While it’s helpful to start your day with the support of supplements, the best time of day to take collagen isn’t when you’d expect. Many believe that your body is better able to break down proteins like collagen when you take them on an empty stomach. However, this is a myth!
The best time of day is actually when you’re catching up on your beauty rest! Taking collagen at night helps your body smoothly process it during your REM cycle, aka the recovery period. Collagen is absorbed in your digestive system which can take about 3-5 hours. While food may be broken down by stomach acid, collagen survives this journey, and is then digested in the small intestine.
Another benefit to taking collagen at night is that it contains a dominant amino acid called Glycine. This amino acid has been linked to achieving more restful sleep and improved mood stability. It works by helping digestion and the production of serotonin, which boosts your mood and aids sleep functionality.
An easy way to enjoy your collagen at night is mixed into a calming tea such as chamomile, or a classic glass of milk or substitute! If you’re feeling creative, you can easily add 2 scoops of our Pure Indigo Marine Collagen into your evening meal.
By taking collagen at night, it gives your body time to fully absorb the benefits, helping you start your morning refreshed and ready to take on the day.
]]>It's no secret that collagen is essential for a healthy body. But what many people don't know is that there are different types of collagen, and each one has its own unique benefits. One of the best types of collagen is marine collagen, which can be found in fish and other aquatic animals. Here's why marine collagen is so beneficial for your health!
Marine collagen is a natural protein that can be found in the tissues of fish and other aquatic animals. It is a type of collagen that has unique features, including its high water-binding capacity and resistance to denaturation. Marine collagen has been shown to have many beneficial properties for skin health, joint health and more!
One of the best places to find marine collagen is in fish. Fish are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both essential for health. Some fish that are high in marine collagen include salmon, tuna, cod and halibut. Other aquatic animals like shellfish and crustaceans also contain high levels of marine collagen.
So why is marine collagen so beneficial?
Here are some of its key benefits!
One of the main benefits of marine collagen is that it helps promote skin health. It has been shown to reduce inflammation, wrinkles and signs of aging. Marine collagen can also help improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Another major benefit of marine collagen is that it supports joint health. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in joints, as well as improve joint function. This makes marine collagen a great choice for people with arthritis or other joint problems.
Believe it or not, marine collagen can also enhance brain function! One study showed that it improved cognitive function and memory in elderly participants. Another study showed that it helped protect the brain from damage caused by stroke. This makes marine collagen a great choice for people who want to preserve their cognitive function as they age.
There are five different types of collagen: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Each type has its own unique benefits for the body. Here is a brief overview of each type!
Type 1 collagen is the most common type of collagen in the body. It is found in skin, hair, nails and connective tissues. It plays a key role in wound healing and tissue repair.
Type 2 collagen is the main type of collagen found in cartilage. It helps maintain joint health and prevents joint pain and inflammation.
Type 3 collagen is the most common type of collagen in the body. It is found in muscles, bones and blood vessels. It plays a key role in tissue formation and regeneration.
Type 4 collagen is found in the gut lining and helps maintain gut health. It also helps protect against food allergies and sensitivities.
Type 5 collagen is found in the retinal tissues of the eye and helps preserve vision health.
So, what is Marine Collagen?
It's a natural protein that can be found in the tissues of fish and other aquatic animals. It is a type of collagen that has unique features, including its high water-binding capacity and resistance to denaturation.
Marine collagen has been shown to have many beneficial properties for skin health, joint health, and more! There are five different types of collagen and each type has its own unique benefits for the body.
And all of the amazing benefits discussed here can be found in Indigo Collagen.
]]>From skincare to strong bones, starting your day with a boost of support is something that everyone’s morning routine can benefit from. Whether or not you prefer an entire breakfast or your favorite latte, adding a collagen supplement to your flow can help make the rest of your day go smoothly!
Indigo Marine collagen is a complete source of collagen Types I, II, III, and IV. It is an essential protein that helps play a role in the foundation of our body, helping us stay strong and feel revitalized. Our collagen, simple by design, can be added to whatever you enjoy as you start your day. Here are some refreshing ways to incorporate collagen into your routine.
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Did you know that collagen is one of the most essential proteins? Not only does our body naturally produce it to support our hair, skin, nails, and bone health; it also plays a role in the foundation of our body, helping us stay strong and feel revitalized. Although the process happens naturally to us, our bodies produce only around 1% less of it each year.
While there are many factors that help us feel our best and replenish ourselves, taking a collagen supplement can be an easy and delicious way to fill that void and be an enjoyable part of your self care routine. The best part: ANYONE can benefit from it! As we like to say, every BODY needs collagen, so no matter what you’re looking to support, Indigo Marine Collagen is right for you.
Unlike bovine collagen, marine collagen is a complete source of Collagen Types I, II, III, and IV, supporting your hair, skin, nails, and bone health. It contains smaller collagen peptides helping you digest it more quickly so you can feel and see the natural revitalization effects even faster. Not only is it easier to digest, but it’s also more sustainable than bovine collagen. Specifically, Indigo is sourced through an ethical process that creates a significantly lower impact on the environment, giving you one more thing to feel good about!
It plays a role in strengthening skin, as well helping elasticity and hydration, which has been proven to prevent signs of aging.
It promotes quality sleep by helping you maintain your core body temperature and blood sugar at normal levels.
It helps your gut health because it contains two amino acids: glycine and glutamine, that both play a role in supporting the tissue that lines the digestive tract.
Collagen supports the effects of your workout, because it contains proteins that help your body stimulate muscle growth.
