Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Muscles, bones, skin, and tendons are composed primarily of collagen, the most abundant type of protein in the human body. To be specific, collagen consists of 30-35 percent of all the protein in the human body. Collagen protein is also known as connective tissue and is responsible for stabilizing our skin and maintaining joint movement and flexibility.  In addition, collagen provides our skin with elasticity. Studies show that collagen supplementation has many benefits, which include reduced facial wrinkles and helping to get rid of cellulite.  I will discuss this further in this article.

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes more wrinkled. The are many reasons for this- reduced ability to manufacture collagen is partly responsible while life’s stressors and oxidative damage also play a significant role. Those with extra melanin in their skin are more protected from ultraviolet sunlight and ultraviolet damage, which I call “Melan protection”. However, those with less melanin are at higher risk for solar damage and increased risk for premature aging.

Collagen Supplements usually consist of the following amino acids, which scientists separate amino into three categories:

  • Essential amino acids – This type of amino acid needs to be consumed in the diet and cannot be manufactured by the body. They include lysine, serine, threonine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, methionine, isoleucine, histidine and hydroxylysine.
  • Conditionally essential amino acids- This type of amino acid the body can usually make, but under physically stressful states, the body may not make enough and supplementation may be helpful.  They include glycine, proline, glutamine (glutamic acid), alanine and tyrosine.
  • Non-Essential amino acids- This type of amino acid is very important to the body, but they are labeled non-essential as the body is able to make them.  Consuming this amino acid in the diet is not required but doing so is NOT harmful.  They include hydroxyproline, arginine and aspartic acid.

Various collagen manufacturers use different sources for their product.  While some use bovine (cow) sources, others use fish.  California Gold Nutrition uses a quality marine sourced collagen which makes it perfect for pescatarians, that is, those who avoid all meat aside from fish.

Collagen supplements contain a wide variety of amino acids necessary for hair growth as well as skin, tendons and bone health. Collagen is a good option for those who may want to ensure they are getting adequate amino acids but want to consume them using a gluten- and dairy-free supplements. Weightlifters frequently use collagen supplementation to ensure they maximize muscle growth.  Sometimes they chose whey protein powder.

Types of Collagen in the Body

Scientists have identified at least 28 types of collagen.  However, 90 percent of the collagen in the human body is Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 5.

  • Collagen Type 1 – Composes tendons, organ and bone. Type 1 collagen accounts for 80-90 percent of our collagen.
  • Collagen Type 2- Cartilage in knees, shoulders and other joints
  • Collagen Type 3 – Main type of cartilage of reticular fibers. Commonly present with Type 1.
  • Collagen Type 5 – Use to make hair and present on skin surface.

Top 5 Benefits of a Total Internal Body Cleanse

While the concepts of internal cleansing and detoxifying the body have been around for quite some time, there is renewed interest for many reasons. Chief among these reasons is the growing awareness that toxic chemicals impair the way that we think and feel as well as pose serious health concerns. Here are the top 5 benefits to an internal cleanse:

1.  Higher Energy Levels

When the body is overrun with toxins or a sluggish detoxification it leads to decreased cellular energy. That translates to lower overall energy levels. Energy is produced in the body by cellular compartments know as mitochondria. The production of energy in these mini factories can be disrupted by virtually any toxin. What makes it even worse is as energy production within a cell falls it leads to that cell becoming even more vulnerable to suffering from impaired detoxification as well as cellular damage. The good news is that by going on a successful program that provides the right nutritional support, you can get rid of toxins, boost cellular energy production, and help cells function more efficiently. The net result of these changes is that you feel more alive with higher energy levels.

2. Greater Clarity of Thought

There is such a strong link between cellular energy levels and mental clarity, with the energy boost of a cleanse comes greater mental clarity and focus. It is very hard to maintain focus and attention if the brain is foggy because of an increased toxin load. The brain is very sensitive to all sorts of different toxins because most of the really bad toxins is fat-soluble toxins. Since the brain should be the largest collection of fat in the body it acts as virtual magnet for heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, and other fat-soluble toxins. An effective cleansing program can go a long way in restoring clear thinking.

3. Give Your Liver a Break

The liver functions tirelessly in detoxifying harmful chemicals and facilitating their elimination from the body. It deserves a break. By providing the liver with the support it needs while at the same time reducing the toxic load, it greatly reduces the stress that this vital organ feels. With improved liver function comes a multitude of health benefits. After all, the liver is the main organ of metabolism and in addition to be the primary organ responsible for detoxifying harmful substances it is the major manufacturer of many compounds required for the body to function properly. By boosting liver function there is a definite boost to metabolism.

4.  Boost Your Immune System

The immune system is very susceptible to the harmful effects of toxic substances. Impaired immunity by getting frequent colds or infections is often one of the key warning signs that it is time for a cleanse. White blood cells move better, communicate better, and to their job of engulfing and destroying particulate matter as well as microorganisms better when the lymph and blood is not cluttered up with toxins.

5. Vibrant Skin

Skin health often reflects the degree of toxicity as well. The skin is the body’s largest organ and one of its primary functions is elimination of toxins. If there is an excess of toxins the skin must deal with it will result in the skin showing signs that it has lost some of its vitality. It may look dull or pale with enlarged pores, breakouts, and dark circles.

