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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!

Frequently asked questions: 1) Which Collagen type is better to take? All types of collagen can be beneficial because of their unique amino acid profiles and the roles that they play in our body. The best type of collagen to take is the one that you feel will give you the most health benefits. If you want healthy skin, hair, and nails, look for Type 1 collagen. Type 2 collagen is great for our connective tissues, so using chicken-based collagen (Bone Broth or Biocell) is an excellent idea. Choosing a collagen type is really up to you, and what you personally need to use it for. 2) How much Collagen should you take, and when can you start to see results? Ideally, you should take it at least two tablespoons daily (see the next question for more details), for at least one month until you start to see results. After a few weeks of consistent use, you should notice that your nails are stronger, your skin appears tighter and does not seem as dry. 3) How much collagen do I need every day? The average person needs around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. So if your weight is 60kg, you will need 60g of protein per day. The amount of collagen you may take is 30% of that or roughly 18 grams per day. Based on this rough calculation, you can reap the most benefits from your collagen supplement with consistent consumption of 2 servings of collagen per day. Generally, you will start to see a difference in the tone of your skin, how quickly your hair and nails begin to grow, as well as decreased joint aches and pains. 4) Can I take too much collagen? Collagen is a protein, so overconsumption means you will be getting extra calories from it. Bear in mind that collagen is not a complete protein, so it is not intended to replace a healthy diet, nor should it be your only source of protein. Reminder: Collagen doesn't generally cause side effects. However, if you do suffer from digestive disturbances or a sensitive digestive tract, starting with a small dose, and working your way up, is always a good start. 5) When is the best time to take collagen? The amazing thing about collagen is that you can take it anytime, hot or cold, and even add it to your baking! However, there is some research out there suggesting that, for optimal results, collagen is best taken on an empty stomach for better absorption or one hour before bed. Collagen is highly bioavailable, so our bodies are already able to absorb it quite rapidly. For optimal results, you can also try something like "collagen loading", where you can take collagen three times per day for one month. Deciding when to take collagen is really up to you and what works best for your schedule! 6) Do you need to take Vitamin C with Collagen for absorption? No, you don't need to take your collagen with Vitamin C for absorption. However, Vitamin C plays a huge role in our collagen production. Supplementing with Vitamin C daily will boost your natural collagen production and is also beneficial while supplementing. Vitamin C is also a great antioxidant and has been shown to help with beautiful skin. 7) Is collagen safe for children and pregnant women? Collagen is essentially a protein. Organika's Enhanced Collagen is safe to consume for children, as well as for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, before starting any new supplement regime (especially while pregnant or breastfeeding), we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider. 8) Which is better? Bone broth or collagen? Both collagen and bone broth have amazing benefits! Bone broth contains a high amount of collagen in it, as well as essential minerals and GAGs (glycosaminoglycans): think Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid and Glucosamine. Supplementing with both provides you with a variety of different types of collagen, as well as the added nutrients found in bone broth. 9) Where does Organika Source its Collagen from? Organika takes great pride in ensuring that all of its products come from the cleanest, purest, and most sustainable sources possible. Both the chicken and bovine collagens are USDA approved, and sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals, without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. All of Organika's collagen products are hydrolyzed and tested for all heavy metals, toxins, and are GMO-free. 10) Why is Marine Collagen more expensive than bovine? You will find that marine collagen always has a higher price point. There is a reason behind this, as it always comes down to how the collagen is sourced and the supply that is available. Organika's Marine Collagen is sourced from the scales and skin of freshwater cod. This quality of sourcing provides more health benefits. Best of all, it's flavourless and odourless! 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!

It seems, now more than ever, moms are experiencing burnout, stress, or fatigue. However, #momlife doesn't mean that the struggle between sacrificing energy and taking care of the kids, work, and home has to exist. It’s time to practice much-needed self-care by nourishing your body with elements that can rejuvenate you and give you a much-needed boost. It’s important to optimize your own health so that you are equipped to deal with stress better...as stress does affect the body both physically and mentally. Here is a run-down of three things you can drink to boost your energy, regain your centre, and recharge. MCT Oil Powder Enhanced Collagen Maca Matcha Love For MCT Oil Powder MCT oil powder, made from GMO-free coconuts, offers medium-chain triglycerides and a clean energy source. MCTs are fatty acids that are easily absorbed and digested, making it a great way to kick off your morning (or combat afternoon slumps). Because fatty acids help produce hormones, regulate blood sugar, and build cells, they are essential for energy and overall health. The boost MCT oil powder gives is instantaneous (due to fast digestion). Matcha with MCT Make your matcha as normal (whisking it in hot/warm water). Once whisked, add 3 teaspoons of MCT powder, mix well. Top with frothed coconut milk and enjoy! Tip: MCT powder works great as a creamer replacement. Enhance Your Cup of Java with Enhanced Collagen Collagen is a protein in the body often explained as being the “glue” that holds everything together. With age, collagen production decreases, which results in decreased elasticity, strength, and tone. Enhanced Collagen provides a powdered form of hydrolyzed collagen to help improve skin, joint, bone, and gut health. By helping maintain so many important functions in the body, collagen is a powerful healthy product to consume daily. When all of your bodily functions feel good, you feel good. Collagen Coffee Simply add 2 tablespoons to your morning coffee and let the magic work. For an extra boost, add in the MCT oil powder, as well, to replace the use of a creamer. Tip: You can add collagen powder to any beverage (tea, coffee, matcha, or smoothie). Make A Mid-Day Smoothie with Maca Maca, hailing from Peru, is a superfood known to support stress levels, emotional states, and supporting hormonal balancing. It is widely used to help with increasing energy levels and stamina as well. It is thought that because it grows in harsh environments and thrives, it passes its strength through to you. The Organic Maca Powder is heated (gelatinized - no relation to gelatin!) so it provides a smooth texture and offers a beautiful chocolatey taste. Maca Power Smoothie Blend together frozen mangoes, blueberries, 1 tsp of maca powder, and 1 cup of coconut or oat milk. Tip: You can also add maca to a cup of cocoa or coffee to elevate it. These three drinks will not only fulfill and sustain your energy but will make you radiate goodness from the inside out. Go on moms, shine on!