wrinkles to appear. Illness, genetics, diet, emotions and environmental exposure can influence collagen loss.”Tsao-Lin E. Moy, L.Ac., MSOM, Integrative Healing Arts What age do you start losing collagen? Collagen production, aka collagen synthesis, decreases as early as your early twenties. It’s the main reason why you start noticing wrinkles on your skin, and why it becomes duller. That’s when high-quality collagen hydrolyzate comes in handy in your anti-aging diet. You can find it in powder and add it to your favourite protein shakes every morning. “ Collagen fibres break down or no longer regenerate, and lead to a “deflation” effect on the surface of the skin. After 30, our collagen levels start to drop by 1.5% per year. Research indicates that by the age of 40, the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases by 25%. By age 60, it has decreased by over 50%. Collagen contains different proteins that serve separate purposes within the body.”Trey Triplette, Certified Performance Nutritionist, 3natural Bionutrition® Collagen protein supplementation may help you keep your skin more elastic, hydrated, and reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. What age should I take collagen? At the age of 21, your body’s collagen production declines, and the existing collagen starts breaking down. Just to compare, at the age of 60, your collagen levels will be twice as low as opposed to when you’re twenty-one years old. “Collagen is worth taking at any age really. Although you start losing it around 21 years old, and the benefits become more pronounced after 40, children naturally need more of it to support their growth. So you can take it later in life to make up for collagen loss, but taking it earlier in life to hedge against collagen loss later in life is also perfectly valid.”John Fawkes, Certified Nutrition Coach & Trainer at The Unwinder Collagen protein supplementation may help you keep your skin more elastic, hydrated, and reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. It can also contribute to suppressing skin sun damage and photoaging. Can Collagen Reverse Aging? “The short answer to this is no. It cannot reverse aging, but studies show it can improve skin elasticity. It will not reverse wrinkles that you already have, as some people seem to think.”CJ Mallonee, MS Of course, no miracle cure can help you stop the aging process. Yet, there’re a few things you can do to slow down this process. Mainly, it’s all about maintaining a healthy balanced diet and having an active lifestyle. Introducing collagen into your diet can help you: Enhance skin elasticityCollagen improves skin’s resilience and hydrates it. According to this study, 91% of participants stated that they experienced fewer problems with dry skin after regular collagen supplementation. Reduce the appearance of wrinklesBeing one of the main proteins in our body, collagen is known for contributing to a younger and healthier look. Consuming enough collagen through supplementation may help you reduce the depths of wrinkles and their amount. Decrease cellulite and stretch marksEven though it’s nearly impossible to get rid of natural stretch marks and cellulite, collagen supplementation can help you reduce their appearance. It can boost skin’s thickness, longevity, and make it look naturally smooth, healthy, and radiant. The Best Collagen for Anti-Aging and How to Use It “Studies show that collagen can improve skin elasticity and bone density. Make sure to get collagen that is hydrolysed, as it is more easily absorbed by your body.”CJ Mallonee, MS If you’re looking for something to start with, Hydrolyzed Collagen and Beauty Collagen may be good additions to your diet. Our favourite way of consuming this superfood is adding collagen powder into a protein shake. Just mix a daily amount of collagen (1-2 scoops), and you’re already halfway through towards maintaining healthy and youthful skin for longer. “2018 study concluded that marine sourced collagen (type 2 collagen) might have the ability to reduce signs of aging by providing a protective role in the skin by improving the activity of antioxidants. There are at least 16 types of collagen, but it's estimated that 80 – 90 percent of the collagen in the body consists of types I, II, and III. Type II collagen has been shown to have the highest bioavailability (absorption) when ingested orally. With that being said, it’s able to be absorbed in a much higher rate than other collagens and will host the most benefits when it comes to our skin. Many type II collagens have been formulated into powders that one would mix with their drink of choice, the recommended dose is 11 grams per day.” Loren Richter, CEO/Founder at BlueBiology Here’s, for example, a delicious recipe of a Collagen Shake for all the coffee lovers out there: Ingredients: 1 cup cold brewed coffee 1 cup almond milk 1 ripe banana 2 tablespoons of Peptipro Collagen Hydrolysate powder 1-2 teaspoons of ground flax meal 1 teaspoon of raw honey 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder Ice cubes to serve (optional) Cacao powder or nibs to sprinkle (optional) Method: Place all the ingredients in a blender and blitz for a few seconds until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass over ice cubes and sprinkle with cacao nibs or powder. The coffee will naturally separate to the bottom if not drunk immediately. Stir to incorporate and enjoy! Plus, you can come up with so many variations of a protein shake that you’ll never get bored with your collagen routine. The Bottom Line As much as we want to stay young for as long as possible, it’s not how our bodies work. However, even if no magic can help us stay forever young, we can still maintain healthy and glowing skin. Always remember to consult your health care professional before introducing new items into your diet. * This article is for general information only and not intended to cure, diagnose or treat or recommend anything.
