Author: everbella
Collagen Banking: What It Is And How To Do It
In your skin is a protein called collagen. This structural protein is part of a vast network within your skin, which holds everything together, keeping your skin firm, elastic, and wrinkle-free. But here’s the thing… as we age, we lose out collagen. [1]
Right now, as you’re reading this, your collagen levels are going down. It’s a mix of you losing collagen at a faster rate (I’ll get into why below) and your aging body struggling to make more collagen and collagen that is as strong and resilient as the collagen it’s replacing. Experts estimate that adults lose at least 1% of their collagen every year. And diet, smoking, drinking alcohol, and sun exposure can only exacerbate this number. [2, 3]
Collagen loss is what makes your skin age. Losing this crucial structure within your skin slowly causes it to sag, wrinkle, blemish easily, and more.
So, to combat skin aging, we must slow or even prevent collagen loss. But how do we do that?
Collagen banking.
What is collagen banking?
Collagen banking is a new trend that essentially says this: if our skin is getting older due to a loss of collagen, why not just make sure we have a lot of collagen? The same way you’d bank money for retirement, bank collagen for your aging self so that your skin remains intact, healthy, and wrinkle-free no matter how old you are.
How do you make sure you “bank” collagen? It comes down to three main actions:
1️⃣ Preventative measures: Be sure to avoid lifestyle factors that quickly degrade your collagen and make it difficult for your body to produce new collagen.
2️⃣ Proactive measures: Add things to your routine that help support collagen synthesis and protect your collagen.
3️⃣ A collagen supplement: The most important part of collagen banking is a daily surge of collagen and consistently providing your body with quality collagen.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can achieve all three of these so that you have a high supply of quality collagen and youthful, beautiful skin that will have people saying wow!
Preventative measures: What to avoid
There are many things within and outside of your control that are harming your collagen, which has drastic effects throughout your body, including wrinkles, achy joints, thin hair, and more.
While some of these you may not be able to avoid (like aging), knowing how and why these things deplete your collagen is super important if you’re going to bank collagen properly.
Keep reading to find out what could be causing your collagen levels to drop!
1. Age
This is the most unfortunate one. As mentioned, the simple act of aging – which none of us can avoid – depletes your collagen. But why?
Within your body are cells called fibroblasts. These are the cells that produce collagen within your body. But as they age, their collagen-producing abilities diminish. They amount of these cells also declines with age. This means less collagen is made, and when it is made, it’s not as strong.
This results in skin that loosens and wrinkles, becomes dull, and can’t retain water as well. But depleting collagen due to age isn’t even close to the biggest thing damaging your collagen. The good news is that, while this one may be less in your control (outside of replenishing this lost collagen), most other factors you can control.
2. UV exposure
Your skin being directly exposed to the sun (without protection like sunscreen) is the number one cause of loss of collagen and skin aging.
The sun’s harmful rays enter the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) and accelerate collagen breakdown. They also give rise to free radicals that further break down collagen by increasing the presence of enzymes in the skin.
If that wasn’t bad enough, UV exposure disrupts the rate of collagen production in the body. This makes UV exposure a double whammy when it comes to your collagen.
Sunscreen, hats, staying in the shade, and being mindful of the UV index will be a major help to your skin as you age.
3. An unhealthy diet
Your diet could be degrading your collagen, meaning a simple change in food choices could lead to healthier skin.
Collagen production in the body is strongly influenced by nutrient intake. Including foods with high protein content for amino acids that are needed to build collagen, like poultry or other healthy meat options, go a long way in providing your body with strong collagen. Foods like berries that are high in antioxidants can help protect your collagen from being broken down by free radicals, allowing you to maintain healthier levels.
However, avoiding certain foods can also make a big difference. For example, sugar is detrimental to collagen and skin health as it breaks down elastin and collagen. If you have a sweet tooth, consider opting for healthier sweeteners instead.
Alcohol and cigarettes are both also terrible for your collagen, with smoking being considered one of the fastest ways to deplete your collagen levels.
All in all, just be sure to consume a diverse diet of whole foods so that your body can take in a wide range of nutrients.
