Do you want to learn about how to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and also improve the appearance of your skin? Then consider taking collagen supplements. Although the body produces naturally by the body, production declines as we age. And that fact explains why many people turn to collagen-based supplements to improved skin health.
Collagen consists of 19 amino acids, some of which include lysine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. These improve the health of connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails. Despite the many benefits associated with collagen-based supplements, those who lead a vegan lifestyle may find them off-putting as they are derived from animal sources.
Fortunately, vegan alternatives offer many of the same benefits as animal-based sources. In this article, we will take a look at vegan-based collagen supplements. Later, we’ll tell you how they can be used to transform your skin in as little as 10 days.
VEGAN COLLAGEN VERSUS ANIMAL-SOURCED COLLAGEN
Before detailing how vegan collagen can lead to healthy, radiant skin, let’s take a moment to go over how it stacks up against animal-sourced collagen. For all intents and purposes, vegan collagen is just as effective in terms of improving the health of connective tissue, hair, skin, and nails as animal-sourced collagen. So you’re not losing out by choosing vegan collagen-based supplements over animal-sourced collagen supplements.
Unlike animal-sourced collagen supplements, however, vegan-based collagen supplements undergo a more complex manufacturing process. They require genetically modifying yeast and bacteria. And that is markedly different than the hydrolyzation process involved in the production of animal-sourced collagen supplements.
WHAT DOES MAKING VEGAN-BASED COLLAGEN ENTAIL?
According to a study published in Springer Link, an online collection of over 1,200 peer-reviewed journals, producing collagen-based supplements is a tremendous undertaking. Moreover, it entails the use of Pichia pastoris, a species of methylotrophic yeast.
In producing vegan-collagen based supplements, manufacturers add four human genes, coded for the supplement. Then the manufacturer adds them to the genetic structure of the microbes. From there, yeast and bacteria forms the building blocks that produce human collagen. Finally, pepsin, a digestive enzyme, is added, which helps convert the building blocks into molecules similar to those that the body produces naturally.
COLLAGEN FOR SKIN HEALTH
When it comes to improving skin health and appearance, collagen supplements, vegan or animal-sourced, can deliver amazing results. Studies show that over 70 percent of the protein in the human body is in the skin, which keeps it hydrated, toned, and supple. So if you’re not able to produce enough collagen naturally, collagen-based supplements is a great way to achieve these results.
BENEFITS OF VEGAN-BASED COLLAGEN FOR SKIN
Manufacturing vegan-based collagen supplements is significantly less expensive compared to that of animal-sourced collagen supplements. As such, these savings can be passed on to the consumer. However, the benefits do not end there. Indeed, there are several more reasons to go vegan when it comes to collagen supplements, including
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REDUCED RISK OF ALLERGIES
One of the biggest reasons why many people choose to lead a vegan lifestyle is because of the mistreatment of animals in the manufacturing process. However, many choose this lifestyle because they are allergic to meat and related products. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), more than 20 percent of Americans are allergic to beef.
Synthetically-produced vegan supplements eliminate the risk of a possible allergic reaction as they do not contain any animal ingredients. Moreover, they do not contain any allergens or other harmful substances commonly found in traditional collagen supplements. All in all, they are environmentally friendly and cruelty-free.
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SAFER THAN ANIMAL-SOURCED COLLAGEN
Because vegan manufacturers produce this in a controlled environment, safety standards are often set very high. This safety further eliminates the risk of exposure to dangerous animal-borne diseases, common allergens, and other harmful substances.
GETTING THE MOST OUT YOUR VEGAN COLLAGEN-BASED SUPPLEMENT
When it comes to getting the most out of your collagen-based vegan supplement, there are several things that you can do.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUPPLEMENT
As with all supplements, vegan-based supplements are not FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulated. Therefore, the responsibility falls on the consumer to do their due diligence in choosing the right supplement for their health and wellness needs. That said, it is a good idea to look for a collagen-based supplement from reputable brands. Preferably, one who doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality.
It may also be a good idea to purchase your supplements from Australian companies, which are regulated by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Association) to ensure safety and efficacy. It is also worth noting that different types of collagen work differently in the body. That said, if your primary objective is to achieve healthy, radiant skin, you will want to choose a vegan-based supplement that contains type 1 collagen as this is the same kind that the body produces naturally and is responsible for healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Additional collagen types include the following:
- 2 – This type helps improve joint health. Beyond that, type 2 collagen strengthens articular cartilage, which is the cartilage in the smaller respiratory tubes as well as the ears, nose, and trachea. Of course, the benefits do not end there as type 2 can help strengthen hyaline cartilage, which covers articular surfaces of bones in synovial joints.
- 3 – The type of collagen protects against ruptured blood vessels. It occurs naturally in the lining of tissues, namely the intestinal walls and within muscles.
- 4 – This type complements type 1 by promoting healthy skin and supporting nerve and blood vessel function.
- 5 – This particular collagen works in conjunction with type 1 and type 3 and supports various tissues in the body like the bones, liver, and muscle tissue, for example.
- 10 – This type plays a critical role in forming cartilage and can help speed up the healing process after a bone fracture.
TAKING YOUR VEGAN-BASED SUPPLEMENT AT THE RIGHT TIME
Take vegan-based supplements in powder form, preferably in the morning, for best results. That said, you will want to add one scoop of flavorless vegan-based alternatives to powder to coffee, tea, or orange juice each morning. Alternatively, you can add the powder to hot breakfast cereals like oatmeal, for example, instead. In all cases, the amino acids in these supplements can help boost hyaluronic acid production and regenerate skin cells only 10 days. If you’re concerned about the collagen powder altering the taste of your favorite foods or drinks, don’t worry. Vegan-based supplement powders dissolve quickly. And, best of all, they are flavorless.
ADDING VEGAN PROTEINS TO YOUR DIET
In addition to taking these vegan-based supplements, add vegan protein sources like legumes, brown rice, and tofu to your diet. These can help boost natural production in the body. And they are food sources which improve your nutritional health, extending well beyond just skin appearance.
USING VEGAN-BASED COLLAGEN CREAMS AND SERUMS
Skincare products that contain vitamin C, zinc, and silica can help boost your skin’s health and appearance that much sooner. The same applies to skincare products that contain antioxidants, namely vitamin A and E. It is also worth noting that products that contain these nutrients can destroy free radicals that contribute to premature aging.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF VEGAN-BASED COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS
In addition to improving skin health, you can choose to use vegan-based supplements to improve your overall well-being. For best results, however, take your supplement daily, preferably in powder form. The glycine in vegan-based supplements helps ease joint pain, builds muscle, and improves sleep. Beyond that, the gelatin and amino acids found in vegan-based supplements help in improving digestive health. And like boosting your skin health, you can add these vegan-based supplements, in powder form, to a variety of meals and drinks.
Final Thoughts on Vegan Collagen Sources
Collagen plays a critical role when it comes to healthy, radiant skin and overall good health. That said, choosing the right collagen-based supplement, vegan or animal-sourced. This task can be challenging as there are several to choose from depending on your health and wellness needs.
So whether you’re in the market for supplements that contain collagen for skin, joints, or overall health, spending time researching various brands. The research can significantly improve your chances of getting the best supplement for your health and wellness needs. And, it will stretch your budget.
