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Free Radicals and Their Impact on the Body
If you follow health and wellness news or research dietary supplements, you likely have heard the term free radicals. You have also probably encountered the term antioxidants. But what do these words mean, and how do they relate to your health? Read on for answers. What Are Free Radicals? Free radicals are unstable atoms attracted to other atoms because they miss electrons from their outer shell. For years, scientists have studied these highly reactive particles and found that they have the potential to damage the human body. What Are Sources of Free Radicals? The human body produces some free radicals as by-products of processes like metabolizing food. When people talk about damaging free radicals, they are usually referring to atoms that come from external sources, such as: Air pollutants Alcohol Cigarette smoke Pesticides and industrial chemicals Processed meats Ultraviolet energy from the sun What Is Oxidative Stress? Because free radicals actively seek out stable atoms, they may try to bind with healthy body cells. In so doing, they cause free radical damage. The technical term for what free radicals do to cells is oxidation. When free radical damage occurs in the body, the result is a state of oxidative stress, when cells struggle to perform their functions due to the cellular damage they sustain. What Are the Effects of Free Radicals in the Body? Research has linked free radicals to: Age-related decline: The free radical theory of aging holds that free radicals are one of the leading causes of aging. The ones produced by the body gradually cause the body to age, which is why people's appearances and bodily processes change over time. External free radicals can accelerate this process, causing the body to age prematurely. Studies have linked free radicals to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin due to aging, age-related vision problems, age-related dementia, and other conditions related to age. Cardiovascular disease: When free radicals damage the heart and blood vessels, inflammation develops, making it more difficult for blood to flow through the body. Direct damage to the heart due to free radicals may also play a role in heart disease. Cancer: Cancers develop when cells begin to grow at an abnormally fast pace due to mutations. Cellular changes due to oxidative stress may trigger some forms. Autoimmune diseases: Free radical damage may contribute to various autoimmune diseases, including diabetes. It is thought that cellular damage to immune system cells may be part of the reason why the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy tissues. Central nervous system disease: Conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord, such as Alzheimer's, may be partially caused by damage to healthy nervous system cells. What Are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that break down free radicals into harmless components. Because an antioxidant can destroy a free radical before it causes cellular damage, it is your body's main line of defense against oxidative stress and the conditions that it may lead to. What Are Some Examples of Antioxidants? Glutathione and vitamin C are two of the most well-known antioxidants. Glutathione is manufactured by the human body and is called the master antioxidant because it is the substance that primarily fights internal free radicals. Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins that the human body needs but can't produce on its own. Phytochemicals derived from plants may also function as antioxidants. Research into phytochemicals and antioxidants has revealed that several nutrients found in plants can combat free radical damage. Some examples include quercetin and resveratrol. What Are Some Foods Rich in Antioxidants? Some foods that are rich in antioxidants include: Berries, including blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, and blueberries Grapes, especially those used to produce wine Nuts, including pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts Artichokes Whole grains like oatmeal Apples like red delicious and gala Russet potatoes Leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and red cabbage Beans, including kidney and pinto beans Beets Spices like cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, cumin, and parsley What Are Antioxidant Supplements? Some individuals concerned about free radicals and antioxidants turn to supplements to increase their intake of vitamins, glutathione, and phytonutrients that act as antioxidants. Supplements can make it easier to reap antioxidant benefits for those who struggle to eat a well-balanced diet. Key ingredients in antioxidant supplements vary greatly. Body Kitchen Mega Quercetin combines the phytonutrient quercetin found in wine grapes with l-glutathione to deliver antioxidant benefits.