4. Low vitamin C
Speaking of nutrients, vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins you can take when it comes to collagen.
Vitamin C fights free radicals and limits the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. One of the most powerful antioxidants you can consume, vitamin C helps protect the skin from damage caused by pollution. The easiest way to fight free radicals (which destroy collagen) is to increase the amount of antioxidants in your body. And higher vitamin C levels are a great way to do this.
Consider adding lots of fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C to your diet, or add a high-quality liposomal vitamin C to your supplement regimen.
5. Stress
It may seem strange that feeling a certain way can degrade your skin and your collagen, but it’s true.
For starters, stress is pro-inflammatory, which interferes with the body’s natural ability to produce collagen. Stress also increases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol within your body. Cortisol also interrupts your body’s collagen production.
When your body is in a stressful state, most of your energy goes to counter the stress and inflammation that’s caused as a result, leaving less room for things like collagen production.
Proactive measures: Things that boost collagen
On the other hand, there are changes you can make in your life that will naturally boost your collagen levels. As you may suspect, healthy habits will go a long way, but there are also certain foods you can eat and things you can add to your skincare routine to help out your collagen.
1. Exercise
Ah, good old exercise. It helps your body with so much, and skin health isn’t an exception. Have you ever noticed that those who exercise regularly have a glow to them and may even look younger? One of the reasons for this actually has to do with collagen.
When you exercise, you increase blood flow throughout your body, allowing even the smallest blood vessel networks to receive more oxygen and nutrients. When this influx hits your skin, your body can more easily produce collagen. [4]
On top of that, when you exercise, you strengthen your heart so that it can pump blood more effectively, even at rest. This allows better collagen production in your skin around the clock.
This is why those who exercise regularly appear to age slower: because their skin has more collagen!
2. Hyaluronic acid
If you’re into health and beauty, you’ve likely come across this ingredient before. It’s a compound naturally produced by your body, found mostly in the eyes, joints, and skin. As a beauty ingredient, it hydrates your skin and locks in that moisture. But it also helps with collagen.
Plenty of research has shown that applying hyaluronic acid to your skin can not just boost collagen production but also increase the quality of the collagen your body is creating – a double whammy! [5, 6]
Adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine is a great way to help your body in the fight against collagen loss.
3. Aloe vera
You may have seen an aloe vera plant in a friend’s house, or perhaps you have one in your own home. These plants have thick, long “leaves” that can be split or cut open to reveal a beneficial gel-like substance.
People often use aloe vera gel to treat sunburns and rashes. That’s because it contains compounds that can calm both of these conditions, bringing relief.
However, aloe vera can also boost collagen levels. One study from 2015 found that daily aloe vera use increased skin hydration, lessened wrinkle depth, and nearly doubled the amount of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin! [7]
So, next time you’re in the plant store, consider grabbing an aloe vera plant to help you with your skincare to naturally boost collagen levels!
4. Antioxidants
Through natural and normal metabolic processes, your body creates what are called “free radicals.” These are unstable molecules that damage cells – including collagen – by stealing their electrons. Exposure to chemicals, cigarette smoke, alcohol, and processed foods can also increase the amount of free radicals in your body.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, protecting your cells and your collagen. When it comes to protecting your collagen, antioxidants are the top dog. This is why research has shown that antioxidants benefit the health of your skin. [8]
Foods rich in antioxidants include:
✅ Berries
✅ Green tea
✅ Mulberry extract
✅ Broccoli
✅ Spinach
✅ Pomegranates
✅ Coffee
✅ Cinnamon
✅ Dark chocolate
✅ Basil, oregano, and thyme
5. Retinol and other carotenoids
As mentioned, UV rays are the biggest thing damaging your collagen. But, obviously, you can’t fully avoid sun exposure. That’s where certain antioxidants like retinol and beta-carotene come in. These are both derivatives of vitamin A and can protect your skin.