Perk up Your skin with our Rose Gold Serum

Fight aging and acne with a daily application of Rosé Gold Serum  

It’s no secret that dermatologists and beauty buffs often recommend serums as a great way to care for skin. Nevertheless, many people don’t understand what it is and why it can be an effective part of a skincare regimen. In addition to providing various benefits, this topical product is quite affordable.

Retinol Basics

Retinol is a type of retinoid, a family of chemicals that are derived from vitamin A. Another member of the retinoid group is tretinoin, a popular prescription-grade skincare product. For those who aren’t interested in a prescription drug, retinol is the top choice for an over-the-counter retinoid. Even those who might someday want to try a tretinoin prescription can benefit from starting with a low dose of retinol in order to help the skin work up to a higher-strength product.

Anti-Aging Benefits of Retinol

Retinoids are best known for their anti-aging properties. Research supports the idea that retinol and other retinoids may help increase collagen production in the skin. Collagen is responsible for skin’s firm, plump appearance. As collagen disappears with age, wrinkles appear. Therefore, boosting collagen production may help keep fine lines and wrinkles from looking as obvious.

To further enhance its effects, retinol has the potential to speed up cellular turnover. This means that old skin cells are shed sooner, revealing the healthy new skin underneath. Retinol, therefore, may help skin look brighter and fresher.

Although wrinkle reduction and skin brightening are usually the top benefits touted for retinol, this product also helps with acne, a problem that can plague people of all ages. Retinol can help remove clogs from pores, which may clear up breakouts or keep new pimples from forming. This chemical could also reduce the appearance of pores.

Nourish Skin with Hyaluronic Acid

Skin tissue naturally contains glycosaminoglycan, which is more commonly known as hyaluronic acid (HA). This water-drawing substance contributes to skin’s youthful, well-hydrated appearance, but the body’s stores of it diminish over time. Using HA products topically or internally may restore some of the benefits of natural glycosaminoglycan.

Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Protection

According to studies, HA may have the ability to work as an antioxidant Skincare experts value antioxidant because these substances may be able to fight against the damaging effects of free radicals.

Because applying HA to the skin could help protect against skin damage, it may be able to slow down the effects of aging. Damaged skin looks older, but protected skin may stay “youthful” for longer.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid as a Skin Moisturizer

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant. This means that it is a substance with the ability to attract water. According to scientific research, HA can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In other words, just one drop of this substance can grab onto 6 liters of moisture.

Skin needs water to look and feel healthy. Using an HA product may help the skin take advantage of the moisture that naturally occurs in the environment. This may give skin a soft, moisturized feel throughout the day.

Topical HA doesn’t always absorb into the skin. To nourish skin from the inside out, it may be a good idea to take HA supplements. Research has demonstrated that supplements are able to improve dry skin.

Tips for Using Topical Hyaluronic Acid

Most skin types can take advantages of the benefits of topical HA. It typically feels light and refreshing, so it doesn’t usually cause breakouts or trigger a reaction in sensitive skin. However, it’s always smart to patch-test new products first.

Keep in mind that using hyaluronic acid products in dry climates may be different than using them in more humid climates. In particularly dry climates, hyaluronic acid may not be able to attract enough moisture from the air. As a result, it might draw water from the skin’s reserves instead. Therefore, those living in dry climates may do better with a serum that includes both hyaluronic acid and a mix of other moisturizing ingredients rather than using pure HA.

Dietary supplements, Do you need them?

What is a Dietary Supplement?

Dietary Supplement is a product taken by mouth that contains a “dietary ingredient” intended to supplement the diet. The “dietary ingredients” in these products may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, accessory nutrients, and metabolites.

Dietary Supplements can be found in many forms such as tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, liquids, or powders. They can also be in other forms, such as a nutritional bar or beverage, but if Are Dietary Supplements Regulated?

Under the European Food Safety authority (EFSA) guidelines were given for overseeing the supplement industry and the truthfulness of the claims that are being made.

As with any food product, federal law requires manufacturers of Dietary Supplements to ensure that the products they put on the market are made in cGMP facilities, accurately labeled, and that quality control testing has been performed to help confirm safety.

‌‌‌‌How Do You Read A Supplement Label?

Products sold as dietary supplements come with a Supplement Facts label that lists the active ingredients, the amount per serving (dose), as well as other ingredients, such as fillers, binders, and flavorings. The manufacturer suggests the serving size, but your healthcare provider might decide a different amount is more appropriate for you.

Information that is required on the labels of Dietary Supplements include:

  • Statement of identity (e.g., “Vitamin D3”)
  • Net quantity of contents (e.g., “60 capsules”)
  • Structure-function claims are included on the label to highlight general health and wellness support but are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
  • Directions for use (e.g., “Take one capsule daily.”)
  • Supplement Facts panel (lists serving size, amount, and active ingredient)
  • Other ingredients in descending order of predominance and by common name or proprietary blend.
  • Name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, or distributor. This information provides the address to write for more product information.

Effectiveness

Some dietary supplements can help you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients if you don’t eat a nutritious variety of foods. However, supplements can’t take the place of the variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. 

Some dietary supplements can improve overall health and help manage some health conditions. For example:

  • Calcium and vitamin D help keep bones strong and reduce bone loss.
  • Folic acid decreases the risk of certain birth defects.
  •  Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils might help some people with heart disease.
  • A combination of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin (known as AREDS) may slow down further vision loss in people with age related macular degeneration (AMD)

Many other supplements need more study to determine if they have value. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed.

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