Collagen as a Post-Workout Protein
Using protein for muscle recovery is conventional wisdom for fitness enthusiasts and those involved in high-intensity sports training. Many people use whey protein as a power-workout recovery shake, but it's not the only way to potentially boost your workout results with protein supplementation. As collagen supplements continue to grow in popularity, more and more people are turning to them as a part of their nutritional post-workout routine. Read on to find out why you may wish to take collagen post-workout. Is Collagen a Protein? What Is Collagen? Yes, collagen is a protein. It's the most abundant protein in your body. Collagen is present in the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, organs, and the corneas of your eyes. Your body can manufacture collagen from the foods you eat. However, the rate of collagen production slows with age. That's why many people choose to increase collagen intake by taking supplements. Supplements help boost overall protein intake which provides the amino acids necessary for collagen production. Collagen supplements typically contain collagen from marine or bovine sources hydrolyzed or broken into small chains called collagen peptides. When you take these supplements, your body breaks the peptides down into amino acids that can reassemble into collagen protein and other proteins. Why Is Collagen Good Post Workout? Research indicates that post-workout collagen supplements may do all of the following. Lower Inflammation Studies indicate that collagen protein may play a role in controlling inflammation. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this may reduce post-exercise muscle soreness. In addition, the potential anti-inflammatory effects of collagen may lower the likelihood of chronic inflammation in people who participate in high-intensity sports and workouts to reduce the risk of injury. Provide Connective Tissue Support When you work out, you stress the tendons that join muscles and the ligaments that hold muscle to the bone. Tiny rips and tears can develop in the connective tissue, leading to pain and possible injury. Collagen is a crucial building block for tendons and some ligaments in the body. Its peptides may support the ongoing repair of connective tissue micro-tears following workouts. Speed Up Muscle Recovery Like connective tissue, muscles also suffer microscopic damage during workouts. Post-exercise recovery refers to the natural process of repairing this damage after exercise. Studies show that collagen protein may aid in healing. One small study found that athletes who took collagen before and after workouts experienced shorter recovery times than those who took a placebo. Improve Body Composition When combined with resistance exercise like weight lifting, collagen supplements may improve body composition by supporting the development of lean muscle mass. One study found that men suffering from reduced muscle mass called sarcopenia who took collagen supplements saw more significant muscle gains after 12 weeks than a control group that took a placebo in place of collagen peptides. Reduce Joint Pain As a critical component in connective tissue, collagen helps insulate joints. When exercise damages cartilage, inflammation can occur in the area, leading to pain and stiffness. Collagen may ease joint pain by helping to support healthy cartilage. What Are Other Benefits of Collagen? Another key benefit of collagen is support for skin health. Collagen is a crucial component of the structural protein matrix that supports the skin. Increasing collagen intake through supplements may help maintain that support network to promote firmer, more resilient skin. Increase Your Collagen Intake to Speed Up Muscle Recovery and More Body Kitchen gives you two options when it comes to collagen powder supplements. The first is Original Body Boost Collagen Powder, made from a blend of grass-fed bovine hide and fish collagen peptides. Black currant extract is added to help enhance absorption so that the body can utilize the collagen peptides better. The second product is Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder. Like the Original supplement, the powder contains a blend of bovine, marine collagen peptides, and resveratrol. This antioxidant fights the effects of free radicals that damage cells throughout the body and contribute to collagen breakdown. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, naturally found in the human body, where it supports healthy joints and binds moisture to the skin to reduce dryness. Both Body Kitchen collagen powder supplements contain 30 times the number of dipeptides as competitor products for enhanced benefits. The collagen supplements are made in the USA and are gluten-free and keto and paleo-friendly to complement your healthy diet.
