Are collagen supplements the fountain of youth or a beauty trend?
In the past few years, the collagen craze has exploded – notably for its claims of promoting a youthful complexion and improving skin’s elasticity. Collagen can be injected; consumed as a supplement, powder or elixir; and/or applied externally as a face cream. But is it worth your money? And is it more than a fad?
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body; it is one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can be found in other body parts, including, hair, teeth, nails, corneas, and blood vessels. It’s sort of a BIG DEAL.
According to Anima Mundi Herbals, collagen is “…the glue that holds your body together, the more we nourish our own collagen receptors, the more collagen we can naturally produce.” In fact, the word collagen is derived from the Latin word “kólla,” which means glue.
Why is Collagen Trending?
Actress and beauty icon, Jennifer Aniston, endorses Vital Proteins and is their Chief Creative Officer. Wellness and Health Platform, Poosh (created by Kourtney Kardashian), recently published an article on Top Collagen Products. And, according to WebMD, “Globally, as collagen makes its way into more foods and beverages, topicals, and even the operating room, the market is projected to reach $6.5 billion by 2025.”
Simply put, collagen supplements bank on beauty & youth.
As we age, the structure of our skin changes. Fine lines, wrinkles, or crepey skin are usually the first visible signs of aging, and are very often a result of the degradation of collagen in your body.
The Huffington Post reports that on average your body begins to lose collagen at 25 years old. Losing collagen is a natural process but exposure to pollution, UV exposure, poor diet & bad habits contributes to further loss of elasticity.
In addition to changes in appearance, the loss of collagen impacts other parts of the body; bones become more fragile as we lose collagen, joints and cartilage break down, & muscle function may decrease.
A Healthy Diet Goes a Long Way
While you can’t stop collagen loss, there are steps you can take to maintain healthy collagen levels.
Your body produces collagen by combining amino acids and certain nutrients; the best food sources for amino acids are protein-rich animal foods. Meat, poultry, eggs, and some dairy products are great options!
Bone-broth, in particular, has been celebrated as a collagen elixir. From Medical News Today, “Bones themselves are rich in vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Also, brewing connective tissue into bone broth provides the body with natural compounds from the cartilage. Tissues and bones also contain collagen. Cooking collagen turns it to gelatin, which provides the body with amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.”
What’s a Vegetarian or Vegan to do?
It’s all about that Vitamin C.
Medical News Today reports:
“The body needs vitamin C to produce collagen. This is the main component of connective tissue and makes up 1–2% of muscle tissue. Collagen is a vital component in fibrous tissues such as tendons, ligaments, skin, the cornea, cartilage, bones, the gut, and blood vessels.
Low levels of vitamin C in the body can lead to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include swollen joints, bleeding gums and loose teeth, anemia, and tiredness.”
In addition to Vitamin C, nutrients like Copper and Zinc also assist with Collagen production.
Our Collagen Supplement Recommendations
Tocos Skinfood & Superfood Powder by Sun Potion:
Tocos are an incredible nutrient-rich skin and superfood. Bountiful in essential nutrients and vitamins like manganese and phosphorus, which aid in healthy collagen productions for the Skin, hair and nails an ideal addition to your daily regimen. Excellent for balancing blood sugar spikes, added to a warm beverage it acts as a milk substitute!
Healing benefits include: High In bioavailable Vitamin E, Promotes Healthy Skin and Connective Tissues, Facilitates Removal of Toxins, Loaded with B Vitamins, Iron and Magnesium, Strengthens Immune System, Balances blood sugar levels.
Pearl Powder Spirit & Beauty Tonic by Sun Potion:
Taoist Herbalists used pearls to support inner and outer radiance. These micro-ground or “Levigated” freshwater pearls are ground to nano-proportions for optimal bioavailability and for easy absorption.
Healing benefits include: Rich in protein, essential minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Amino Acids and Selenium, Supports natural collagen production strengthening bones and clearing the skin, Soothes the nervous system, Yin and ShenTonic aiding in the empowerment of Divine Feminine and Spirit, Assists with a healthy sleep cycle.