Research shows that retinoids can protect your skin from sunlight by preventing UV rays from breaking down collagen. [9]
To get retinol, eat foods high in vitamin A, such as:
✅ Beef liver
✅ Sweet potatoes
✅ Spinach
✅ Pumpkin
✅ Carrots
6. Light therapy
While you should avoid sunlight, there are other lights that can actually boost the collagen in your skin.
One such type of light is red light therapy. Researchers have found that this type of light therapy can be a quick and safe way to increase collagen in the skin. [10]
Other studies have found that red light combined with near-infrared light on skin cells boosted the production of collagen and elastin – another important structural protein of the skin. [11]
While you can undergo your own light therapy at home, many dermatologists offer it at their clinics, and it’s best to consult with one before investing in lights for use at home.
A collagen supplement
Last but certainly not least, you have to ensure that you’re taking in high-quality collagen on a daily basis. While finding ways to stimulate collagen production and slow down the degradation of your collagen is definitely useful, nothing beats simply topping up using a top-rated collagen supplement.
This is why I created EverBella’s Complete Collagen Plus.
The truth is that most pill and powder forms of collagen on the market simply don’t work. Your body can’t take in the amino acids in the formula and properly synthesize collagen because these compounds aren’t even being absorbed.
Too many collagen supplements don’t focus on bioavailability, but I do!
My collagen is formulated with a highly absorbable micelle liposomal formula. These are natural lipid molecules that encapsulate the collagen amino acids so that they can be delivered intact straight to your bloodstream and right to where they need to go: the skin.
So that you can fully experience the difference that absorbable collagen can make, I give you six entire months to try my Complete Collagen Plus formula.
It’s delicious, in a liquid form that comes in convenient pouches, and it actually works.
>>> Click here to learn more about this revolutionary formula, how others are collagen banking with it, and how you can claim up to 25% off today
6 Reasons To Take Japanese Knotweed
While getting all of your vitamins and minerals is super important for your health, whether that’s beauty benefits or general well-being, there are other compounds that you may not be as familiar with that can also have an amazing impact on how you look and feel.
One such compound is Japanese knotweed. Known scientifically as Fallopia japonica, Japanese knotweed is a vegetable native to East Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea. A member of the buckwheat family, it somewhat resembles bamboo and has broad, oval leaves. It’s also invasive to North America, and several regions have to regulate the plant to limit its wild growth.
When it comes to your health, Japanese knotweed has many benefits, which makes it a great supplement to take. If you’re wondering what health effects you could experience from Japanese knotweed, then keep reading!
6 Japanese Knotweed Benefits
1. Could Improve Lifespan Thanks To Resveratrol
Japanese knotweed is one of the richest natural sources of resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound known for its antioxidant properties.
This compound helps combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and even some cancers. [1, 2]
In fact, resveratrol has become a major area of research for many scientists after discovering that resveratrol intake is directly linked to a longer lifespan in many animals. This is believed to be because resveratrol activates certain genes that ward off the diseases of aging. [3, 4]
The compound also protects the brain from cognitive decline, and this is actually one of the reasons why some researchers claim that red wine is healthy for you – because it contains resveratrol. [5]
Regular consumption of resveratrol may enhance overall well-being and quality of life. But not only can it help the way you feel, but the way you look…
2. Turns The Clock Back On Your Skin
Japanese knotweed has been found to contain compounds that eliminate and prevent the presence of harmful compounds in the skin that destroy collagen, hyaluronic acid (a natural hydrating substance within skin tissue), and elastin. [6]
The resveratrol in Japanese knotweed is also very beneficial for your skin, protecting cells and slowing aging. In fact, a 2014 study found that after just 12 weeks of resveratrol use, fine lines and wrinkles were greatly reduced while elasticity was significantly improved. [7]
In addition, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in Japanese knotweed are beneficial for skin health. They help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution, reducing signs of aging and promoting a clearer complexion.
As such, using products infused with Japanese knotweed can result in healthier, more resilient skin.
3. Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The plant contains various compounds, including flavonoids, that exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects. By inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Japanese knotweed can help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Not only that, inflammation is linked to almost every disease, meaning fighting off inflammation is fighting off disease.