Top Vitamins & Supplements for Glowing Skin
How many times have you purchased skincare products that promised to rejuvenate your complexion and leave you with more youthful-looking, glowing skin, only to be disappointed by the results? Even if they contain beneficial ingredients, skincare products are often insufficient to support healthy skin. Making changes to your diet that include beauty supplements may be a better solution for how to get glowing skin. Read on to find out why. Get Healthy Skin from The Inside Out Skin health doesn't start with the complexion. Like the rest of your body, your skin comprises cells. You need the proper nutrients in your diet to manufacture new cells and repair damage. Beauty supplements provide vital vitamins and other nutrients that the body needs to maintain healthy skin. Taking the right beauty supplements may support glowing skin, fight signs of aging, enhance skin elasticity and improve skin's moisture content. You can complement the benefits of supplements by following a daily skincare routine geared toward your skin type and concerns. Best Supplements for Glowing Skin Some essential anti-aging vitamins and other supplements include all of the following. Collagen Collagen is a protein that helps support skin tissue. Your body manufactures collagen from amino acids to maintain your skin and connective tissue, muscles, organs, and blood vessels. As you age, collagen production naturally slows. Supplements containing collagen peptides- peptide chains broken into smaller units- may help increase collagen levels to support firmer skin and diminish the prominence of fine lines and wrinkles. Individuals also take collagen supplements for joint health and post-exercise recovery. Elastin Elasin is another key structural protein present in skin tissue, helping to give skin the ability to stretch and return to its usual shape when you make facial expressions like smiling or furrowing your brow. When elastin levels deplete, the skin may lose elasticity and become more prone to wrinkling. Elastin supplements may help counteract this by increasing the amount of elastin in the body. Vitamin C Vitamin C is essential in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and other foods. It is among the most potent antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidants fight free radicals that can damage skin cells. Free radical damage has been associated with developing premature signs of aging, so many people take vitamin C to support a more youthful complexion. In addition, vitamin C is needed to manufacture collagen, and it may improve skin radiance and reduce hyperpigmentation. Vitamin E Vitamin E is another essential vitamin that provides antioxidant support. In addition to fighting free radicals, the nutrient has been shown to support the immune system and aid healing. As a result, individuals sometimes take vitamin E supplements to assist with the repair of damaged skin potentially. Vitamin D Vitamin D is one of the few essential vitamins that your body can manufacture. It does so in response to sun exposure. Older adults and individuals who don't spend enough time outdoors may not produce enough vitamin D to meet the needs of their bodies. The nutrient is essential for bone health but has also been shown to fight inflammation, particularly skin irritation caused by sun exposure. There is also some evidence to suggest that individuals with low vitamin D levels may be at an increased risk for melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Vitamin A Vitamin A is another antioxidant with benefits beyond fighting the effects of free radicals. The nutrient also plays an essential role in cellular turnover, the renewal process that replaces old skin cells with newer, healthier cells. Supporting this natural turnover may help to improve skin texture, increase the complexion's natural glow and minimize the appearance of imperfections like fine lines and wrinkles. Resveratrol Resveratrol is a phytonutrient found in red grape skin, peanuts, and some berries. Research has shown that resveratrol offers antioxidant protection for potential anti-aging benefits. Taking resveratrol may also support heart health and reduce the risk of certain medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and some forms of cancer. Biotin Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, gets a lot of attention for supporting healthy hair growth. However, it also plays a role in skin health. Biotin may help decrease water loss to keep your complexion moisturized. As a result, people often take it to address chronic dry skin and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.
End-Of-Summer Melon Smoothies with Collagen Powder
Smoothies are a delicious, simple way to increase your intake of fruit, and with the right smoothie add-ins, you can boost the nutritional value of your sipper. Read on to learn about the benefits of collagen peptides and why you should consider mixing some into watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon smoothies. Adding Collagen to Your Diet Collagen peptides are chains of collagen protein, the most abundant protein in your body. Supplementation with collagen may: Support skin elasticity and firmness Diminish the prominence of signs of aging Aid in the healing process following injuries Assist with joint and bone health Contribute to overall skin health If you're a smoothie fan, collagen powder supplements can be a unique solution because you can mix a scoop or two into your favorite recipes. Seasonal Produce Provides Ample Nutrition When making smoothies, incorporating produce in season is always a stellar idea. Seasonal produce contains vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients like antioxidants. When you modify your smoothie routine to include what's currently in season, you can add variety to your diet and enjoy fruits and vegetables when they're the freshest. Melon Smoothie Recipes for Summer Melons are delicious this time of year. Here are some delicious ways that you can use some of the most popular varieties to revamp your collagen smoothies: Watermelon Smoothie Recipe Remove seeds and cube 1.5 cups of fresh watermelon. Place in blender. Add 1 cup of frozen strawberries. Add the juice of one lime. Drop in