Our bones are mostly made of collagen! Taking a supplement helps maintain their structure and strength.
It helps stimulate your hair to support it growing longer and faster.
Promotes your nail health by preventing brittleness.
Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage: the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints and prevents pain.
Collagen provides structure to your arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Regularly taking a supplement helps keep things moving which prevents strokes and heart attacks.
It can boost your mood! Collagen has been found to help reduce anxiety and help improve your mood.
The overall benefits of collagen, coupled with the sustainable elements of Indigo Marine Collagen, makes it the perfect thing to add to your self-care routine!
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These smoothies are not only great year-round, but they are perfect for those scorching hot summer days. There’s nothing like throwing healthy ingredients into a blender and enjoying your collagen creation. Whether you are in the mood for a bright, summery, berry smoothie or leaning towards the citrus side of things, we hope these healthy, collagen-infused blends do the trick.
To learn more about Indigo Collagen and our sustainability efforts, visit us here.
Thanks for reading!
]]>Psoriasis is a common skin condition causing dry, red, scaly skin patches. Some people experience psoriasis in cycles – meaning random week-long (even month-long) flare-ups and then returning to its inactive status. Experts think this skin disorder has to do with the immune system and its ability to work faster than it should – leading to skin cells regenerating too quickly, resulting in scaly patches. Treatment of psoriasis is soothing lotions or gels and avoiding the varying triggers, which are different from person to person and can include things like stress, infections, changing temperatures, or even certain medications.
As I’m sure you know, collagen is responsible for maintaining skin structure and elasticity. However, its benefits go even further than that. Glycine is a powerful amino acid found in collagen. This amino acid promotes the development of antioxidants that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Because psoriasis is associated with inflammation, collagen can be beneficial in reducing the chances of an outbreak by helping decrease inflammation throughout the body.
One unfortunate side of psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis causes painful, swollen joints, and little is known about the cause, but it is believed to be connected to environmental factors and genetics. One of the many uses of taking a collagen supplement is the benefits to joints and connective tissues, as collagen is one of the main components of cartilage. Taking a collagen supplement may help prevent the breakdown of cartilage and connective tissue while also helping to prevent joint pain.
It’s important to remember that collagen is much more popular than it used to be, so many brands are using this to their advantage, especially in the skincare industry. Since collagen has gone mainstream, there are often many products with misleading labels and claims. The best advice we can give to you is to consume your collagen. There are many products, like topical creams targeting specific skin conditions, that claim to have collagen in them. It’s important to remember that while they may contain collagen, this science doesn’t hold up – primarily because collagen peptides are too large to be absorbed through your skin, so you are not going to receive the benefits of collagen from a lotion or moisturizer product.
The best way to receive the benefits of collagen that your body needs is to ingest them, therefore stimulating your body’s ability to supply natural collagen and start to see real differences.
If you’ve been struggling with psoriasis, eczema, or another skin condition, we encourage you to try Indigo Marine Collagen. All collagen isn’t created equal. Learn more about the Indigo difference and our sustainability efforts here.
Indigo Marine Collagen. Better for you, and better for the planet.
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Retinol is one of the most popular skincare ingredients. It’s found in a variety of products, from cleansers to moisturizers. Retinol is an over-the-counter retinoid that does not require a prescription. Retinol penetrates the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis. It works by neutralizing free radicals while boosting collagen production and elastin – the main contributors to the healthy, plump skin that we all want. Retinol can also work as an exfoliant, as it can assist in helping remove dead skin cells. Made from a natural derivative of Vitamin A, Retinol is typically less irritating than prescription-strength retinoids.
Tretinoin is a retinoid that is only available by prescription. Like retinol, it works to exfoliate the dead layers of the skin while also stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. It is typically prescribed to treat acne and sun damage, as it can significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Tretinoin is sometimes referred to as retinoic acid and is commonly known as Retin-A, a tretinoin medication used to treat acne as it speeds up the life cycle of skin cells - making them disperse and die faster - allowing for newer, healthier skin to take their place.
While both tretinoin and retinol can help you achieve the goal of healthy, clear skin, there are some primary differences that you should be aware of. The most notable difference is that tretinoin is only available by prescription, whereas retinol is available over the counter. Tretinoin is more potent than retinol and has more immediate side effects.
Retinol itself must work to change into retinoic acid before you can start seeing its benefits. Therefore, it takes longer to see the effects, which in most cases are minimal compared to tretinoin results.
Tretinoin is retinoic acid, so the enzymes in your skin don’t have to take the time to break it down, hence its effectiveness.
Honestly, neither retinol nor tretinoin is necessarily better than the other. However, because tretinoin is prescription-strength retinoic acid and works at a higher capacity than retinol, it is typically more effective at reducing redness and pigmentation.
Retinol is much more accessible and is also effective for its intended purpose. Some people with susceptible skin may prefer retinol because it is less abrasive and irritating than tretinoin.
These products reduce the effects of aging and mitigate fine lines, blemishes, and acne by making the epidermis thicker, stimulating elastin and collagen production, and minimizing cellular breakdown.
Of course, we recommend starting with a retinol cream before considering tretinoin. If you don’t see any improvement, speak to your dermatologist about trying a stronger medication.
Regardless of which product works best for you, you are on your way to a healthier you!
Don’t forget to integrate Indigo Collagen into your skincare routine for maximum skin elasticity and hydration benefits. Learn more here.