As a result, incorporating this plant into the diet may lead to reduced pain and improved mobility, contributing to a better quality of life.
4. Beneficial For Diabetics
Some studies suggest that the compounds in Japanese knotweed can help regulate blood sugar levels. This is once again thanks to resveratrol.
Research has shown that resveratrol could be extremely beneficial to those with blood sugar conditions such as diabetes. Studies have shown that the compound modulates glucose levels, decreases insulin resistance, inhibits chronic inflammation, improves blood lipid profiles, and lowers blood pressure. Researchers also believe that it could prevent and slow the development of diabetes-related complications. [8]
By improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose absorption in the intestines, it may aid in the management of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This regulation can lead to more stable energy levels and reduced cravings, contributing to better overall metabolic health.
5. Blocks The Bad Guys
All of the time, there are harmful microorganisms trying to infiltrate your body and spread illness. Thankfully, Japanese knotweed has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, which can help combat these harmful bacteria and viruses.
This ability may bolster the immune system, reducing the likelihood of infections and illnesses. By supporting immune function, the plant can contribute to better health outcomes, especially during cold and flu seasons.
6. Boosts Memory And Cognition By 33%
Emerging research suggests that resveratrol in Japanese knotweed may support cognitive function by protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
For example, one study found that after 12 months of daily resveratrol intake, cognitive performance, including memory, increased by 33% compared to those taking a placebo! [9]
This neuroprotective effect could potentially lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Maintaining cognitive health can improve overall mental clarity and quality of life, especially as one ages.
In summary, Japanese knotweed offers a variety of health benefits due to its rich phytochemical content, particularly resveratrol. From promoting cardiovascular and digestive health to supporting skin and cognitive function, incorporating this versatile plant into your diet can have far-reaching positive effects on your overall well-being.
Look And Feel Your Best – In The Easiest Way Possible
What have you learned in today’s blog?
That even if you’ve never heard of Japanese knotweed before, it contains some incredible compounds that can not only make your skin wrinkle-free, hydrated, and smooth, but make you live a healthier and smarter life!
I know what you’re probably thinking now. How do I get some reliable Japanese knotweed in an easy way?
EverBella has you covered! My NutraBoost formula is the yummiest and easiest way to get your daily dose of this powerful plant.
Plus, it contains many other rare ingredients like this that are extremely beneficial to your health, inside and out!
>>> Click here to see a full ingredient list, how these other compounds can help you, and reviews from people who are so happy they found my NutraBoost formula
Are You Low In Biotin? 3 Myths That Explain Why You Might Be
Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a crucial nutrient responsible for metabolism, beauty, energy, and more. But many people don’t give it much thought. You hear a lot about vitamins C and D, but B7 is also important, and perhaps even more important for you to learn about, since you could be low in vitamin B7 without even realizing it.
But after reading this blog, you’ll learn why so many falsely believe their biotin levels are nothing to worry about, causing problems like a 2016 study that tested women with hair loss and found that nearly 40% of them were deficient in biotin! [1]
And these women had no idea.
So, you may now be wondering if YOU could be low on this vitamin without knowing. Let’s go over some of the tell-tale signs that you could be low in this nutrient.
Signs of a biotin deficiency
If your biotin levels are low, the good news is this: your body has ways of telling you.
But here’s the bad news: most people mistake these symptoms for “normal” feelings in today’s stressful and busy society. Or, they may think they’re simply signs of “getting older.” Big mistake!
You’ll see what I mean when you read the below list.
These are tell-tale signs that you may be low in biotin:
❌ Hair loss
❌ Depression
❌ Lack of appetite
❌ Fatigue
❌ Insomnia
❌ Dry eyes
❌ Lethargy
❌ Skin blemishes
❌ Brittle nails
Tell anyone you have the above symptoms, and they’ll likely tell you that you’re stressed. While looking for ways to deal with stress is great for your health, it won’t stave off a deficiency or raise your biotin levels, which have been low for WAY too long if you’re feeling multiples of the above.
But if the symptoms of a biotin deficiency can be so poor for your health and make you feel so lousy, why do people often forget about it?
