March 11, 2024
In recent years, collagen supplements have taken the health and wellness industry by storm, often celebrated for their impressive benefits for skin, hair, and joint health. Originally sourced from animals, the pursuit of healthier, cruelty-free, and environmentally conscious lifestyles has sparked a growing interest in vegan alternatives – leading to the rise of vegan collagen supplements.
This deep-dive article is dedicated to guiding you through the world of vegan collagen supplements, a burgeoning market segment that offers a wealth of plant-based options without compromising on efficacy. Whether you're a tried-and-tested vegan or just dipping your toes into the plant-powered lifestyle, understanding and harnessing the power of vegan collagen can be a game-changer in your health and ethical objectives.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, responsible for providing structure to various tissues – such as skin, bones, and tendons. It is essentially the "glue" that holds these parts together, contributing to their strength and elasticity. Traditionally, collagen supplements are derived from animal by-products, including bones and skin, notably beef, fish, and poultry.
Vegan collagen supplements, on the other hand, are formulated to support the body's natural collagen production without the use of any animal ingredients. They typically contain a blend of plant-based amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that encourage the body to produce more collagen on its own.
Vegan sources of these vital nutrients include:
By providing the necessary building blocks, these supplements can promote healthier skin, support joint function, and contribute to other benefits traditionally associated with animal-derived collagen.
The efficacy and benefits of vegan collagen supplements mirror those of their animal-derived counterparts, albeit with a few additional perks for those adopting a plant-based regimen.
Vegan collagen supports skin health by aiding in its hydration, firmness, and overall elasticity. It helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, contributing to a more youthful complexion.
Vegan diets, rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, also play a protective role against oxidative stress in the skin, offering an additional layer of natural anti-aging defense.
Vegan collagen supplements can be instrumental in supporting joint health and mobility, making them an excellent supplement for individuals with active lifestyles or those concerned with age-related joint issues.
The plant-based nutrients in these supplements also boast anti-inflammatory properties, which can result in reduced pain and swelling in joints, promoting greater comfort and flexibility.
Collagen, in general, is touted for its gut-healing properties. Vegan sources, particularly those containing high levels of the amino acids glycine and glutamine, are believed to help maintain a healthy digestive system and may aid in conditions such as leaky gut syndrome.
Soy, legumes, and quinoa are some of the potent plant sources for these essential amino acids, and incorporating them into a vegan collagen routine could support optimal gut function.
Aside from individual health benefits, the plant-based nature of vegan collagen supplements also champions the cause of environmental sustainability. By opting for these products, you're not only safeguarding animal welfare but also reducing your ecological footprint.
Vegan collagen supplements are often manufactured by companies that emphasize sustainable practices, using renewable energy sources and packaging materials that are biodegradable or recyclable.
With the influx of vegan collagen products, selecting the most suitable supplement may seem daunting. When sifting through the options, it's crucial to consider a few essential factors to ensure you invest in a high-quality and effective product. Health Nut sources the highest quality products worldwide to ensure you receive only the best! Our Alexia Rich is a premium, vegan collagen-boosting, containing Orgono® Silica and proven to be the only form of silica with almost 400% higher bioavailability than other silica supplements.
The first step is to scrutinize the ingredient list. Look for supplements containing a variety of plant-based amino acids, vitamins, and minerals recognized for their role in collagen synthesis.
Certificates from respected organizations, such as Certified Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, and NSF Certified, can give you confidence in the supplement's purity and non-animal origin.
Customer reviews and brand reputation are also influential in making your decision. Check online platforms and social media for testimonials from individuals with comparable health goals and dietary preferences.
Reputable brands that have a long-standing presence in the vegan supplement industry are often a safer bet, as they are more likely to adhere to the highest quality and ethical standards.
Some vegan collagen supplements have gained popularity due to their effective formulations and excellent customer feedback. Notable brands include:
Now that you've chosen your ideal vegan collagen supplement, it's time to explore the various ways you can integrate it into your daily routine.
To maximize the benefits, it is recommended to consume vegan collagen supplements on an empty stomach, ideally in the morning before breakfast. This allows for better absorption of the amino acids, priming your body for collagen production throughout the day.
The suggested daily intake varies depending on the individual's health status and goals, so it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
The vegan collagen supplement market is an exciting frontier for those navigating the realms of plant-based wellness. With an understanding of the benefits, a discerning selection process, and a dash of creativity, you can seamlessly weave vegan collagen into your daily regimen, reaping the rewards for your body and conscience alike.