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References
Retinol vs. Retin-A – The Difference and Why You Should Use It. BeautyRewind.com. Retrieved from https://www.beautyrewind.ca/blog/retinol-vs-retin-a-the-difference-why-you-should-use-it/
Rollins, A. (2021, July 17). Tretinoin vs. Retinol: The Difference Between These Two Popular Retinoids. DearBrightly.com. Retrieved from https://www.dearbrightly.com/blog/tretinoin-vs-retinol/
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Biotin is a popular supplement that promotes hair growth by stimulating keratin production in hair while also increasing the rate of follicle growth. However, biotin, also known as vitamin B7, must be consumed to be effective.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, made of three nonessential amino acids – proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. It is found in our bones, tendons, muscles, and skin and is primarily responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity. As we age, the collagen in our bodies breaks down, and it becomes harder for our bodies to produce more. The human body naturally produces collagen, and it can also be consumed through what we eat and collagen supplements.
Collagen has many health benefits, from tissue repair to immune response and contributing to nail, skin, and hair health.
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According to the National Institute of Health, consuming foods that contain healthy minerals and vitamins will benefit the overall health of our hair, and the best natural sources of biotin are eggs, meat, fish, vegetables, and nuts. Biotin can also be taken in supplement form. “Adults should consume around 30mcg a day, and breastfeeding women should increase their intake to 35 mcg a day with the support and guidance of a doctor” (Haley, 2020).
These minerals will help revive your hair follicle by increasing keratin production. It’s important to note that some shampoos contain biotin with the claim they help decrease hair loss; however, there is no actual evidence that this works.
Our hair is mainly made up of the protein keratin. Collagen has amino acids that help build keratin. Therefore, when you consume collagen, you are providing your body with the essential amino acids it needs to make new proteins and compounds, including your hair.
Collagen also helps fight damage to hair follicles caused by free radicals. “Free radicals are compounds that develop in y9oru body because of stress, air pollutants, smoking, poor dietary choices, alcohol, and other environmental influences”(Streit, 2019).
70% of our dermis is also made up of collagen. The dermis is the middle layer of our skin that holds each individual root of our hair. According to the National Library of Medicine, collagen may prevent hair thinning associated with aging by contributing to the elasticity and strength of your dermis.
The significant difference between biotin and collagen is that collagen is a protein that the body can naturally make. In contrast, biotin is an essential vitamin not naturally produced in our bodies. Consuming biotin helps stimulates keratin production and can increase the growth of our hair follicles.
While it is difficult to prevent all collagen loss as we age, it is possible to slow down the process. While diet and lifestyle are significant contributors to how we age, taking a collagen supplement can provide the support we need to influence the health of our skin, bones, tissues, and hair.
References
Haley, J.T., MD, FAAD. (2020, November 18). Does Biotin Really Work for Hair Loss Prevention? WebMD.com. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/does-biotin-really-prevent-hair-loss
Varani, J., Dame, M. K., Rittie, L., Fligiel, S. E., Kang, S., Fisher, G. J., & Voorhees, J. J. (2006). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. The American journal of pathology, 168(6), 1861–1868. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302
]]>According to the National Sleep Foundation, young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years old and adults between the ages of 26 and 64 years old should receive 7-9 hours of sleep a night, but no less than 6 hours and no more than 10. Older adults over the age of 65 should receive between 7 and 8 hours of sleep but not less than 5 hours or more than 9 (Lichenstein, 2015). Why is this? Because getting enough sleep is essential to our overall health and wellbeing.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that people who experience deficiencies in their sleep experience more health complications like kidney disease, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes (Lichenstein, 2015). Studies have also indicated the relationship between sleep issues and gastrointestinal problems.
Not getting enough sleep now and then will leave you tired and irritable the next day. However, an occasional sleepless night won’t necessarily impact our health. When we experience several nights without a restful sleep, we notice the long-term implications. When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies experience:
The substances that defend our immune system renew themselves when we are sleeping.
Our bodies can react to lack of sleep with insulin resistance – the precursor to diabetes
A study by the European Heart Journal in 2011 found a 48% increased risk of developing or dying from coronary heart disease in people who don’t get enough sleep. Yikes!
When we don’t sleep, our bodies lower the amount of leptin, a hormone responsible for appetite suppression. Additionally, lack of sleep raises our levels of ghrelin, an appetite stimulant. This results in uncontrollable, turbo-charged hunger and overeating. Been there? Us too. Not a fan.
Our skin is an organ near and dear to our heart here at Indigo, and when you don’t sleep, your skin gets angry. Sleep is the prime time for the body to repair damaged cells and renew the old ones. If you don’t get enough sleep, this doesn’t happen, and as a result, the appearance of your skin takes a toll. #BeautyRest, amirite?
Naturally, lack of sleep makes our muscles weaker, which is why we experience the sensation of having heavy eyelids when we don’t sleep. The same can also be said of our ability to process space and coordinate our bodies.
This happens in extreme cases of prolonged lack of sleep and sleep deprivation. We encourage you to look up the historical data on sleep deprivation; it is both exciting and terrifying.
Many symptoms of mood disorders and emotional control tie in closely with sleep problems. For example, research has shown that people with chronic insomnia are at a greater risk of having anxiety and suicide.
Research published by the Mayo Clinic in 2004 found that people with insomnia frequently experience heartburn, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and other symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas.