It has to do with some of the myths floating around about biotin.
3 Biotin Myths
When it comes to biotin myths, it has to do with what most people (if they’ve even heard of biotin) will tell you about the nutrient when asked.
These three responses have since become common myths and are why people dismiss low biotin as an issue altogether.
Let’s take a look at these three things you may have heard about biotin and why they’re wrong.
1. “A biotin deficiency is impossible.”
People don’t seem to talk about a biotin deficiency.
They act like it can’t even happen until researchers find people who are losing their hair, have brittle nails, and have poor skin and test their vitamin levels, only to find that they’re alarmingly low in biotin.
This very thing was showcased in a review of TWENTY studies that all looked at biotin levels in those experiencing hair loss and brittle nails, found that they were extremely low in biotin, and taking a high-quality biotin supplement rapidly improved their symptoms. [2]
It also doesn’t help that the symptoms of a biotin deficiency are things like depression, fatigue, and insomnia, ie. things that our society sadly sees as “part of life.” But WAY more people may be suffering than we think. Which brings me to my next point…
2. “You can get enough biotin through your diet.”
It’s true that biotin is present in a range of foods, such as lentils, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes.
But do they have enough?
That’s the most important question here. So, let’s take a look!
One of the foods highest in biotin is sunflower seeds. But here’s a thing… a quarter cup only contains 10% of your recommended daily intake.
Are you eating two and a half cups of sunflower seeds per day?
Probably not. But even if you are, remember that the recommended daily intake is only the amount needed to avoid a full-blown deficiency, NOT the amount needed to thrive.
Plus, the unfortunate truth is that due to soil degradation, our food is getting less and less nutritious. So much so that researchers have stated that we’d have to eat EIGHT of today’s oranges to get the same amount of nutrition that our grandparents would have gotten from just one orange. [3]
But maybe you’re not worried because you do one other thing…
3. “Just take biotin supplements.”
This may be the worst part of it all. Why? Because we’ve been further misled into thinking a biotin deficiency couldn’t possibly be our issue because we pop a tablet every morning that contains vitamin B7.
But the unfortunate truth is that conventional supplements don’t make a difference.
So unless you’re taking a biotin supplement that’s guaranteed to get absorbed thanks to a sophisticated delivery method, you’re no better off than the rest of us.
But if there’s one thing I don’t want to do, it’s tell you about a problem without offering a solution.
So here’s what you can do to never again fall victim to being unknowingly low in biotin:
Take EverBella’s Complete Biotin Plus formula.
Unlike conventional pills or powders, my delicious liquid formula is infused with a patented micelle liposomal complex that ensures FULL absorption of top-quality biotin into your system.
Learn more about this, including ingredients, reviews, and how you can SAVE 30% today by clicking here and heading to the next page >>>
5 Things That Destroy Your Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It’s responsible for giving structure to your skin, joints, organ tissues, blood vessels, bones, and more. Think of it like the glue that holds your body together.
But here’s the unfortunate part…
Your body is losing out on collagen right now.
How is this happening? Well, that’s what this blog is all about. I’m going to outline the top five ways that your body loses collagen (plus what you can do about it).
Knowing what’s causing your collagen levels to drop can help you do something about it – maintaining proper levels for a youthful body through and through, no matter your age!
5 things that destroy your collagen
There are many things within and outside of your control that are harming your collagen, which has drastic effects throughout your body, including wrinkles, achy joints, thin hair, and more.
Keep reading to find out what could be causing your collagen levels to drop!
1. Age
This is the most unfortunate one. The simple act of aging – which none of us can avoid – depletes your collagen. But why?
Within your body are cells called fibroblasts. These are the cells that produce collagen within your body. But as they age, their collagen-producing abilities diminish. They amount of these cells also declines with age. This means less collagen is made, and when it is made, it’s not as strong.
This results in skin that loosens and wrinkles, becomes dull, and can’t retain water as well. But depleting collagen due to age isn’t even close to the biggest thing damaging your collagen. The good news is that, while this one may be less in your control (outside of replenishing this lost collagen), most other factors you can control.
