Collagen
How do you take care of your hair, skin and nails? Your skin is made up of 75% collagen, but after the age of 25, collagen synthesis reduces at a rate of 1.5% a year and after the age of 45, your collagen levels may have fallen by as much as 30%! Collagen supplements can be taken in powder and capsule form as well as added to foods. Since collagen makes up 80% of our skin, collagen supplements have been regarded as a tool to support and maintain skin health as well as joint, gastrointestinal and bone health.
Essential Fatty Acids
What is an Omega fatty acid? Why do you need them? Where do you find them? Omegas 3, 6 and 9 are essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are a type of polyunsaturated fat. An EFA is one that the body needs but cannot make itself. Omega 3’s have many health benefits for the roles they play in the body: they support the heart, brain and mood, eyes and nerves, and healthy inflammation levels in the body. EPA and DHA in Omega 3’s are primarily found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies and the best source of Omega 3’s for vegetarians/vegans is found in freshwater algae! GLA is an omega 6 fatty acid found in evening primrose oil or borage oil and is best known for supporting hormones, reproductive health, metabolism and healthy skin and hair growth.
Functional Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a “must have” superfood! Did you know that Shiitake mushrooms can support the filtration and movement of blood and balance women’s sex hormones due to its role in up-regulating detoxification? Cordyceps mushrooms have adaptogenic properties, which means they can offer amazing support in times of stress and anxiety and fatigue. They support healthy energy levels, balanced hormones (some may even say they are great for libido!), a healthy liver and the immune system.
Adaptogenic Herbs
What IS an adaptogen, anyways? Adaptogens are herbs that support our bodies in reacting to or recovering from both short and long term physical or mental stress. These supplements act as your ‘push through it’ wingman! They support mood, energy levels and overall wellbeing to help you thrive rather than just muddle through. Our favourite adaptogens include Maca, Astragalus, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha and Schisandra specifically for their roles in healthy hormone support (including libido!), energy levels and balanced mood.
Minerals
Together, magnesium and calcium are essential to bone health and other important bodily functions – they are “besties”! But the way your body uses them means these minerals need to work together to be fully effective. Magnesium allows your bones to absorb calcium more readily and supports your metabolism, muscle function, electrolyte balance and healthy functioning of your nervous system. Calcium is vital to bone health as well as blood clotting and digestive enzyme function. Calcium needs magnesium to be effective and magnesium helps enzymes convert vitamins to facilitate calcium absorption. These two minerals are also natural aids that can help you fall asleep and have a restful sleep. TIP: they don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothin’!