one scoop of Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder. Finish off with two to three mint leaves. Add ice, if desired. Blend until smooth. Cantaloupe Smoothie Recipe Cut one small cantaloupe into 1" pieces. Place the cantaloupe in a resealable bag and freeze for at least four hours. Add frozen cantaloupe to the blender. Add 0.5 cup ice cubes. Slice 0.5 cup banana and add to blender. Mix in 0.25 cups of plain unsweetened Greek yogurt. Pour in 0.5 cup pineapple juice. Finish off with one scoop of Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder. Blend until smooth. Honeydew Smoothie Recipe Dice 5 cups of honeydew melon and add to the blender. Mix in 0.25 cups plain unsweetened Greek yogurt. Add 0.25 cup frozen pineapple. Mix in 1 teaspoon of honey. Add 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix in one scoop of Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder. Finish off with a pinch of kosher salt and 1 to 2 mint leaves, if desired. Blend well. Which Collagen Powders Are the Best Smoothie Add-Ins? When choosing collagen powder to use as a smoothie-add in, consider all of the following. Number of Dipeptides Per Serving Collagen powders that contain more significant numbers of dipeptides provide more of the building blocks that form collagen fibers per serving. The increased amount may increase absorption to enhance the benefits of collagen supplementation. Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder includes 30 times more dipeptides than many competitors. Source of Collagen Collagen powders may contain one or more of the following types of collagen: Type 1: Found in skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments Type 2: Found in joints Type 3: Found in muscles, blood vessels, and organs Type 4: Found in skin Type 5: Found in eyes Supplements that contain collagen derived from a single source will usually provide a limited number of types of collagen. Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder features both marine and bovine collagen to give a complete profile. Supportive Ingredients Some collagen powders contain supportive ingredients that offer additional benefits. Body Kitchen Youthful Beauty Advanced Powder brings two other key elements to your smoothie recipes: Resveratrol: A powerful antioxidant, resveratrol helps to break down free radicals. These harmful particles in UV and environmental pollutants damage and destroy healthy body cells, causing oxidative stress. Studies have found that oxidative stress contributes to aging and increases the risk of many health problems. Hyaluronic acid: This fluid is found naturally in joints where it works with cartilage to help insulate the bones. In addition, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, a substance that draws moisture. As a result, it may help increase hydration levels in the skin to reduce signs of dryness.
Lunchbox-Friendly Collagen Seed Bars (Nut-Free)
In addition, many schools require a nut-free and peanut-free campus to accommodate those with food allergies. This recipe is built around seeds containing protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients to keep kids going all day without a crash, without the added sugar you’ll find in most bars at the store.
Vitamin K2 and Cardiovascular Health
Bones Should Be Calcified, Not Your Arteries Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both women and men in the U.S. Deaths due to heart disease are often preventable with treatment, and lifestyle changes and early interventions can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Doctors have recently begun recommending vitamin K supplementation with vitamin K2 for some patients at risk for heart disease. Read on to learn more about how vitamin K2 benefits the cardiovascular system and may support healthy arteries. What Is Hardening of the Arteries? Hardening of the arteries is another term for calcification of the arteries, which means the arteries are stiffer than usual. Your arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart and liver. Arterial elasticity or flexibility allows blood to move freely through the body. When arterial stiffness occurs, blood flow may be hindered, leading to an increase in blood pressure and a greater risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Why Does Hardening of the Arteries Occur? Hardening of the arteries happens when plaque builds up inside the blood vessels. In addition to cholesterol and cellular waste products, the plaque contains calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth and for the nervous system to function correctly. However, calcium in the soft tissue of the blood vessels makes the arteries stiffen. What Is Vitamin K2? Vitamin K2 is a form of vitamin K found in meats, cheeses, eggs, soybeans, blueberries, figs, and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin K has two main jobs: helping blood clot and regulating the activities of osteocalcin protein. Vitamin K2 is the type of vitamin K associated with osteocalcin regulation. This protein controls the formation of calcium deposits and plays a vital role in bone cell production. Reversing Coronary Artery Calcification With Vitamin K2 Research into vitamin K2 and calcium deposits indicates that when levels of the vitamin are inadequate, the body may be more prone to creating calcium deposits in areas outside of the bones and teeth. Specifically, scientific studies have revealed a connection between a lack of vitamin K2 and arterial calcification. Because of this, studies are underway to determine whether reversing coronary artery calcification with vitamin K2 may be possible. One study revealed that vitamin K2 reduced the hardening of the arteries by 40% in lab rats. Although more research is needed to verify the benefits of vitamin K2 for arterial calcification, many people concerned about heart health take vitamin K2 supplements. Other Benefits of Vitamin K2 Vitamin K2 supplements are also sometimes recommended for people with osteoporosis and those at risk of developing the disease. Osteoporosis occurs when tiny holes form in the bones, leading to weakness and brittleness. People with osteoporosis are more likely to suffer bone fractures and may experience bone pain. Bone mass naturally decreases with