These are just some of the problems that can arise when we aren’t getting the sleep we need. If you’re looking for ways to improve your sleep quality, collagen may be able to help you avoid insomnia and j
Collagen is an essential protein that has countless benefits. It helps us have healthy hair, nails, and skin and even helps maintain and strengthen our connective tissues and joints. The most dominant amino acid found in collagen is Glycine. This amino acid has been linked to achieving more restful sleep and improved mood stability. Glycine can help with falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, reducing insomnia, and achieving a deeper sleep.
The main functions of glycine in our bodies are
- Aids in the digestion of foods
- Helps produce energy for the muscles and brain
- Aids in regulating blood sugar
- And helps your body make the hormone serotonin that aids in mood and sleep functionality
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The amino acids found in collagen are deficient in our western diet partly because we no longer consume animals the way our ancestors did. We don’t typically eat the skin or bones found in fish, and we don’t typically boil the bones of animals for hours to extract collagen and create bone broth (although some of us do, and that is excellent).
For those looking for some relief, it’s essential to know that glycine supplements are available. Still, we encourage you to be selective, as most products aren’t regulated or have the necessary testing to ensure safety.
However, hydrolyzed collagen peptides, like Indigo Marine Collagen, contain glycine, the powerhouse amino acid known to assist in achieving more restful sleep. Additionally, our products go through extensive third-party testing. To learn more, visit www.indigocollagen.com! Thanks for reading, and rest easy, friends.
References
Can Collagen Help You Sleep? (n.d.). Womenandwellness.com. Retrieved from https://womanandwellness.com/can-collagen-help-you-sleep/
Lichtenstein G. R. (2015). The Importance of Sleep. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 11(12), 790. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4849507/
Yaneff, J. (2017, January 5). 15 Side Effects from Lack of Sleep. DoctorsHealthPress.com. Retrieved from https://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/side-effects-of-lack-of-sleep-on-your-body/
]]>Gut health is the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The esophagus, stomach, and intestines create a symphony that allows us to digest the foods we eat smoothly. However, when this balance is thrown off, we experience digestive problems like bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, etc.
To understand the true importance of gut health in our overall wellness, it's essential to know that all food is ultimately broken down in the gut. The gut breaks down the food we eat into a simple form so it can quickly enter our bloodstream and deliver these nutrients throughout our bodies. This process is only successful when we have a properly working digestive system.
A healthy gut contains good bacteria that ward off infectious bacteria and viruses that can make us sick. A healthy gut also influences our hormones – an integral part of our health and wellbeing. So, what role does collagen play in this process?
Collagen plays a crucial part in gut health because it contains the amino acids glycine, glutamine, and proline, which can be incredibly beneficial to the stomach and digestive tract. These amino acids help rebuild tissue that lines the digestive tract, keeping the food we eat and bacteria inside the gut where it belongs instead of allowing these particles to leak and cause inflammation in our bodies (commonly referred to as "leaky gut").
Collagen is excellent for gut health, as it aids in the digestion process, helps repair the gut lining, and can help heal IBS and leaky gut syndrome. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, but we produce less of it as we age. Therefore, taking a collagen supplement can potentially help boost our natural collagen production and promote the healing of our gut.
As we mentioned, taking a collagen supplement can help support digestive health. But, your diet is a vital part of your gut health too. Many foods assist in healing the digestive system, but many foods on the market today exacerbate any gut issues we may be experiencing. For example, highly processed, high sugar foods break down the collagen in our bodies and contribute to excess body fat, high cholesterol, and other issues.
It is best to eat a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins to improve your gut health. Cutting out processed foods will also be beneficial to our digestive health.
One of the best things you can consume is collagen, as it can heal the intestinal wall and improve the function of the digestive tract. Indigo Marine Collagen is different than other collagens on the market. Unlike other sources of collagen-like cows, pigs, and chickens, our wild-caught marine collagen is protected from direct exposure to antibiotics and hormones. In addition, our deep sea, wild-caught, marine collagen contains collagen types I, II, III, and IV, making it a premium, high-absorbing, sustainable source that helps diminish the effects of aging. Better for YOU, and better for the planet.
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All content in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute the advice, diagnosis, and treatment from medical professionals. Please consult a medical professional before considering any suggestions stated in this blog, and do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical attention based upon this content. Consult your physician or call 911 if you believe you are in a medical emergency.
References
Ariola, J. (2018, November 5). Benefits of Collagen for Maintaining a Healthy Gut. FlushingHospital.com. Retrieved from https://www.flushinghospital.org/newsletter/benefits-of-collagen-for-maintaining-a-healthy-gut/
What is Gut Health and Why is it Important? (2019, July 22). Health.UCdavis.edu. Retrieved from https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/what-is-gut-health-and-why-is-it-important/2019/07
]]>Marine collagen is the most bioavailable collagen because it is digested faster and easier than other types of collagen. It is also the cleanest collagen type available – specifically if the collagen is harvested from wild-caught fish, a crucial distinction. Marine collagen also has collagens type I, II, III and IV.
Marine collagen is sourced from fish skins, and many brands on the shelves you see today are created from farm-raised fish, which, unfortunately, is terrible for the environment. What makes farming fish so bad for the planet? Firstly, fish farms create an environment where fish are crowded together, resulting in a lot of waste. This waste needs to be managed with various chemicals that pollute the surrounding waters and create a hazardous environment for the water and wildlife. Secondly, fish farms alter the organic matter in the sediment, which can change oxygen consumption and cause too much plant growth, causing animals to die due to lack of oxygen (Mancuso, 2015).
Indigo Marine Collagen is sourced from wild-caught white fish from the North Atlantic. As a result, our marine collagen peptides have less impact on the environment and are much less likely to be exposed to the chemicals and imbalances of farm-raised fish. This is because the fish are in their natural habitat when they are sourced.