2. UV exposure
Your skin being directly exposed to the sun (without protection like sunscreen) is the number one cause of loss of collagen and skin aging.
The sun’s harmful rays enter the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) and accelerate collagen breakdown. They also give rise to free radicals that further break down collagen by increasing the presence of enzymes in the skin.
If that wasn’t bad enough, UV exposure disrupts the rate of collagen production in the body. This makes UV exposure a double whammy when it comes to your collagen.
Sunscreen, hats, staying in the shade, and being mindful of the UV index will be a major help to your skin as you age.
3. An unhealthy diet
Your diet could be degrading your collagen, meaning a simple change in food choices could lead to healthier skin.
Collagen production in the body is strongly influenced by nutrient intake. Including foods with high protein content for amino acids that are needed to build collagen, like poultry or other healthy meat options, go a long way in providing your body with strong collagen. Foods like berries that are high in antioxidants can help protect your collagen from being broken down by free radicals, allowing you to maintain healthier levels.
However, avoiding certain foods can make a big difference as well. For example, sugar is detrimental to your collagen and skin health, as it breaks down elastin and collagen. If you have a sweet tooth, consider opting for healthier sweeteners instead.
Alcohol and cigarettes are both also terrible for your collagen, with smoking being considered one of the fastest ways to deplete your collagen levels.
All in all, just be sure to consume a diverse diet of whole foods so that your body can take in a wide range of nutrients.
4. Low vitamin C
Speaking of nutrients, vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins you can take when it comes to collagen.
Vitamin C fights free radicals and limits the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. One of the most powerful antioxidants you can consume, vitamin C helps protect the skin from damage caused by pollution. The easiest way to fight free radicals (which destroy collagen) is to increase the amount of antioxidants in your body. And higher vitamin C levels are a great way to do this.
Consider adding lots of fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C to your diet, or add a high-quality liposomal vitamin C to your supplement regimen.
5. Stress
It may seem strange that feeling a certain way can degrade your skin and your collagen, but it’s true.
For starters, stress is pro-inflammatory, which interferes with the body’s natural ability to produce collagen. Stress also increases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol within your body. Cortisol also interrupts your body’s collagen production.
When your body is in a stressful state, most of your energy goes to counter the stress and inflammation that’s caused as a result, leaving less room for things like collagen production.
One thing that boosts your collagen
Now it’s time to look at what can BOOST your collagen.
The simple answer is this: More collagen.
Adding more collagen into your body gives you the resources to have high levels of collagen in every area of your body that needs it!
Plus, with a micelle liposomal, this collagen can be quickly and efficiently delivered to the parts of your body that are the most deficient.
This is exactly what Complete Collagen Plus does.
It’s time for you to take control of your collagen levels – and how well you age – by ensuring your body has enough of this important protein.
>>> Click here to learn how Complete Collagen Plus can help YOU (plus how it helped me and so many others)
6 Signs Of Collagen Deficiency
When people think of collagen, they typically think of the skin. This is a fair approach, as collagen holds the skin together, and low collagen levels can change the skin’s appearance.
But collagen does so much more in the body than support the structure of your skin.
As such, when collagen levels are low, your body may try to tell you in various ways. This blog is so that you know exactly what to look out for when and if this happens. Because here’s the kicker: most people will experience low collagen or a “collagen deficiency” at some point in their life. And for others, this can lead to a full-blown deficiency – a state in which your body doesn’t have enough collagen for normal functioning. How does this happen?
Well, for starters, our body’s ability to create new collagen starts to diminish around the age of 25, with experts estimating that we lose at least 1% of our collagen each year after our mid-twenties.
Then, there are other things that decrease your collagen even further. To read more about that, check out my blog post, 5 Things That Destroy Your Collagen, by clicking here.
For now, let’s look at the warning signs of collagen deficiency.
6 Signs Of Collagen Deficiency
When on the lookout for signs of low collagen, there are six main symptoms. As mentioned above, collagen does way more than just prop up the skin, so you may be surprised by some of these signs. But, let’s start with the skin…
1. Wrinkles
Wrinkles are the clearest sign of collagen loss. Wrinkles form due to lost elasticity in the skin, which is a direct result of depleted collagen.