age. Doctors often recommend calcium supplements to maintain bone density, and a growing body of evidence suggests that taking vitamin K2 supplements may also be beneficial. This is because vitamin K2 may help the body turn calcium from supplements into new bone deposits by controlling the activities of osteocalcin protein. Vitamin K Supplementation for Bone and Heart Health If you wish to take a vitamin K supplement to support bone and heart health, look for a product that contains menaquinone-7. Also known as MK7, menaquinone-7 is a form of vitamin K2. Research suggests that compared to other types of vitamin K2, MK7 may be more bioavailable. This means that your body may have an easier time absorbing and using MK7 than other types of vitamin K2. Taking vitamin K2 with vitamin D may also benefit bone and heart health. Vitamin D is another essential vitamin. Your body can produce some of it in response to sun exposure, but many adults in the U.S. don't get enough daily sunlight to maintain an adequate supply of the vitamin. Your body needs vitamin D to properly absorb and utilize calcium found in supplements and the foods that you eat. Studies have also found that people with low vitamin D levels may be at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Body Kitchen Vitamin D + K2 Supplement gives you the benefits of both MK7 vitamin K2 and vitamin D. The nutrients come from plant-based sources, and the capsules are free of genetically modified organisms to suit your healthy diet.
Anti-Aging Lifestyle and Advances in Anti-Aging Technology
Aging is a natural part of life that no one can escape. However, recent anti-aging breakthroughs suggest that it may be possible to address signs of aging and support better health as we age. Read on to learn more about anti-aging technology and science and how you can lead a healthy anti-aging lifestyle. Can We Reverse Aging? Although there have been significant advancements in anti-aging technology, it's not possible to completely reverse aging. No skin care product or pill can make fine lines and wrinkles vanish or restore joint health to that of a young adult. However, steps can be taken to offset the effects of aging and potentially slow down the aging process. Turning Back the Biological Clock Making positive lifestyle changes is the key to turning back the biological clock as much as possible. Because significant changes can be complex, choosing one area to focus on is an intelligent approach. Set a goal, and then monitor your progress. Once you become accustomed to the lifestyle change, add another, set new goals, and continue your journey. You can make the following positive changes to support healthy aging. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet Supplying your body with the right vitamins and minerals is essential as you age. A balanced diet for an anti-aging lifestyle includes: Whole grains Fruits and vegetables Lean proteins like fish, poultry, and beans Low-fat or fat-free dairy products Healthy fats in moderation Cutting back on heavily processed foods and limiting your intake of added sugars can also positively impact your health and well-being. Stay Active Exercise can lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and other health conditions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that older adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise like walking, swimming, dancing, or cycling every week. In addition, the CDC advises older adults to do strength-training workouts twice weekly to support strong bones and muscles. Reduce Stress Stress can impact more than just your emotional and mental health. Ongoing anxiety can lead to changes in hormone levels in your body and trigger symptoms like diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, headaches, and skin rashes. Stress management can benefit your body and mind as you age. Some ways to fight stress include: Healthy diet and exercise regimen Meditation and mindfulness Taking breaks from work Limiting exposure to social media and upsetting news stories Talking to friends and family members about your feelings Seeing a therapist Participating in hobbies you enjoy Deep breathing Abandon Unhealthy Habits To support healthy aging, reassess harmful habits, such as: Smoking: Smoking can damage collagen fibers and contribute to developing fine lines and wrinkles while raising the risk of cancer and heart disease. Drinking alcohol in excess: The CDC recommends that women consume no more than one alcoholic beverage daily and that men limit themselves to no more than two daily alcoholic beverages to support good health. Self-diagnosing and treating medical concerns: See your doctor regularly for checkups and notify your health care provider when you experience new symptoms that could indicate an illness or disease. Get Enough Rest Older adults generally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly. A lack of sleep can impair immune system function and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day can help you rest more easily. Also, try to limit your exposure to blue light from televisions, computers, and mobile devices before bed. Try Beauty Supplements Vitamins and supplements can play a role in supporting healthy aging. Peptide-fortified collagen has been shown to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. Collagen is a structural protein that supports skin tissue, giving it elasticity and resiliency. Collagen loss with age is normal due to a natural slowdown of collagen production. Taking a collagen supplement can supply your body with amino acids that can be used to increase collagen production and potentially increase skin firmness. The best collagen for anti-aging is one with many dipeptides, the building blocks of proteins. In addition, supplements that combine collagen with resveratrol may also be a wise choice. Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grapes and some other plants. It helps break down reactive free radicals that damage collagen fibers and accelerate aging. The benefits of resveratrol go beyond anti-aging skin support. The antioxidant has also been shown to support heart health, improve blood sugar regulation and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and some forms of cancer.
