So, What is Collagen?

Collagen is the main protein found in connective tissue. Collagen is commonly known as the “glue” protein and is the building blocks of skin, bones and connective tissues.

“But team Nutra, what are the different types of collagen?” Great question, not all collagen is created equal, this comes down to the size of the protein-peptide chains and the sequence of amino acids in each peptide chain. There are 16 different types of collagen found in humans and animals, and Types I and III have the greatest impact on skin, bones and muscles.

You may have noticed that we have collagen products specifically created to support different areas of the body; Collagen Body, Collagen Build and Collagen Beauty. The main difference between our collagens is the Bioactive Collagen Peptides (smaller collagen peptide chains) found in each one, which target collagen formation in specific areas of the body.

What is Collagen Made of?

Collagen is made of protein and amino acids. Collagen supports healthy skin, hair, nails, gut wellbeing, bones and muscles due to its glue-like nature. What is collagen if not versatile right?

This is what collagen is made of, and our specific products contain the best of the best sustainable collagen from marine and bovine sources. Along with wholefood synbiotic ingredients that further enhance the benefits of collagen powder. No fillers to bulk up the product, no artificial additives, and no cheap ingredients.

Further, the unique collagen peptides in our three collagens have all been researched through randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies - we certainly know how to improve collagen production in the body and we’ll sing it loud and proud. So there you have it, you’ll never have to wonder, ‘What is collagen’, or, ‘What is collagen made of’, you’ll be the new collagen expert when all your friends ask about the reason behind your glowing skin.

What is Collagen Good for?

Wondering what collagen is good for beyond beauty? The good news, there are many wonderful benefits of collagen and this is the reason behind the different types of collagen for specific purposes in our collagen range. So what are the benefits of collagen… we’re so glad you ask, collagen is great for:

Gut Health

Collagen contains a significant amount of beneficial amino acids like glycine, glutamine and proline, which support the lining of the intestinal tract as well as the stomach. The gut lining is also made up of connective tissue; collagen and vitamin C are known to support connective tissue, which also means support for the gut lining - just another amazing perk of what collagen is good for. We constantly get asked if gelatin is just collagen, as gelatin is also great for gut wellbeing, this is where we answer your question - no. Gelatin is not collagen and is a completely different collagen chain structure.

Bone Health

As we age our bone strength can diminish and become more brittle. Supplementing with collagen is a great way to improve collagen production and support your bone strength. Collagen Body is only the good stuff - pure type I and type III sustainably sourced collagen, yet it fully dissolves in hot or cold liquid whilst maintaining its benefits.

Hair and Nails

Collagen supports nail health by providing nail beds with the amino acid arginine, which helps in maintaining healthy, strong nails. If your body needs more collagen, it may result in brittle, weak nails.

Collagen is also an abundant source of protein, meaning it’s great for contributing to hair proteins which make up strong healthy hair. Our award winning Collagen Beauty also contains wholefood sources of vitamin C and zinc, which help to support healthy hair. The synbiotic ingredients in our Collagen Beauty and Marine Collagen Beauty provide plenty of building blocks for more collagen synthesis, we sure know how to improve collagen production here!

Muscle Growth and Support

Many people experience loss of lean muscle mass as the protein and collagen in our body breaks down due to ageing and lifestyle factors, hot tip, which we’re sure you knew was coming by now, this is what collagen is good for and one of the benefits of collagen. Collagen Build is a natural formulation specifically designed to promote body toning and strength by incorporating collagen for muscles. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals leading an active lifestyle or those seeking to tone, build, and repair their lean muscle mass.

Still not sure which collagen is right for you and looking to learn more or discover what are the benefits of collagen for your specific needs? Check out our expert advice on Which Collagen is Best for Me? to find the best collagen for you!

How to Improve Collagen Production

When researching how and what are the benefits of collagen, the natural reaction we tend to think is, ‘where do I get my hands on some of this glowing magic and is it ok to take collagen every day?’ The great news, it is ok to take collagen every day and the consistency is actually one the key components to the effectiveness of taking a collagen supplement like Collagen Beauty, Marine Collagen Beauty, Collagen Body or Collagen Build. 96% of people who took Collagen Beauty for 60 days noticed a difference.

Other great ways to support healthy collagen is by the foods we eat and the protection we give it against any potential damage. Regular skin treatments like needling and light therapy can be great at supporting healthy skin. However great skin and collagen production starts within, eating a diet high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidant rich foods can further support your daily collagen supplement. For example, we have included wholefood sources of vitamin C, zinc and silica which help with the structure and function of connective tissue, promote healing, support gut health, further support collagen formation, and support healthy hair and nails.

Collagen FAQs

We’re constantly being bombarded with questions about collagen, from the simple ones like ‘what is collagen?’ to the more advanced like ‘what are the different types of collagen?’ We thought we’d include a go-to snippet here for those of you that tend to skip right to short and sweet answers.

What are the Benefits of Collagen?

Collagen consumed daily contains benefits for hair, skin, nails, gut wellbeing, bone strength and muscle support. This is due to the protein and amino acids found in collagen that support the drop in collagen production as we age.

What are the Different Types of Collagen?

There are 16 different types of collagen, type I and III have been found to be the most effective for hair, skin, nails and gut wellbeing. Type I makes up 90% of our body’s collagen. The type of collagen can also refer to the source, for example bovine (from cows) or marine (from fish).