This comprehensive guide is just the beginning of your vegan collagen journey. As research and product innovation continues to push the boundaries, we can expect even more diverse and effective vegan collagen options to emerge. Remember to combine your supplement routine with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle practices for the most optimal and holistic results.
If you're looking to enhance your health and wellness in a way that aligns with your ethical principles, vegan collagen supplements might just be the perfect fit for you. As with any new supplement or dietary inclusion, it's essential to approach it with informed mindfulness, ensuring it complements your overall well-being strategy.
Stay curious, stay healthy, and most importantly, stay kind – to your body and the planet. The vegan collagen revolution is here, and it's shining a bright light on the path to a radiant, cruelty-free future.
Find out more:
2. Which Collagen Supplement Should You Use?
July 19, 2023
South Africa is in the grips of the winter season, and according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the cold weather will be with us until the last day of August. While we expect periods of cold weather every year, it is not the most desirable condition for many—particularly people with health conditions that worsen in winter. Let's find out more about the health conditions to monitor this winter.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the skin. It causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, forming thick, silvery scales and red patches on the skin's surface.
The symptoms of Psoriasis can vary from person to person but commonly include:
Psoriasis cannot be cured, but various treatments can help manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. If you have Psoriasis, it is important to consult healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists or rheumatologists, to develop an appropriate treatment plan and manage the condition effectively.
COPD is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. It is a progressive condition.
COPD is typically caused by long-term exposure to irritants, most commonly cigarette smoke. It can also be caused by exposure to occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution, or genetic factors such as a deficiency in a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin. The two main conditions that fall under COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The symptoms of COPD can vary in severity and include:
Individuals with COPD should work closely with healthcare professionals, such as pulmonologists, to develop an individualized treatment plan, manage symptoms effectively, and reduce the risk of complications. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to lung irritants are crucial steps in slowing disease progression and improving outcomes for people with COPD. This is an important health condition to monitor this winter.
Raynaud’s Disease is a disorder that affects the blood vessels, primarily in the fingers and toes. It is characterized by episodes of vasospasm, where the blood vessels constrict and limit blood flow to the affected areas. This can lead to temporary colour changes in the skin, usually turning white or bluish, followed by a red flush when blood flow is restored.
The symptoms of Raynaud's Disease are typically triggered by exposure to cold temperatures or emotional stress.
Areas affected by Raynaud’s Disease may exhibit the following:
People with Raynaud's Disease must consult a rheumatologist or a vascular specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis, determine the underlying cause, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, resulting in pain and reduced mobility. There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Arthritic persons must seek medical evaluation and diagnosis from a healthcare professional, such as a rheumatologist. The treatment approach depends on the specific type of arthritis, the severity of the symptoms, and other individual factors.
Other types of arthritis include:
Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall quality of life. Arthritis is one of the top health conditions to monitor this winter.
Other health conditions, such as Asthma, Flu, Lupus, Anemia and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), become exacerbated during winter. Fortunately, there are various treatment options for each condition. Afflicted persons must thoroughly research their condition and consult a health professional when necessary.
Hydrolysed Collagen and Silica supplements are instrumental in relieving a range of the health conditions mentioned above. However, maintaining body temperature and protecting yourself against cold-related illnesses remains crucial to your health in winter. Health Nut supplements can help manage health conditions to monitor in winter.
By keeping warm in winter, you can protect your health, stay comfortable, and reduce the risk of aggravating Arthritis, Psoriasis, and other cold-related health conditions. Keep warm!
For more Health related articles, visit our blog:
May 08, 2023
The benefits of adding collagen supplements to our diet cannot be over-emphasised. However, there is a widespread belief that people who are on a vegetarian diet cannot include collagen supplements in their diet.
This belief is based on the principle that most collagen supplements are sourced from animals. Thus, excluding people on a vegan diet from enjoying the benefits collagen has to offer. Let's find out more about vegan collagen supplements and how they can help.
Unfortunately, people on plant-based diets could not enjoy these benefits since no vegan collagen supplements were available to consumers. The reason for this is that naturally occurring collagen comes from animals. Traditionally, most of the collagen found in collagen supplements is sourced from the hooves, bones, and hides of cows or fish, in the case of marine collagen.
Thus, until Health Nutrition added the new Alexia Rich products to their range, vegetarians primarily depended on foods such as tofu, black beans, pistachio nuts, peanuts, cashews and pumpkin, sunflower, and chia seeds as well as the body’s natural ability to produce collagen. However, although practical, the reliance on natural collagen production is time-sensitive. As we age, our bodies gradually make less. Additionally, collagen production drops due to excess sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, and lack of sleep and exercise.