Liposomal Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that your body needs to thrive, and studies show that increasing levels of the nutrient with supplements could provide health benefits. The type of vitamin C you take matters if you wish to reap these potential benefits. Many experts recommend liposomal vitamin C over standard supplements. Read on to find out why. What Is Liposomal Vitamin C? Liposomal vitamin C contains ascorbic acid; the nutrient referred to as vitamin C. The term liposomal refers to the fact that the nutrient is placed inside of a lipid bilayer casing called a liposome. Lipids are a type of fatty acid. Every cell in your body has a membrane of lipids surrounding it. The lipid membrane holds everything inside the cell and allows substances to enter and exit the cell. When liposomal vitamin C encounters body cells, the liposome helps the ascorbic acid move through the cellular membrane, so it can reach the insides of cells and be put to use. Liposomal Vitamin C vs Vitamin C Standard vitamin C supplements lack the liposome that surrounds liposomal vitamin C. On its own, ascorbic acid is water-soluble, so when it reaches the cellular lipid membrane, it has difficulty penetrating it. By contrast, liposomal vitamin C can move more readily into the cells. The liposomes increase vitamin C absorption and improve bioavailability, making it easier for your body to utilize the vitamin. Because of this, liposomal vitamin C supplements are usually a more potent vitamin C option than standard ascorbic acid. The liposomal product will likely be more effective if you compare two vitamin C supplements with the same dose of ascorbic acid per serving. Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C Liposomal vitamin C offers the same health benefits as standard ascorbic acid supplements. These include: Antioxidant protection: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, a nutrient that can eliminate free radicals by breaking them down into harmless substances. Free radicals are present in ultraviolet radiation from the sun and in environmental pollutants. They are highly reactive and capable of damaging body cells, causing oxidative stress that drives the aging process and contributes to some diseases and chronic conditions. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and protect the body. Immune support: People often take vitamin C to boost immunity because the body requires the nutrient for immune health. Studies have found that vitamin C may reduce the severity and duration of illnesses like the common cold. Heart health benefits: Vitamin C plays a role in heart health. Research shows that the nutrient disrupts the process that causes atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. By doing so, vitamin C may reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Improved skin elasticity: Vitamin C helps drive collagen production, a structural protein that supports the skin. By helping to stimulate collagen production, vitamin C may enhance skin elasticity and promote firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Collagen is also a vital component of the tendons, muscles, bones, and cartilage that insulates the joints. Better mood regulation: Chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating your mood. Vitamin C is necessary to manufacture two essential neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. Suppose you wish to take vitamin C for potential mood-boosting benefits. Liposomal vitamin C is ideal because it may cross the blood-brain barrier much more readily than standard vitamin C. How To Choose a Liposomal Vitamin C Supplement To select the right liposomal vitamin C supplement for you, follow these tips: Talk to your health care provider: Before taking any new supplement, you should always discuss the matter with your doctor. Although vitamin C is generally safe for most people, it isn't ideal for everyone. Some people may experience digestive symptoms from taking high doses of vitamin C, and individuals with certain health conditions may not be able to take it safely. Your medical provider can give you personalized advice about taking vitamin C. Check the dosage: The amount of vitamin C per serving varies from product to product. Look for hidden ingredients: Choose a supplement free of additives like artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. Non-GMO products are free of genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). Many avoid GMOs because scientists haven't thoroughly studied their potential long-term health effects.