Despite the fact that your skin is 70-80% collagen, if you have low levels of collagen, your body is going to stop focusing on repairing elasticity in the skin and instead start using your collagen on other vital functions, like supporting organ structure or healing wounds.
While wrinkles are bound to happen as we get older, if you notice a sudden acceleration in wrinkles, this is a clear sign that collagen levels have recently plummeted for one reason or another and should be properly restored with a high quality collagen supplement.
2. Slow muscle recovery
Your muscles can be sore even if you don’t perform hard workouts like weightlifting. Running, hiking, or even tasks in the home like cleaning can leave your muscles feeling sore the next day. While this is normal – especially if you’ve worked muscles you don’t often use – it can be a sign of low collagen.
If you find that you’re getting sore very easily, possibly for reasons you’re unsure of, or if it’s taking longer than two days for your muscles to recover, then you could have a collagen deficiency.
Collagen works to repair your muscles and helps with muscle flexibility. So, a deficiency will not only result in longer recovery times and more frequent soreness, but it could also result in you losing muscle mass as the muscles deteriorate instead of repairing.
3. Gastrointestinal problems
Collagen deficiency has been linked to leaky gut syndrome. In your intestines, there are tight junctions that help you absorb nutrients. A leaky gut means that these junctions aren’t as tight as they should be due to the tissue separating. As a result, other unwanted substances can slip through the gaps and cause infection and inflammation.
Collagen plays a large role in repairing intestinal walls and keeping the tissue there tight and firm, just like your skin. Therefore, having enough collagen in your body is crucial for repairing and maintaining these tight junctions.
Leaky gut syndrome comes with symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramps, indigestion, food sensitivities, and pain. If you have any of these symptoms, it may be due to a leaky gut caused by low collagen.
4. Poor hair health
Collagen is an important part of hair health for a few reasons.
For starters, collagen is present within your hair follicles, responsible for delivering nutrients for healthy hair growth. Without enough collagen, your hair won’t receive the nutrients it needs as quickly, resulting in stunted hair growth, or the development of weak and brittle hair.
Additionally, a large part of what makes up your hair is collagen itself. Without sufficient collagen, your hair will be thin and weak. It can fall out easier, break more often, or struggle to grow in the first place.
If that wasn’t enough, without enough collagen present within the hair follicles, your hair follicle will be more vulnerable to cell-damaging free radicals, which collagen usually fights off. Just like with the skin, your body will prioritize other areas of your body in need of collagen before sending the protein to your hair. As such, poor hair health could be one of the first signs of low collagen.
5. Joint pain
Many people mistake joint pain as just one of the signs of getting older, but in many cases, it’s simply the result of collagen levels diminishing as time goes on.
The cartilage in your joints is 60% collagen. As such, collagen is essential in rebuilding and repairing the joints and maintaining their structure.
In addition, collagen provides flexibility and cushions your joints. So, if your body doesn’t have enough, your joints will be more prone to damage.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort or lack of function within your joints, you may simply need a boost in collagen.
Slow injury recovery
Being the most abundant protein within they body, almost any injury – whether it’s a broken bone, cut, or even result of a surgery – is going to need a large amount of collagen to properly repair the tissue.
If you don’t have enough collagen, however, your body is going to struggle to make a full repair in the proper timeframe.
When you get hurt, the amount of time it takes for you to heal can be an indicator of collagen levels.
Restoring collagen levels
Thanks to modern science, we now know that collagen levels depleting with each year is a HUGE reason why we experience the “normal” signs of aging.
With this knowledge, we can take more control. It starts with restoring and maintaining collagen levels within your body so your tissue, hair, skin, joints, organs, and more can all remain young and healthy.
Today, Complete Collagen Plus is up to 25% off.
>>> Age gracefully by maintaining collagen levels by clicking here and securing your supply of Complete Collagen Plus at 25% off
The Benefits Of Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is exactly what it sounds like: the oil from grape seeds. Most grapeseed oil comes from the wine industry, who don’t use the seeds in their grapes. But when those seeds are pressed, a fine oil is created.