To aid collagen production in our bodies and to lessen the effects of time on our bones, joints, skin, hair and nails, we need to include collagen supplements in our diets. Fortunately, with Alexia Rich, including collagen supplements in your diet does not have to compromise your plant-based diet.
Health Nutrition has included four new products to our range of Collagen supplements. These new additions focus on making the essential benefits of collagen available for everyone, including vegans.
Unlike most collagen supplements, Silica is derived from vegan-friendly natural sources. It is a mineral found in sand, rocks, the earth’s crust, and many fruits and vegetables. No animals or animal by-products are involved in producing Silica and Silica supplements. Yet, they offer the same benefits as other collagen supplements.
The Alexia Rich Silica supplements have shown substantial collagen production results, allowing vegans to enjoy the great benefits of adding collagen supplements to their plant-based diet. In addition, they are highly bioavailable for easy absorption and are 400% more bioavailable than other types of Silica.
Silica is found throughout our bodies: in our hair, skin and nails, joints, muscles and even our skeleton. Alexia Rich Liquid Silica helps your connective tissues perform essential tasks, like providing structured communication information, transporting nutrients, and removing waste. ALEXIA RICH Liquid Silica supports and reinforces every cell in your body, from head to toe.
Alexia Rich is a premium, natural collagen-boosting liquid supplement containing Orgono Silica, a specific brand of Silica clinically proven to be the only form of Silica with almost 400% higher bioavailability than other silica supplements.
Silica in the skin nourishes, regenerates, and boosts collagen content, and Silica determines collagen levels. Additionally, it acts on the connective tissue, renewing collagen and elastin fibres and improving joint collagen production. A recent study confirms that the silicon in this formula can significantly decrease the depth of wrinkles, reduce spots caused by UV light, and increase hydration.
Orgono Silica, a quartz derivative, is highly bioavailable for easy absorption. It’s 400% more bioavailable than other types of Silica.
Silica nourishes bone and joint tissue and aids the regeneration and strengthening of articular cartilage. Also, it renews collagen and elastin fibres and improves the production of joint collagen.
Its presence is essential for repairing damaged tissues and enhancing the healing process. It helps regenerate new bone matter and maintains bone thickness and elasticity. Silica is an essential dietary supplement for active people, athletes, convalescents and older people.
Orgono silica active capsules provide four times more bioavailable silicon than other forms, permitting the optimal delivery of essential nutrients to nourish and regenerate skin. A recent clinical study showed decreased wrinkles depth and spots caused by UV light and improved hydration after use - resulting in a smoother-looking complexion with improved collagen content.
Alexia Rich Orgono smoothie silica powder is designed to easily add to your morning smoothie to give you the energy boost you may need and to aid your body in staying at optimum health & fight off bacteria & viruses. Silica also assists your body in eliminating heavy metals. Additionally, it boosts the body’s collagen & elastin production and strengthens hair and nails, promoting faster growth.
Alexia Rich Orgono Silica Powder is the perfect addition to your morning smoothie, giving you a natural boost of energy and helping protect your body against bacteria & viruses.
With all these benefits and the varying options of supplements, none of us has a reason not to add collagen supplements to our food, regardless of our dietary preferences. Including Alexia Rich Silica products in our range of collagen supplements dismisses the notion that people who follow a vegan diet cannot use collagen.
October 06, 2021
Move over calcium and vitamin D; we have two new health best friends on the block. Let’s introduce our favourite dynamic duo to the scene – collagen and silica! To truly understand collagen and silica and how silica is the Bonnie to collagen’s Clyde, let’s dive deeper into the research behind these ingredients.
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins naturally found in the body and provides strength and stability to connective tissues. It's integral for healthy skin, hair, nails, and bones. When it comes to skin, it is responsible for keeping skin youthful-looking, strong, and highly elastic.
Silica is the third most abundant trace mineral found in the body, after iron and zinc. It creates bonds between protein molecules which helps the skin retain water; for cell repair and renewal. Therefore, it provides strength, flexibility, and resilience for connective tissues, making it imperative for healthy nails, teeth, hair, and skin. Silica also assists calcium and magnesium metabolism for balanced hormones, strong muscles, and a healthy heart.
While collagen provides the framework for our bones, silica strengthens these bonds and makes them more mobile. Silica is required to build and absorb collagen, helping to glue collagen together. In millennial terms, silica is collagen’s hype girl.
In youth, the body naturally produces higher levels and it reflects in wrinkle-free skin and pain-free joints. But, as we age (from as early as our mid-twenties!), both collagen and its biggest supporter, silica, rapidly decline, which can reduce skin elasticity, strength, and elasticity.