Beauty Comes From Within - Figuratively and Literally
All too often, people discuss nutrition and beauty as separate concerns. We plan meals based on desired nutritional benefits and rely on beauty products to enhance the appearance of our hair, nails, and skin. This approach often fails to yield results for those striving to achieve beauty goals like supporting thicker hair growth or reducing the prominence of signs of aging. Read on to learn why taking an inward-out approach may be more effective. Glow From the Inside Out Every part of your body relies on nutrients you can only obtain from the foods you eat. Essential vitamins and minerals and other food-derived substances serve as the building blocks for skin, hair, and nails and drive processes that lead to their construction. Many people struggle to get enough of these essential nutrients from food alone. Nutritional deficiencies could contribute to common beauty woes, such as brittle nails, lost skin elasticity, and thinning hair. Beauty supplements can help bridge the diet gap to reduce the risk of deficiencies. Best Supplements for Beautiful Skin, Strong Nails, and Healthy Hair Several nutrients work together to support healthy skin, nails, and hair. Many of these substances are available in supplement form and include the following. Collagen Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is a crucial component of healthy joints and muscles and part of the matrix that supports the skin tissue. Your body can naturally produce collagen, but the production rate slows with age, and harmful free radicals in the environment can destroy collagen faster than your body can make it. When this occurs, skin loses elasticity and can become prone to wrinkling and sagging. Supplements that contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides supply amino acids, the building blocks of collagen. Taking one of these supplements may increase collagen production to support more youthful skin. In addition, amino acids may aid hair growth and strengthen nails. Keratin Keratin is another crucial component of hair, nails, and skin. Although your body can manufacture keratin on its own, taking supplements may increase the efficiency of the process. Like collagen supplements, keratin supplements deliver the amino acids needed to assemble keratin protein fibers that can then be used to strengthen the nails, hair, and skin. Trans-Resveratrol Trans-resveratrol is a substance found in grapes and other plants. Studies show that it acts as an antioxidant, a substance that defends the body from free radical damage and supports cellular health. Trans-resveratrol may reduce oxidative stress by delivering antioxidant support to support a more youthful-looking complexion. Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by the body to serve as a lubricant for tissues. It helps insulate and cushion joints and keeps tissues from drying out. When taken in supplement form, hyaluronic acid may increase the skin's moisture content to help it feel softer and suppler. The substance may also plump, making weakened skin appear fuller. Niacin Niacin is a part of the B vitamin complex of nutrients. In addition to aiding in metabolism function, niacin has been shown to reduce inflammation. Individuals sometimes take it to reduce skin sensitivity and redness. The vitamin is also needed to produce keratin, a protein found in hair, nails, and skin. Biotin Biotin is another B-complex vitamin. It plays a crucial role in moisture retention and aids in producing proteins that form hair and nails. Hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin are common signs of biotin deficiency. Pantothenic Acid Another B-complex vitamin, pantothenic acid, has been shown to have a rejuvenating effect on the body. It helps drive cellular repair during the wound healing process and aids in the production of new healthy skin cells. The vitamin also plays a role in regulating levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading many people to call it the "anti-stress" vitamin. Beauty Supplements Made Simple As you can see, many vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients offer beauty benefits, but that doesn't mean you have to take dozens of capsules or tablets daily. The right combination supplement for hair, skin, and nails and a collagen supplement can allow you to reap the benefits of vital beauty nutrients. The Body Kitchen Total Beauty Advanced - Hair, Skin & Nails is a balanced blend of beauty vitamins and minerals, biotin, keratin, and elastin. Our formula was developed using the latest research and feature optimized forms of crucial ingredients. For example, the hyaluronic acid is highly bioavailable to help your body defy visible skin aging, wrinkles and roughness.