If sustainability practices and quality are essential to you, we recommend doing as much research as possible to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. If it sounds fishy (see what we did there!), it probably is.
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If you’re currently taking a collagen supplement and are unsure of the type of collagen you’re consuming, it’s most likely bovine collagen. So, what is bovine collagen, and why is it different from marine collagen? Bovine collagen is the most popular type of collagen on the market, and it is sourced from cowhides. However, because cowhides are more abundant and cheaper to produce, the process harms the environment.
Bovine collagen is relatively inexpensive compared to marine collagen, as it only carries collagen types I & II. Although it may be better for those will shellfish allergies, it is not as clean as sustainably-sourced marine collagen, nor is it as effective. Not to mention, livestock is responsible for 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gases, with the production of bovine collagen being a significant contributor to that.
This is why wild marine collagen is the superior product, as it is sourced from sustainably caught white fish from the clean waters off the coast of Nova Scotia. These wild-caught fish are not treated with drugs or hormones and produce much fewer greenhouse gases.
Indigo is inspired by real people and powered by real nature. We at Indigo look at beauty from a whole new perspective. From inner wellness to outer confidence, our premium marine collagen is a simple way to help diminish the effects of aging.
Unlike other sources of collagen, like cows, pigs, and chickens, our wild-caught marine collagen is protected from direct exposure to antibiotics and hormones. In addition, the materials we use are fish skins that would typically be thrown away, creating a complete cycle of sustainability. Also, our canisters are made from 100% recyclable plastics, specifically HDPE plastic, which is the easiest to recycle.
Indigo Marine Collagen also has Collagen Types I, II, III, and IV (not just types I & II), allowing our customers to get the most benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joints.
Try our flavored collagen with a cup of cool water, or try our unflavored collagen with a cup of your favorite coffee.
We not only want to change the way the industry sources marine collagen but also who uses it and why. Indigo Collagen is better for YOU and better for the planet.
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References
Manusco, M. (2015, July 6). Effects of Fish Farming on Marine Environment. Journal of Fisheries Sciences. Fisheriessciences.com. Retrieved from https://www.fisheriessciences.com/fisheries-aqua/effects-of-fish-farming-on-marine-environment.php?aid=6896
]]>It's no secret that collagen is rising in popularity. Because of this, there are many options for collagen supplements available today. There are collagen powders, liquid collagen, collagen gummies, collagen waters, and even collagen bars - the many options can be overwhelming. Let's compare two of the most popular choices for collagen - liquid collagen vs. powder.
Before comparing liquid collagen and powder collagen, it is important to answer what collagen is. Collagen is a protein found throughout the human body. Collagen contains 19 different amino acids - the most important being proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine. Most collagen supplements, however, are not made with whole collagen proteins.
Most collagen supplements on the market today contain collagen peptides, which are collagen protein chains cut into smaller segments of collagen. Collagen peptides are proven to be more effective because the collagen peptides are absorbed quicker in your body.
As we know, our natural collagen production starts to decline after the age of 25. Due to the decline in collagen, our bodies will show signs of aging, like wrinkles, fine lines, thinning hair, brittle nails, and achy joints. Taking a daily collagen supplement helps support your body's collagen production. Taking collagen every day will help support joint health, hydrate and smooth the skin, strengthen and shine hair, and strengthen nails.
All collagen comes from an animal source. There are vegan collagen supplements on the rise, but they are only blends of amino acids that go into collagen proteins and not the collagen itself. Vegan collagen is similar to almond milk in that it is not real milk but instead a milk substitute. Unless you have dietary or moral restrictions, it is best to take a collagen supplement from an animal source.
However, not all sources of collagen are equal. There are usually two categories of collagen sources - farm-raised animals and wild-caught sources. The most popular collagen products to date are bovine collagen. The source of bovine collagen is farm-raised cowhides, making it a less sustainable option. Other farm-raised sources include pigs, chickens, and sometimes fish.
The other source of collagen is wild-caught animals - or wild-caught marine collagen. Wild-caught marine collagen is a more sustainable option and leads to a more pure form of collagen. Wild-caught fish have less exposure to as many hormones or chemicals opposed to farm-raised. At Indigo Marine Collagen, our Pure marine collagen is sustainably-sourced from wild-caught white fish in the North Atlantic.
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Now that we know what collagen is and where it comes from, we can discuss the difference between liquid collagen and collagen powder.
Liquid collagen is simply collagen in a ready-to-drink form. Whether flavored or unflavored, liquid collagen is in the form of collagen water, bone broths, or collagen boost shots. The source of most liquid collagen is primarily marine - or fish. As discussed, marine sources are more sustainable compared to bovine sources.
Liquid collagens are usually low in calories and claim to help boost your body's collagen stores. When choosing liquid collagen, check the ingredient list. Some collagen waters and other liquids may have more ingredients to enhance the flavor and create a better-tasting beverage. Also, check the amount of collagen you're getting from these beverages. Some liquid forms of collagen have less collagen per serving than powder collagen. Aim to get 10-20 grams of collagen per serving.
Collagen powders easily dissolve in both food and drinks. Depending on the brand, collagen powders can be either flavored or unflavored. The sources for powdered collagen vary from farm-raised bovine, porcine, or fish and wild-caught marine. When purchasing a collagen powder product, check the label for the collagen source. Most bovine collagens require 20 grams of collagen per serving. On the other hand, marine collagen requires only 10 grams per serving due to its bioavailability. So, less is more when it comes to marine collagen.