Several factors influence the rate of decline, including microbiome health, diet, stress, inflammation, sleep, and sun exposure. However, if we do our best to look after ourselves and support production, we can mitigate these risks and maintain the quality of skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.
When it comes to connective tissue and bone health, collagen and silica are valuable.
Both assist new bone formation by stimulating osteoblasts – our bone-building cells. They also inhibit bone breakdown by inhibiting osteoclasts, our bone-resorbing cells, which try to break down bone tissue and release minerals required for strong bones.
One research study indicated that daily silica consumption improved participants’ bone mineral density, with a group who consumed 40mg recording a bone mineral density of 10% higher than participants who consumed 14mg of silica daily. They have their work cut out for them when it comes to bone health, but we believe they’ll rise to the challenge!
While collagen is getting a lot of love in the beauty space, let’s not forget to thank silica, too!
Silica stimulates fibroblasts, which secrete collagen type I – found in abundance in youthful skin. Consuming minerals that support collagen synthesis naturally boosts healthy and glowing skin.
Both are naturally anti-inflammatory, which helps manage and reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Unfortunately, the mineral content in our food isn’t as potent as it used to be. If you’re thinking about a great-quality, all-natural vegan source silica, why not consider trying Alexia Rich Organic Silica and Health Nutrition's Health Nut Collagen Powder? Both products will make a noticeable difference to your skincare and bone health.
Special thanks to Naturally Healthy
July 15, 2021
Silicon dioxide (SiO2), also known as silica, is a natural compound made of two of the earth’s most abundant materials: silicon (Si) and oxygen (O2). Silica is a natural compound found all around us in nature. It makes up over a quarter of the planet’s crust and is found in most rocks, clays, and sands.
Silicon dioxide exists in the form of quartz. It’s found naturally in water, plants, animals, and the earth. The earth’s crust is 59 percent silica. It makes up more than 95 percent of known rocks on the planet. When you sit on a beach, it’s silicon dioxide in the form of sand that gets between your toes.
It’s even found naturally in the tissues of the human body. Though the role it plays is unclear, it’s thought to be an essential nutrient our bodies need.
In short, it’s everywhere – how exactly can it help your health?
Although it’s now known to be a trace element, silica has historically been considered more harmful than helpful to our health. For example, it’s known that when inhaled in its crystalline form, silica can cause lung disease.
There is a lot of evidence that its water-soluble form, which is found in certain plants, rocks, and many other forms is highly beneficial to health.
More research is needed to understand silica’s role in our body, but it’s thought to support bone formation and maintenance.
Although calcium and vitamin D get most of the attention for bone health, the International Journal of Endocrinology reported that it increases bone mineral density and strength. The researchers think it is needed to trigger the deposit of bone crystals, a procedure known as bone mineralization.
Sao Paulo University in Brazil reported that silica helps form the building blocks of collagen, a protein in your skin, blood, cartilage, muscles, and ligaments.
Collagen is needed to keep skin springy and elastic and provide crucial protection and structure to your organs and joints. In one study of women with sun-damaged skin, those who took 10mg of silica daily for 20 weeks had decreased skin roughness and wrinkles.
Silica may help protect your heart health by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, while lowering cholesterol, according to a 2018 report by the University of Memphis. The mineral can also support the immune response and help to control inflammation in the body.
The upper safe limit has been reported as 700–1,750 mg a day. As silica is water-soluble, the excess is simply passed out by the body in your urine, meaning it’s unlikely to cause side effects if you take too much.
Silica is considered safe for healthy people. However, before you take silica, always check with your doctor if you have a long-term condition or are on any medication.
Shop online and order your supply of organic silica today!
May 12, 2021
Silica or silicon is rarely talked about as an essential mineral for supplementation. There is some disagreement about whether we need silicon dioxide or not, but the evidence is piling up more and more in favor of it. It is one mineral that needs to be studied much more thoroughly, but plenty of research is still hinting at health benefits beneath the surface. No matter what, it’s one mineral that can’t be completely ignored. Let's consider these 9 silica health benefits.
Some of the most important silica health benefits you should know about are:
Silica has long been a go-to supplement for hair, skin, and nails. Silica is naturally found in nails, making them strong. When our dietary silica goes down, the deficiency causes our nails to grow slower and become more brittle.
The same goes for hair. Silica also plays a role in keeping skin elastic and collagen healthy.
Since collagen is vital to healthy joints, connective tissue or ligaments, and cartilage, silica is important too.