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Collagen & Beauty: A Pairing You’ll Love
The word “collagen” has been travelling around the internet for quite a while. Apart from being a widely-used buzzword in the beauty and lifestyle industry, collagen does play a critical role in your health and aesthetics. Our bodies naturally produce collagen; however, with age, this process slows down. Consequently, the need for this type of protein grows. That’s when collagen supplements may come in handy. Today, we’re taking a more in-depth look at how exactly collagen works, its effects on your skin, hair, nails, and whether it can be your loyal friend in the anti-aging battle. What is Beauty Collagen? Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body as it accounts for 75-80% of all protein in it. It helps your skin stay radiant, elastic, and strong. It also contributes to maintaining your hair, dental, joint, skeletal, and muscular health. This type of protein is usually found in the dermis, aka the middle layer of your skin. It boosts the growth of new skin cells to replace the dead skin cells and enable faster skin cell turnover. The best thing about it is that it’s re-absorbable. It means that collagen can be broken down and used to promote your body's natural collagen production processes. Here’s what might cause your body to produce less collagen: Low vitamin C intake: This vitamin is required to produce collagen. Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that might damage elastin and collagen in the skin. Sun: The UV rays can cause wrinkles, pigmentation, and dull skin. Sugar: High blood sugar can contribute to creating specific molecules that can ruin collagen proteins. Pollution: Exposure to environmental pollutants can create free radicals that negatively affect collagen by advancing protein oxidation. “Collagen is the most abundant protein source in your body and is a major component for the health of your skin, hair and nails, Collagen plays a vital role in keeping our skin elastic, hydrated, strong, and youthful. As we age, we naturally produce less collagen which leads to wrinkles and saggy skin, however including collagen in your diet, helps to improve the health of your skin, reversing or delaying the aging process.” Allison Thibault MS, RDN, LDN, CDN, Founder of VivaTotalHealth Does Beauty Collagen Work? Before you start experimenting with all the possible collagen beauty supplements and skincare products, you should know what will work best for you, and if it’ll work at all. Here are some interesting studies we came across: The first study showed that after 12 weeks of intaking collagen peptide supplements, 70 participants (women aged 40 to 60) had fewer wrinkles, more elastic and better-hydrated skin. Another study concluded that women who drank daily collagen drinks during the 12 weeks showed improvements in wrinkle depth and skin hydration. Also, one more study suggested that the intake of collagen peptides help your body stimulate natural collagen production. Of course, there’s a lot of room for research when it comes to the use of beauty collagen supplements and their impact on your physical health, the studies mentioned above prove that there’s hope. “Not only is collagen beneficial for our bone and skin health, but collagen also plays a role in our pelvic and digestive health. Collagen supplements can also renew and revitalize the way you look and feel. It can even cause wrinkles and other fine lines to minimize, as well as help prevent new ones from forming. A lot of my patients who supplement with collagen say they see their nails growing stronger and their hair growing in thicker and longer than ever before. Some have even reported that after supplementing collagen into their diet for about four to five months, they have seen a decrease in scars and scar tissue visibility.” Dr Anna Cabeca So, while scientists work on coming to a final verdict, don’t hesitate to introduce collagen into your diet and analyze the results yourself. Just remember that all bodies are different, and what could have made your friend’s nails stronger and skin smoother, might not necessarily work for you. Plus, it’s always better to consult with your health care professional before opting for any supplements in general. Collagen Beauty Benefits Can’t wait to get the dose of a collagen beauty boost? First, let’s see how your skin, hair, and nails can benefit from it. “Collagen is responsible for your skin’s firmness; the ability to bounce back. It will bring back your youthful glow while diminishing fine lines and dark circles. Your hair will once again have a healthy shine while your nails will grow strong as ever.” Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, MS, ND. Collagen Benefits for Skin Since the skin is the biggest organ, you probably want to keep it as smooth and plump as possible. Three proteins, keratin, collagen, and elastin, are responsible for your skin’s structure and strength. So, let’s see what the benefits of collagen for the skin you can leverage to reach that goal. Collagen can make your skin firmer and more elastic. Higher levels of collagen make your skin look more supple and reduce visible signs of aging. It can increase your skin’s hydration levels. Beauty collagen can help you reduce wrinkles and skin sagging. “Did you know studies prove collagen protein slows and reverses the signs of skin aging? These studies have shown adding collagen to your diet has the power to: - Repair skin while you sleep - Restore elasticity - Hydrate your skin - Get rid of sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles - Heal eczema, acne, and other skin irritations In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, for example, women between the ages of 45 and 65 received either a collagen peptide supplement or a placebo for eight weeks. The results were nothing short of astonishing. At the end of the eight-week treatment period, the group taking collagen experienced an average 20.1% reduction in eye wrinkles when compared to the placebo group—and the maximum reduction observed was 49.9%! Four weeks after the treatment stopped, the collagen group still showed an average 11.5% reduction in wrinkles. In addition, at the end of the study, the researchers detected a 65% increase in procollagen (a building block of collagen) and an 18% increase in elastin. These are amazing results—better than anything you’ll get from even the most expensive wrinkle creams on the market. And they prove that adding collagen to your diet is a powerful way to get the younger, smoother skin you want.” Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, MS, ND. Collagen Benefits for Hair Dreaming of that silky and flawless hair? Good news is, you can have. Here’re some benefits of collagen supplements for hair that can make it strong and beautiful at the same time. “Your hair is primarily made up of keratin. Keratin is made up of a variety of amino acids, some of which can be found in collagen. With this in mind, collagen benefits hair by enhancing optimal keratin production for overall hair health. When keratin is being adequately produced it promotes hair growth and stronger hair follicles.” Adina Mahalli, Hair and Skincare Expert at Maple Holistics Collagen is potentially good for hair growth since it produces amino acids that can be beneficial for building keratin (a protein that your hair is made up of.) Beauty collagen can prevent your hair from becoming thin and breaking. Collagen for hair strengthens your dermis (a skin layer that contains the root of a hair follicle), maintains it healthy, and helps prevent age-related hair loss. Collagen can contribute to saving hair roots from damage. It provides antioxidants to fight free radicals and keep your hair healthy. Afraid of grey hairs? Again, thanks to its antioxidants, beauty collagen can protect your skin cells and prevent greying. Collagen Benefits for Nails The nail bed mainly consists of keratin and collagen proteins. So, is collagen good for nails? Let’s take a look at what it can do to make your nails better. Beauty collagen is high in the amino acid called arginine that can contribute to nail growth. Collagen protein powder can prevent your nail from chipping/cracking and strengthen them. Collagen stimulates fibroblast cells (typical cells of connective tissue) and, as a result, boosts nail collagen metabolism from the inside. Although there’s no universal agreement on how to measure the effectiveness of collagen supplements, some studies have shown that collagen may have a few benefits for your hair, skin, and nails.