Is Collagen Just Gelatin?

Collagen is different to gelatin. Collagen is broken down smaller pieces of collagen that are more easily digested, bioavailable and water soluble. This is done through a specific hydrolysis process.

Is it ok to Take Collagen Every Day?

Yes it is ok to take collagen every day! Results of taking collagen vary from person to person, however, one of the best ways to improve collagen production is to be consistent with your daily dose of collagen for the best results!

We know what you’re thinking, sign me up buttercup - the benefits of collagen really are so wonderful and versatile that it makes it a no brainer for an all natural support for beauty and wellbeing. So in conclusion, what is collagen? Basically pure magic - Find your perfect match and shop the collagen range online!

What we eat impacts everything, from physical health to our moods, energy, weight and yep, surprise surprise, your cycle. Throughout the month your body produces different levels of hormones like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. These hormones can be thrown off their steady train tracks by some derailing foods, yet in the same breath, they can also be nudged back on track by certain foods.

So let’s talk about food, everyone’s favourite topic!

Menstrual phase

Days 1-5

Nutrient focus: Iron, Vitamin C & Iron

From the first to the last day of our bleeding, our hormone levels are at their lowest, during this time it is important to replenish levels of zinc and iron, paired with vitamin C for absorption, which can become depleted as we bleed. Iron rich foods to include during this time are red meats, oysters, tempeh and tofu, tahini, dark leafy greens such as silverbeet, fresh herbs and spinach, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and cacao powder.

Another nutritional focus for this phase is deep nourishment through warming and grounding foods including soups, stews and curries. Adding anti inflammatory foods such as oily fish, turmeric and ginger is a great way to help with period related pain and inflammation.

Reducing caffeine and increasing fluids including herbal teas and grounding lattes is also beneficial during the menstrual phase to keep headaches and fatigue at bay.

Follicular phase

Days 1-13

Nutrient focus: Vitamin B, Vitamin C & Zinc

In the follicular phase our oestrogen levels begin to rise in preparation for ovulation. The nutrient focus shifts to vitamin B, vitamin C and zinc to strengthen the release of the egg and chances of implantation in the ovulation phase. Full fat greek style yoghurt, eggs, salmon, sardines and leafy greens are fantastic sources of vitamin B.

Pumpkin seeds and ground flax seeds are another nutritional focus of the follicular phase due to their high levels of the phytoestrogens, in particular lignans. This blend of seeds is also packed with omega 3 fatty acids which are powerful anti-inflammatories helping to reduce inflammation which can contribute to symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) such as pain and cramping.
Check out our Salted Caramel Granola for your Follicular Cycle to start implementing these wonder seeds. This granola is a natural, easy and inexpensive way to incorporate a food as medicine approach to support your cycle.

We move to a focus on fresh light vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, sprouts, and a variety of legumes for energy production and to support detoxification. Our last and favourite food to incorporate during this phase is avocado, known as a fertility food due to the vitamin E that promotes ovulation in the following phase!

Ovulation phase

Days 12-14

Nutrient focus: Hydration, fibre & gut support

As we venture into the middle of our cycle our hormone levels are at their peaks. The nutritional focus during this time is hydration, fibre and gut support to aid in the removal of excess estrogen.

Fibre rich vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, spinach, and dandelion greens also support glutathione production which supports the liver's detoxification of excess hormones. Other fibre rich plant foods such as non starchy vegetables, fermented vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and legumes will contribute to the regular elimination and health of your gut. Antioxidant rich fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and coconut are more helpful for hydration and liver support. Super Greens + Reds is a great addition during this time to sneak in those greens along with the added benefit of prebiotics, probiotics and the cleansing herbal blend for additional liver support.

Reducing salt and increasing water intake during this time will ease fluid retention.

Luteal Phase

Days 15-28

Nutrient focus: Magnesium & B12

Also known as the chocolate craving phase of our cycle, due to the increase in our metabolism during this phase (meaning you may feel more hungry). Our food focus in the luteal phase are nutrient dense, stabilising foods including protein with each meal and nourishing snacks in between if needed to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Energy production and progesterone production in the luteal phase are supported by magnesium and vitamin B6. Magnesium rich favourites include chicken, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, quinoa, dark chocolate and legumes. Fish, organ meats, legumes and starchy carbohydrates such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and apples are rich sources of vitamin B6. Nutra Organics Beef and Chicken Bone Broth are also a nourishing source of protein, collagen and B vitamins to sip on throughout the day or add to cooking during this phase.

Reducing caffeine, sugar and alcohol during the luteal phase will further support balanced blood sugar levels and ease the transition into the menstrual phase. Starting to incorporate more warming cooked meals and herbal teas such as cinnamon, fennel, chamomile and peppermint will further encourage the shift into the menstrual phase and completing the beautiful cycle of womanhood.

While it’s pretty commonly known that as women our cycle phases can feel like a roller coaster, these tools are ways to make sure we can be a little more supported like a seatbelt to enjoy that roller coaster as much as possible. If you lack any ideas on how to incorporate these foods, be sure to check out our recipes.

~This blog is for informational purposes only, regardless of the advice of holistic health practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. Please obtain medical advice relevant to your particular circumstances from your health professional.