Marine Collagen Capsules

Even though collagen seems like a household name these days, many people are still unsure if they should take collagen, or what it can do for them. There are many questions you still have about collagen before it's time to pick up your first bottle, so we want to clear that up! To help you decide if collagen is for you, we’re answering the top 10 things you need to know about collagen: 1. What is collagen? Collagen is a protein, and is what makes up a lot of what is found in our hair, skin and nails. It is referred to as the “glue” that holds our body together. As we get older, however, we're unable to produce the necessary collagen to prevent the signs of aging. This is why many people will supplement with it. 2. Are there negative side effects of taking collagen? For most people, there are no side effects of taking collagen. Most people find that adding collagen to their routine has positive outcomes for their digestive health, hair, skin and nails. However, in rare instances, some people have noticed small breakouts, or light digestive distress when adding collagen to their diet. There has been no definitive correlation between collagen and these issues. 3. How long does it take to see results from taking collagen? There are a few factors that matter here: how long you take it, and what your lifestyle is already like. Generally it can take up to four months to truly see the benefits of collagen in your body. If you are eating a poor diet that lacks the nutrients your body needs to produce its own collagen, and start taking a maximum dose each day, then you may see the effects quite quickly. However if you eat quite healthy and add in about 1 serving per day (approximately 10g), it may take a few more weeks to see the extra glow. 4. Do I need to take collagen every day? It is suggested that you consume around 1 tbsp. of collagen everyday. If you are looking for more therapeutic benefits taking 2-3 tbsps. each day will provide more nourishing, and possibly faster acting effects. As our collagen production starts to reduce with age, taking it regularly will be beneficial for more long-term health effects. 5. Should I take collagen on an empty stomach? Our best suggestion to taking collagen: take it whenever, and however it works best for you! Many people will add it to their morning cup of coffee, while others like it in a pre-bed elixir to help promote a more restful sleep. While some people swear by taking it at a specific time each day, there is no evidence to show that timing matters. So take it whenever works for you! 6. Are there different types of collagen? Yes! You can learn more about the types of collagen here. But we’ll give you the Cole's Notes version now: There are many types of collagen in your body (articles cite anywhere from 15-27 different types of collagen). However, there are three types that are of most importance in our body: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Pretty easy to remember, right? Type 1 collagen is what helps our hair, skin and nails, and can be found in Organika’s Enhanced Collagen, Marine Collagen and Salmon Collagen. Type 2 collagen is found in Organika’s Chicken Bone Broth and BioCell Collagen supplements, and supports joint health. People living with joint issues, like osteoarthritis may find relief from using supplements rich in Type 2 collagen. Type 3 collagen is usually found alongside Type 1 collagen in your body and is an important component of our bone marrow. This is available in Organika's Enhanced Collagen line.  7. Can I make collagen on my own? Your body naturally produces collagen using Vitamin C, and the amino acids, glycine, proline and lysine. This means that yes, if you are eating a primarily plant-based diet, you can still produce the collagen necessary to keep your skin glowing and your hair flowing. However, it is important to remember that our collagen production decreases as we age. That’s likely because our body can’t breakdown and absorb the proper nutrients to create it (like these amino acids and Vitamin C). So including a collagen supplement, or a plant-based booster is helpful! 8. Is collagen just a powder? Collagen can come in various forms, but you’ll usually see it in a powder or capsule form. For example, our Marine Collagen and Enhanced Collagen line are powders that can be added to smoothies, baking, or your morning coffee/tea. Our Plant-Based Collagen Booster is also a powder, however it’s best to use that in cold liquids to ensure you keep the integrity of the vitamins. On the other hand, you can also use Organika’s BioCell Collagen or Salmon Collagen, which both come in capsule form. 9. Can I take different types of collagen at the same time? You can! In fact, Organika even sells a product that includes all three types of collagen in one convenient powder called Full Spectrum Collagen. 10. Can I add hydrolyzed collagen to hot foods or liquids? The process of hydrolyzation means that the collagen has been broken down into a smaller molecule that is better absorbed by your body. Heating the collagen does not degrade the nutrient profile, as it is already broken down to its smallest molecule.

If you like carrot cake, you will LOVE these Enhanced Carrot Cake Bites! These Enhanced Carrot Cake Bites are for everyone to enjoy, even for those who are looking for a gluten-free alternative. PREP 10-15 MINS | EASY | Yields 15-20 Ingredients: ½ cup shredded carrot ¼ ground cloves 7 pitted Medjool dates ½ cup dried mulberries ¾ cup gluten-free rolled oats 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ nutmeg 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract ¼ cup water 2 tbsp. Enhanced Collagen ½ cup shredded coconut (roll balls in coconut) Directions: Blend oats in a food processor until fine like flour. Add dried mulberries. Pulse in to break them up. Add carrots, vanilla, and spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg) then set aside. Add date mixture into dry ingredients, fold until combined. Shape into balls, roll through shredded coconut. Enjoy!

You’ve heard all the hype around Enhanced Collagen powder. You know that it is essential for healthy skin, nails and hair growth. It also can can help to reduce joint pain and inflammation. However most collagen supplements are animal based, usually from marine, poultry or bovine sources. So if you are plant-based, you may think you can't increase collagen production in your body. But plant-based eaters, fear not! You too, can increase collagen production with the help of a few boosters, especially with Vitamin C! First, let chat a bit about collagen production. If you’ve checked out our blog, you already know that collagen has some amazing benefits. Along with that, you likely have read about the different types of collagen, what each one does, and know that our body’s ability to produce collagen starts decreasing as we age. What do you need to know to increase collagen production? 1. Free radicals Free radicals, from things like refined sugar, too much sun exposure or environmental toxins. How we can combat this? With a diet high in antioxidants! Ensuring you are eating a diet high in antioxidants, particularly Vitamins A, C, E, along with minerals selenium and zinc, is important to help boost your collagen production, especially if you are not consuming it in supplement form. With this understanding, one ingredient to add to your collagen boosting arsenal is the moringa plant. This plant, which you may have heard of before for its high iron content and as it is one of the few complete protein sources in the plant world, is also composed of something called Ben oil, that is rich in antioxidants. 2. Vitamin C So what’s the hype around Vitamin C? Well, vitamin C is essential for the amino acid, lysine, to be converted into procollagen in your body, which is then converted into one of the other 27 types of collagen in your body. You can find l-lysine in many fruits and vegetables, along with dairy products. However, pairing it directly in supplement form will provide the body with the necessary intake for optimal collagen production. Now you understand how vitamin C can contribute to collagen synthesis, but let us look at how it acts as an antioxidant. Our epidermis and dermis contain high concentrations of vitamin C. Those are our very top layer of skin, and the layer of cells found just underneath its surface (1). This makes sense as vitamin C has been shown to increase the production of Type 1 and 3 collagen - the type most abundant in our skin, hair and nails. Studies have also shown that vitamin C act to stabilize the collagen molecule structure and aid in its gene expression (1). However, as we age, levels of vitamin C in both will decrease. This, in turn, decreases our levels of collagen. This is why many people will choose to supplement with collagen. Using products, like Organika’s new Plant-Based Collagen Booster, with Moringa Powder, and Vitamin C from Acerola Cherry, you can help to boost your bodies ability to increase its own collagen production! Stay tuned for more information on how you can boost your collagen production using Organika’s newest Plant Based Collagen Booster!