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Marine vs Bovine Collagen: What's the difference?
What's the difference between Marine Collagen and Bovine Collagen? Marine vs Bovine Collagen: What’s the Difference? Collagen protein has really hit the ground running in the nutrition scene over the last couple of years. Athletes are using it to help refuel tired muscles after an intense workout, while others are turning to collagen to help support gut health, or boost the appearance of skin. No matter what reason you choose to use collagen protein when it comes to deciding which one to use, things can get a little tricky. There are so many options available, and it can make it confusing when trying to decide which option is going to work best for you. We are going to break down the difference between marine and bovine collagen, talk about exactly what you need to know and dive into why you may choose to use one over the other. What’s the Difference between marine collagen and bovine collagen? To help you better understand which option may work better for you, let’s break down how marine and bovine collagen are used, but also look at how these two are different as well. What is Marine Collagen? Marine collagen is essentially all Type I collagen which is why so many people turn to this supplement to help support their skin as the is the exact type of collagen our skin is made of. Research has shown that marine collagen may even be beneficial for reducing signs of premature aging as well as wrinkles. (1) Our Advanced Marine Collagen makes the ideal collagen food supplement choice for anyone who avoids adding meat to their diet. Our Advanced Marine Collagen is also Type 1 Collagen which is what our skin is made of. It is also made from the skin of fish and not the scales which results in a far more premium collagen. Our marine collagen is 95% protein, contains no added ingredients, and is sourced from wild-caught cod skin, so you know you are getting the highest quality marine collagen available. Our marine collagen is also super simple to use, easily dissolves in liquid and has a high bioavailability. Lastly, if you’re wondering whether or not your protein shake is going to taste like fish oil, fear not. Since all of the actual oils are removed from the final product, you can enjoy marine collagen just as you would bovine collagen without having to worry about a fishy taste. Bovine Collagen Bovine collagen (aka beef collagen) is both Type I and Type III collagen and is most commonly used as a protein supplement for muscle growth, joint support and also skin elasticity. As we age, the amount of collagen in our body reduces, and with the demand we put on our muscles and joints daily, it’s also important to reduce any joint or muscle pain which can also often be related to arthritis. Studies have found that collagen hydrolysate has been useful to reduce activity related joint pain and the protein content of collagen may also support better muscle and joint function. (2) Our Peptipro Collagen Hydrolysate product may help reducing activity-related joint pain and may help supports/maintains skin elasticity in women and helps to promote reduction of eye wrinkle volume and increases components of the dermal matrix Bovine collagen hydrolysate is also rich in glycine, an important amino acid that helps support digestion, and can help with the breakdown of fatty foods while also supporting optimal levels of acidity in the digestive tract to help support better overall digestion. Glycine can also help with immune function, and can help improve sleep. (3) You can mix our bovine collagen supplement into your daily smoothie, protein shake, cup of yogurt, or even mixed into your morning cup of coffee or tea. Which One is Better? If you’re new to the world of collagen protein, and just aren’t sure where to start, the answer to whether or not you should use marine vs bovine collagen is really going to come down to a few things. Keep in mind that there’s no one straight forward answer making one better than other, what it really comes down to is personal preference, any dietary restrictions you may have, and what exactly you are trying to achieve by supplementing with collagen in the first place. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting marine vs bovine collagen: Dietary Preference: A big thing to keep in mind when determining which option is going to work best for you has to do with dietary preferences. If you avoid meat products but still enjoy fish, then marine collagen is going to be a better option. Food Allergies: Food allergies and sensitivities will also be a big part of deciding whether bovine or marine collagen it a better choice for you. For people with fish allergies, bovine collagen protein is going to obviously be the better option here. Purpose: Deciding which type of collagen to supplement with will also come down to your reason for taking it in the first place. Marine collagen contains Type I collagen which is what our skin is made up of. Bovine collagen is Type I & III and often used for athletic performance and recovery for its protein content, may help activity related joint pain and skin elasticity. The Bottom Line The bottom line is that you really can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing which collagen supplement to add to your diet. Just be sure to focus on quality with whatever collagen product you ultimately choose. A product that is free from added ingredients and fillers, is sustainably sourced, and a company that stands behind its products is what you want to look for. Interested in learning more about our collagen products? Learn more about our high-quality marine collagen or bovine collagen hydrolysate.