Grapeseed oil makes for an excellent cooking oil – not just for its high smoke point (420F) and how it plays well with other tastes – but because it can offer you several health benefits. From your heart to your hair, grapeseed oil is great as a supplement, too!
That’s what this blog is all about – the benefits of grapeseed oil. Let’s get started!
1. Supports A Healthy Heart
One of the more well known benefits of grapeseed oil is how it supports the health of the heart. Studies have shown that it improves the health in several heart-related areas, including cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which is a mark of inflammation. [1, 2]
Research has indicated that grape seed oil would be particularly beneficial to those who are obese and looking to lose weight. For example, one study showed improvement in several heart disease risk factors after obese participants took grapeseed oil and reduced calories over a 12 week period. [3]
And a separate study showed that taking grapeseed oil daily reduced waist circumference and several inflammatory markers in people with obesity. [4]
This could be beneficial to those looking to protect their heart, as obesity is directly linked to many heart complications. [5]
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
One of the other biggest risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure. But thankfully, this is another area where grapeseed oil shines.
A meta-analysis from 2011 found that daily grapeseed oil consumption lowered blood pressure and heart rate to healthier levels. [6]
Again, these effects are even stronger in those with certain health conditions. For example, another meta-analysis – this one from 2016 – showed that the grapeseed oil was more beneficial for those who had obesity or high blood sugar. Interestingly enough, it also showed a higher benefit for those under the age of 50. [7]
And when it comes to blood pressure itself, a 2021 review concluded that grapeseed oil can improve blood pressure in those with hypertension (the medical term for high blood pressure). [8]
3. Boosts Hair Health
If you were just thinking that grapeseed oil seems like a hero among oils when it comes to the heart, just wait until you learn how it helps your hair!
For starters, it can prevent you from losing hair. This is largely due to its high concentration of vitamin E, which has been shown to improve hair growth in people with hair loss. This is likely due to the fact that vitamin E lowers oxidative stress, which has been linked to hair loss. [9, 10]
And grapeseed oil works holistically. Not only can it help bring a shine to your hair with the increased vitamin E, it can nourish your scalp! Research has shown that increased levels of vitamin E can increase blood flow. Increased blood supply boosts hair growth by providing the follicles with more oxygen and nutrients. [11, 12]
That’s not all grapeseed oil can help with in your scalp, however. Your scalp is simply skin, and poor scalp health is linked to unhealthy hair. Thankfully, the powerful vitamin E in grapeseed oil can support the scalp and give your hair a strong base to grow from by reducing oxidative stress and preserving the protective lipid layer. [13]
4. Promotes Longevity
In addition to containing such a powerful antioxidant like vitamin E, grapeseed oil is also loaded with other unique antioxidants and compounds with antioxidant activity, like gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidins, and proanthocyanidins, making it specially equipped for eliminating free radicals and the oxidative damage they cause. In fact, when tested, grape seeds were found to be the part of the grape with most antioxidants. [14]
Oxidative stress is directly linked to chronic disease. And the best way to fight it is with antioxidants. Researchers believe that high antioxidant intake is key to a healthy lifestyle. [15]
Chronic inflammation is another major precursor to most types of diseases. Thankfully, grape seed oil is also rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like omega fatty acids that fight inflammation so that you can have a healthier body for longer. [14]
5. Provides Youthful Skin
Speaking of omega fatty acids, the compounds within them are actually quite good at protecting the health and appearance of the skin. Not to mention vitamin E, which we’ve covered is also found in grapeseed oil in high amounts, is known for hydrating skin and accelerating scar-free wound healing. [16]
The Best Way To Get Grapeseed Oil
Now, you may be wanting to start doing all of your cooking with grapeseed oil. That’s a great idea. But if you want to make sure you’re getting a reliable amount of grape seed oil every single day, I know the BEST way for you to do that…
And it’s not what you think!
You’ll be amazed at how easy (and delicious) it is to get this oil daily. No coating your tongue in a thick liquid!