Powdered collagen is usually low in calories and can seamlessly mix with your morning coffee, smoothie, or baked goods. Collagen doesn't lose any nutrients when cooked, making it easy to incorporate into your baking and cooking.
The form of collagen you take is entirely up to your preference. Collagen powder can give you more collagen per serving than a liquid collagen shot, but sometimes grabbing pre-made collagen water is more convenient. The most important thing when looking for a collagen supplement is the source and quality of the collagen.
Indigo Marine Collagen only uses the highest quality marine collagen on the market. We own our entire supply chain, so we have complete control over our environmental impact and product quality. We partner with sustainable fisheries in the North Atlantic to extract collagen from wild-caught white fish. Our marine collagen powders are of the highest standard and purest quality. Indigo Marine Collagen is premium unflavored or flavored marine collagen powder that is better for you and better for the planet.
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]]>Here at Indigo Collagen, we firmly believe that collagen is for everybody! Whether you're a man or a woman, everyone can benefit from taking collagen. Collagen in the market today is primarily seen as a beauty product for women, but we believe men should know the benefits of collagen for them. Is collagen good for men? Absolutely! Some collagen benefits for men include healthier skin and hair, joint support, and a protein boost.
Collagen is a protein found throughout the human body. Collagen contains 19 different amino acids - the most important being proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine. Indigo Marine Collagen supplements come from collagen peptides, which are collagen protein chains cut into smaller segments of collagen. Collagen peptides used in collagen supplements are proven to be more effective because the collagen peptides are absorbed quicker in your body.
Not all sources of collagen are equal. Collagen sources are from different animals. These sources are from farm-raised animals (like cows, pigs, or even some fish) or wild-caught sources (like North Atlantic white fish).
As we age, our bodies natural collagen production starts to slow. Collagen supplements are a great way to give your body additional resources and encourage the production of collagen where it is needed. Using collagen supplements can provide many benefits, including more elastic skin, healthier joints, and stronger nails.
Our bones are made primarily of collagen. If your collagen level depletes, which it does as we all get older, we lose bone density and become more susceptible to broken bones. Using some of our marine collagen regularly can help replenish that bone density and keep you healthier and protected in the future.
Type II collagen makes up most of the cartilage in our joints. As we age, the natural collagen production in our bodies decreases, potentially resulting in achy joints. Utilizing collagen supplements is a great way to keep your joints healthy.
No one wants to lose their hair, and as we age, that might become a reality to some. Most hair losses are genetic, but collagen can still help keep your hair strong and healthy. Collagen helps strengthen hair follicles, giving you the potential for thick, strong hair.
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity- the cause of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen helps reduce the overall look of fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the skin hydrated. Taking a collagen supplement supports the elasticity of your skin.
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]]>Creating a solid skincare routine is crucial to our overall wellness, and the sooner we start, the better. While we take care of ourselves, we can also support the planet. There is a huge need for sustainable and clean beauty products. If you're looking to make strides towards sustainably-sourced skincare products, then it may be overwhelming to start. Here is a quick guide to help you make sustainable swaps in your skincare routine.
Look at the ingredients of the products you use on your face. Confirm the source of the ingredients in products is sustainable; this will allow you to be more intentional in your purchases. Clean beauty begins with shopping from sustainable and eco-friendly brands. Brands like Blendily and Blue Heron Botanicals are eco-friendly, and the packaging is from either 100% post-consumer paper or refillable packaging.
Here are some ingredients to watch out for in your skincare products:
1. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate - common sunscreen ingredients that negatively affect coral reefs.
2. Parabens - According to the Environmental Working Group, parabens have been linked to ecological harm. They can kill coral reefs and may cause reproductive issues in animals.
3. Fragrance - Cited to cause long-term damage to marine animals.
4. Microplastics - often used in exfoliating products. Fish and birds often mistake these tiny plastic beads for food, and eating them can kill them.
Many skin care products today will have a refillable option. Instead of throwing away the packaging once the product is empty then purchasing a whole new bottle, opt for a refillable option. Some companies have replenishment versions of their products. Meaning you're reducing your overall consumption and waste by reusing and refilling what you already have.
Refillable packaging is not always an option for some brands. When choosing a skincare brand, opt for recyclable packaging. Maybe plastics or glass packaging are easily recyclable. Make sure to check our local recycling center for information. If you're planning on recycling your skincare packaging, make sure to rinse and wash out all products residue before placing it in a recycling bin.
You may know the benefits of collagen for your skin. After age 25, our natural collagen production starts to slow, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, achy joints, brittle nails, and thinning hair. The purpose of collagen in the skin is to provide structure and elasticity. Collagen can also help your skin retain its moisture content. Many collagen users have reported improvements to skin complexion, a reduction in acne formation, and many other benefits after only a week or two of using collagen.
However, not all collagen is equal. Most collagen products on the market today are bovine collagen - which is not the most eco-friendly. Indigo Marine Collagen is sustainably-sourced from wild-caught white fish in the North Atlantic. The marine collagen found in Indigo is free of any added hormones, so you're getting the purest collagen available.
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As you're pursuing a more sustainable skincare routine, start moving away from sing-use items. These items can include makeup wipes or cotton rounds to remove your makeup. Try replacing your makeup wipe with a microfiber cloth and your single-use cotton round with a reusable one. These reusable options are just as effective and won't contribute to the landfill.