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7 Best and Easiest Ways to Add Collagen to Your Diet to Support Gut Health
Collagen protein is incredibly versatile and can be mixed in just about any beverage or food you can think of. This article explains how to add collagen to your every day lifestye
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How Does Collagen Help Skin?
Benefits of Collagen for Radiant Skin
It’s commonly known amongst the health and wellness community that collagen supplements can be extremely beneficial for improving the quality of our hair, nails and skin. But with so much conversation around the topic, and so many different types of collagen on the market, it can be challenging to find the best type to target your specific concern. Not all collagen is created equal. Here, we’ll help break down the relationship between collagen and skin health, and the benefits collagen can have for radiant skin. What’s the relationship between collagen and skin? Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that makes up approximately 30% of the total proteins in our bodies. It’s also the protein that makes up the majority of our skin - around 80%. Collagen is what gives our skin its elasticity, bounce and firmness, which translates to keeping us looking healthy, fresh-faced and youthful. This powerful protein is essentially various amino acids, vitamins and minerals working in tandem, and as such there are many different types of natural collagen found within the human body. Collagen is constantly lost and replenished within the body. When we’re young, our bodies produce more collagen than is lost. However, as we grow older, our levels begin dropping at a rate quicker than our bodies can reproduce. When this happens, our skin becomes less thick, and less elastic. Wrinkles begin to form, photo ageing caused by sunlight exposure occurs, and small blood vessels can appear near the surface of the skin. While these changes are a natural result of the ageing process, they can also be exacerbated by environmental factors (stress, for example), sunlight exposure, hormones and nutrition. The most visible changes are localised in the dermis – and, they’re caused by the metabolism of dermal collagen fibres. How does collagen degrade as you age? While many of us think of ‘ageing’ as something that starts happening around our 40s or 50s, natural collagen levels actually start falling as early as our mid-twenties, where we begin to see decreases of about one percent per year. This slow decline continues until menopause, during which period most women experience a loss of approximately 30% of their collagen stores. When our bodies are no longer producing the necessary amount of collagen, we begin to see the skin become thinner, drier and less firm. This is also when we begin to see wrinkles, weaker bones and joints and decreased muscle function. In order to counteract these effects, it’s possible to incorporate effective collagen supplements into your diet that provides the type of collagen your body might need. While there are at least 28 types of collagen that are well-recognised and understood within the body, Type I collagen is the one most present in skin. Therefore, if healthy, radiant skin is your concern, Type I collagen supplements are the best collagen for skin to help support skin health and reduce signs of ageing. What are the benefits of collagen on the skin? So we know that collagen can improve the quality of the skin, but what are the specific benefits you can expect to see when incorporating supplemental collagen for skin? Collagen improves skin hydration Certain types of collagen, such as our Peptipro Hydrolysed Collagen Powder, contain high levels of hydroxyproline. Hydroxyproline is an amino acid that helps to smooth the surface of the skin, as well as increase the hydration levels of the skin. In the results of a German clinical study, it was found that taking collagen peptides resulted in a 28% increase in skin hydration and skin elasticity. Additionally, even four weeks after stopping the use of the collagen supplements, the participants still experienced increased skin hydration. Collagen can reduce the appearance of wrinkles Because of the increased hydration that collagen skin care supplements can provide, many people notice reduced appearance of wrinkles. This is because the added moisture helps to plump up, smooth and fill in lines on the skin. Therefore, it may be beneficial to pair your topical anti-aging skincare products with a peptide collagen to help support glowing, younger looking skin from both the inside and outside. For an alternative to cattle collagen, try our Original Marine Collagen for is the ideal addition to your daily wellness routine in supporting healthy skin, hair and nails. Collagen improves skin elasticity Studies show that taking oral collagen supplements