It lends strength and elasticity to collagen, so joints are more flexible, heal quicker, and can snap back from the daily wear and tear our bodies undergo with all our bending, twisting, and stretching. Many people also use silica to help ease joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
There are many studies that show the presence of silica helps the body use calcium. As we get older, our silica levels decline, and our bones weaken.
There is plenty of evidence that silica is vital to bone health and preventing fractures as we age. Teeth and gums get a boost from silica, too.
Silica is more prevalent in healthy hearts than diseased hearts. Since silica strengthens the blood vessels and muscle tissue, this shouldn’t be too surprising.
It also aids the body in the calcification of bones and thus prevents the calcification of other tissues. There is some evidence that silica may help offset the calcification of arterial plaque.
It may also play a role in the electrochemical transmissions of the nervous system.
Silica is important in building a strong stomach, digestive tract muscles, and tissues. Silica assists in rebuilding and fortifying these tissues after they have been damaged by poor diet, parasites, age, or other injuries.
Since silica is a vital part of healthy skin and digestive tissue, it is also important in preventing illness and infection. The skin and digestive system are the first lines of defense against pathogens.
As a part of collagen, silica can speed the healing of burns, wounds, and scar tissue.
Flushes out toxins through detoxification
Silica is very good at removing waste material, toxins, and heavy metals from the body. This makes silica a good addition to any detox program to deeply cleanse your cells.
If you want to maximize how silica benefits the digestive tract, make sure you choose healthy food sources. Also, make sure you take vitamin supplements along with your silica supplements.
May help treat Alzheimer’s disease
There is some evidence that aluminium build-up contributes to Alzheimer’s, and a recent study showed that silica might play a part in the removal of aluminium. This wasn’t the best study and plenty more research still needs to be done, but it is encouraging that silica may help rid us of this pesky metal that is far too prevalent in the environment, beauty products, and foods.
Our highly processed food diet tends to be severely lacking in silica. In fact, you might not find yourself eating silica-rich food sources very often.
We remove it from most of the foods that contain it and avoid many of the fresh fruits and vegetables that are the richest in it.
It is best to get your silica from natural sources. Whole foods rich in fiber are also rich in silica as plants use this mineral for strength and flexibility as well.
Cucumber, celery, asparagus, oats, millet, barley, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, beans, leeks, and even strawberries are great sources of silica. So, make sure you start eating these types of foods.
Silica supplements are also available. Horsetail and silica powder are the most common, but there are also liquid minerals where you can get much more than just one major mineral.
Keep in mind that while silica is an important mineral, we also need magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, copper, and many more.
Activated Barley is another way to get more silica health benefits while boosting your energy levels and endurance at the same time.
Some foods that contain high levels of silica include:
Green Beans
Green beans are superfoods rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and of course, silica. They’re an affordable staple and are very easy to cook, so you won’t have trouble including them in your diet.
Nuts
Cut back on your fatty, sodium-filled chips and fries, and switch to healthy nuts! Apart from silica, they’re also rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Healthy fats can give you an energy boost. The protein can help sculpt lean muscle mass, while fiber can help flush toxins and chemicals out of the body.
Bell Pepper
Each bell pepper is brimming with high amounts of silica, antioxidant properties, and vitamin C. They contain all the essential nutrients to maintain good eye health and reduce your overall risk of developing chronic illnesses.
Plus, bell peppers are versatile, delicious veggies you can add to almost any dish you want! You can throw it in salads, soups, and kebabs.
Spinach
Add spinach to your daily diet for a strong, energetic, and disease-resistant body! These are loaded with vitamins A and C, folic acid, fiber, and silica.
Eating spinach regularly leads to long-lasting energy boosts, regulated blood pressure levels, and better resistance against heart diseases.
Apple
Do you know why an apple a day keeps the doctor away? It’s because each piece is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, fibre, and silica.
These nutrients not only keep common diseases at bay, but they also lower the possibility of developing diabetes, heart complications, and even cancer!
Plus, they’re extremely sweet and delicious so even picky eaters won’t have a hard time eating them.
Overall, silica is a very important mineral that stimulates good overall health and improves bodily functions. You should strive to consume your daily dose of silica through effective supplements and healthy food choices.
Also, make sure you combine this mineral with other nutrients and vitamins. Silica benefits the body even further when you mix it in with other health-improving compounds.
Are these silica health benefits enough to convince you to start taking silica supplements?
Health Nutrition has sourced superior, organic Silica. Include this essential mineral in your daily health regime and start reaping these silica health benefits!
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