It might be tempting to read a list like this and want to throw away all the products you currently own and start anew. However, the best thing we can do for the planet is not over-consume. Finish the products you have right now, recycle or upcycle the things you can, then start replacing items with more sustainable options. The road to sustainable living is a long one. It won't happen overnight, so be patient with your journey.
]]>Bone formation begins when we are infants in the womb using osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are cells that play a vital role in the formation of bone in the human body. When we are born, we have a total of 270 bones in our body and as we age, these bones begin to fuse together, eventually totaling 206 bones. The purpose of bones in the human body is to protect our organs, produce both white and red blood cells, and act as structural support. Bone marrow, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels are a couple of the types of tissue that exist in the components of bone. When our bones are weak, it can lead to a variety of problems like BMD (bone mineral density), osteoporosis, and osteopenia. While exercise and diet play an essential role in ensuring our bones are as healthy as they can be, there are additional ways to ensure you’re maximizing your bone strength. This is where collagen, the most common protein in the human body, plays an important role.
Collagen is made through chains of amino acids which act as building blocks. The most important of these amino acids are glycine and proline, however, hydroxyproline, the amino acid found in collagen, is most beneficial for bone turnover. Taking a collagen supplement helps increase muscle mass, strengthen bones and connective tissues, improve joint pain, and help with skin elasticity. This, along with a healthy diet of collagen-rich foods, and exercise, can make a significant difference in your overall body and health.
90% of organic bone mass is Type 1 collagen and it is one of the most abundant molecules in the human body. Type 1 collagen is particularly beneficial to the skin, connective tissue, and most importantly, bone. Marine collagen sources, like Indigo Marine Collagen, are usually the best source of type 1 collagen. Type 1 collagen can be found in many places in the human body. This includes our tendons, bones, skin, and organs. As the strongest type of collagen, type 1 works the best when healing and rebuilding our body. Additionally, Type II collagen is primarily found in our body’s cartilage and is great for supporting connective tissue and joint health.
As you can see, collagen is important for our bone health as it helps us reduce the risk of bone disease and fractures. Indigo Collagen contains collagen types I, II, III, and IV, and is a clean, high-quality, marine collagen, that is perfect for daily maintenance.
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References
König, D., Oesser, S., Scharla, S., Zdzieblik, D., & Gollhofer, A. (2018). Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients, 10(1), 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010097
Difference Between Collagen 1 2 and 3. Pediaa.com. Retrieved from https://pediaa.com/difference-between-collagen-1-2-and-3/
]]>Here at Indigo, health is important to us. We strive to create high-quality products that better people's lives. We also want to encourage everyone to live a happy and healthy life. Living a healthy lifestyle looks different for every person and it doesn't have to be difficult! Here are four simple tips to incorporate in your life to commit to a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise improves your mental health and mood by increasing the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters: endorphins. Moving your body every day can support the quality of your sleep and reduce joint pain and stiffness.
What does exercise look like for you? You don't have to spend an hour in the gym lifting weights. Try going outside, enjoying the sunshine, and taking a walk! A great goal is to go on two ten-minute walks every single day or move your body for 30 minutes every single day. Moving your body means something different for everyone. It could mean going on a walk, going to the gym, practicing yoga, or simply cleaning your home. Whatever exercise feels good for you, try to incorporate it every day!
There are many benefits of hydration. Hydration can improve your skin complexion and reduce acne. With enough water, your body can flush out toxins to improve the health of your skin and body. Water even helps maintain your skin elasticity!
The rule we have all heard is eight glasses of eight ounces of water every day, but that may not be the case for everyone. A good hydration goal is to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water. So, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should aim to drink at least 70 ounces of water every day.
What is a wellness routine? It is a daily schedule that incorporates all of your healthy habits. Your specific wellness routine will support you on those tough days and give you an extra boost on your best days. Adding a scoop of Indigo to a post-workout beverage supports recovery and healthy joints. You can even add collagen into your coffee, smoothie, or even oatmeal for added benefits in the morning!
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is used to maintain health for everything from hair, skin, nails, and joints. After age 25, our natural collagen production starts to slow down. Adding a collagen supplement to your diet can help support several aspects of your body.
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Avoid an all-or-nothing mentality when it comes to building a healthy life. Try not to look at things as either good or bad, including food. Instead, try to look at each choice you make throughout the day individually. Food freedom and patience with yourself are so important in this journey.
Whenever you're building a healthy lifestyle or new healthy habits, it's so important to be kind to yourself. We are all on this journey together!
]]>Collagen has become a mainstream ingredient with claims of better hair, skin, nails, and joints. After the age of 25, our natural collagen production starts to decline. If you want to try adding a collagen supplement to your diet, here is a quick guide to all things collagen.
Collagen is a protein found throughout the human body. Collagen contains 19 different amino acids - the most important being proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine. Most collagen supplements, however, do not contain whole collagen proteins.
Indigo Marine Collagen supplements are made from collagen peptides, which are collagen protein chains cut into smaller segments of collagen. Collagen peptides used in collagen supplements are proven to be more effective because the collagen peptides are absorbed quicker in your body.
Not all sources of collagen are equal. Collagen sources are from different animals. These sources are from farm-raised animals (like cows, pigs, or even some fish) or wild-caught sources (like North Atlantic white fish). At Indigo Marine Collagen, our Pure marine collagen is sustainably-sourced from wild-caught fish, free from potential hormones.