over the course of several months slows down signs of ageing and improves skin elasticity and firmness. Specifically, collagen powder supplements including Type I collagen are the best choice for those looking to improve the skin elasticity. This is because Type I collagen is made up of eosinophilic fibres that form the skin and give it its stretchy, elastic quality. Effects on collagen on cellulite Cellulite occurs when connective tissues become misshapen due to fat pushing through, causing a change in the texture and appearance of the skin. It mostly occurs on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and arms and is more prevalent in women. Collagen can help improve the appearance of cellulite as it strengthens these connective tissues, hydrates and improves the elasticity of the skin from within. Collagen’s effect on skin healing Using collagen for better skin doesn’t only apply to anti-ageing and aesthetic uses. In fact, collagen can be particularly useful for skin healing. Because collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and is responsible for skin resistance and structure, studies have shown it can help to promote faster skin healing. This is why it’s often prescribed by aestheticians and skin therapists as the part of the aftercare following skin-needling or skin-resurfacing treatments. Science-backed benefits of collagen Several groups of researchers have also studied the influence of collagen capsules and collagen powder on skin physiology in recent years. One of the most impressive findings came from a double-blind, placebo-controlled and ‘statistically significant’ study of 69 women, aged between 35 and 55, who took either collagen powder or a placebo, once a day. The tablet contained 2.5 g of hydrolyzed collagen peptides. The women who took the collagen powder reported up to 15% higher skin elasticity. Specifically, the collagen tablet helped to: Improve skin elasticity – resulting in noticeably firmer and smoother skin Improve the appearance of wrinkles – resulting in fewer wrinkles The effect was measured as soon as 4 weeks after the women started taking the tablet, and the positive results remained another 4 weeks after the women stopped taking it. Another study of more than 100 women aged around 55 demonstrated wrinkle reduction after 4 weeks of treatment. In this study, the researchers also noted elevated levels of skin procollagen concentration. Benefits Using Collagen-Infused Skincare Collagen supplements are not just exclusive to consumable powders either. There is also a wide range of topical collagen peptides products that can be included in your daily routine to help boost your body’s natural collagen synthesis. Collagen peptides are becoming a highly sought after ingredient in skincare, with many of the biggest names in the beauty and skincare industry adding collagen-infused products to their ranges. While traditional skin care focuses primarily on the exterior, beauty products like moisturisers and serums that contain collagen peptides actively work to support our bodies’ internal structures that facilitate natural collagen production. Two birds, one stone. Adding collagen-infused skincare products to your morning and evening routines can be a great way of not only protecting and supporting your skin, but also have the added benefits of anti-ageing, skin elasticity and hydration. Gelpro has an entire range dedicated to collagen-infused skincare, including Vitamin C Serums, Moisturisers, Night Creams and Face Masks. How to introduce hydrolysed collagen into your diet Hydrolysed collagen powder contains a unique profile of 18 different amino acids, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. With just one scoop per day, you’re providing your body with a range of nutritional value as well as 15 grams of protein, without any added fat, carbs or sugar. The Original Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder by Gelpro Australia is flavourless and harmoniously dissolves in water at any temperature, so it’s easy to incorporate in any way you choose! For a quick and easy way to get your collagen in, mix it with water, juice or your drink of choice. For a refreshing beverage try our Marine Collagen and Butterfly Pea blend, containing blackcurrant and grapefruit flavours. Or try natural flavours of lychee and mixed berry with our Marine Collagen and Dragonfruit powder. The Hyaluronic Acid and Kakadu Plum Collagen Powder from nutracoll is also easily dissolvable in water, with the added benefits of vitamin C and skin-loving ingredients that promote collagen synthesis. Incorporating collagen for skin health into your daily diet has never been easier with Gelpro Australia. Discover our other wellness products, including gelatins, wholefood capsules, and holistic collagen peptide infused skincare.
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