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As we age, our bodies' natural collagen production starts to slow. Collagen supplements are a great way to give your body additional resources and encourage the production of collagen where it is needed. Using collagen supplements can provide many benefits, including more elastic skin, healthier joints, and stronger nails. Add a scoop of Indigo Marine Collagen to your favorite drink to start seeing and feeling the benefits.
Generally, collagen supplements are a product you can use without adverse side effects. In most cases, users report no side effects at all.
Although most do not have adverse reactions to collagen, it depends on whether you have an existing food allergy. Many collagen brands source collagen from animals such as cows, chickens, pigs, and fish. If you are allergic to beef, pork, poultry, or fish, the collagen derived from those sources could trigger an allergic reaction.
Based on the available evidence, collagen is a safe substance for almost everyone. Here at Indigo Collagen, we recommend taking 10 grams per day. Based on studies where participants took 10 grams of collagen, there were increases in skin moisture and elasticity.
The reason behind our recommendation for 10 grams is that we use our sustainably-sourced marine collagen. A key benefit of marine collagen is that less is more! You only need 10 grams of Marine Collagen compared to 20 grams of Bovine Collagen. Indigo Marine Collagen powder absorbs more quickly into the body than other sources of collagen, so you can feel and see the natural revitalization effects even faster.
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To ensure you see the benefits of marine collagen, we recommend using the product for no less than 28 days. Studies show that marine collagen peptides can provide positive effects at four weeks. Two clinical studies involving the use of marine collagen supplements found that participants saw a notable boost in skin moisture after about four weeks; by the eight-week mark, the researchers noted an increase in skin hydration of almost 30%. A second study found that after nine weeks of treatment with an oral collagen supplement, there was a significant reduction in the depth of wrinkles.
]]>We all have to multi-task, often all throughout our day. This is unavoidable, and there are certainly times when doing two things at once is both doable and not exceedingly rigorous, and perhaps even fun (listening to music while coloring in our adult coloring book, anyone?) but avoiding doing too many things at once that can cause too much stress is a beneficial thing for all of us. Especially when you can help it, be mindful of the overstimulation that multi-tasking can bring about.
Mindfulness is not just about mental health, it can be about physical health too. Marine collagen, specifically Indigo Collagen and our excellent flavored collagen, has lots of health benefits that come about with daily use, and some of these benefits are targeted at parts of the body that we may forget about daily care for. Things like our bones, teeth, and nails are all aided by the daily use of Indigo Collagen, and its daily use is great for practicing mindfulness as it allows you to get more in tune with your body's needs. With three excellent flavors or the ‘Pure’ option that goes great in baked goods or your morning coffee, marine collagen is excellent for everybody.
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It goes without saying almost, but one of the best and easiest ways to practice mindfulness is to get outside and take a break from it all. A brief walk while stepping away from your electronic devices is a good way to reset yourself and prepare for the rest of the day, or perhaps you enjoy ending your day with a nice walk as a treat to yourself. Getting up and moving is great for the mind and body, and a short walk out in nature is something that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.
One final tip we have is to consider a journal or a way to log how you are feeling. Being in touch with your emotions is a key part of mindfulness. Knowing how you feel can be difficult, but writing down various feelings and thoughts and emotions that you have either throughout the day or discussing in your journal events that are happening to you and your thoughts about them, can be a way to really tune into yourself. As you log more and more days and weeks in your journal, you may even be able to start to track patterns in your actions and feelings and take steps to replicate or eliminate positive or negative behaviors.
]]>One great thing about collagen is how easy it is to add to most lifestyles. Collagen is a very versatile supplement. Indigo Marine Collagen has marine collagen to add to your favorite warm beverage or bake into your favorite goodies. We even have flavored marine collagen to add to your water! Taking collagen every day is the best way to start seeing your desired results.
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There is plenty of research around taking collagen daily for the best results. A review of five studies in more than 500 people with osteoarthritis found that taking about 10 grams of collagen daily for an average of 24 weeks led to significant improvements in joint stiffness and self-reported joint pain.
A great rule of thumb is to allow at least 8 weeks of supplementing with collagen every day before assessing whether collagen is working for you.
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Based on the available evidence, collagen is a safe substance for almost everyone. Here at Indigo Collagen, we recommend taking 10 grams per day. Based on studies where participants took 10 grams of collagen, there were increases in skin moisture and elasticity.
The reason behind our recommendation for 10 grams is that we use our sustainably-sourced marine collagen. A key benefit of marine collagen is that less is more! You only need 10 grams of Marine Collagen compared to 20 grams of Bovine Collagen. Indigo Marine Collagen powder absorbs more quickly into the body than other sources of collagen, so you can feel and see the natural revitalization effects even faster.
To ensure you see the benefits of marine collagen, we recommend using the product for no less than 28 days. Studies show that marine collagen peptides can provide positive effects at four weeks. Two clinical studies involving the use of marine collagen supplements found that participants saw a notable boost in skin moisture after about four weeks; by the eight-week mark, the researchers noted an increase in skin hydration of almost 30%. A second study found that after nine weeks of treatment with an oral collagen supplement, there was a significant reduction in the depth of wrinkles.
Our body's ability to naturally restore collagen decreases as we age. Supplementing with Type I collagen peptides, such as those in Indigo, is one way to counter this effect of aging. There is no need to cycle off after extended use of Indigo Marine Collagen.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits
]]>Trimming your nails roughly once a week can be great practice for getting rid of germs trapped underneath the nail. Those germs under the nail is why it’s important not to bite your nails as well, since it can be detrimental to both your nails and you. It’s important to also use sharp nail cutters or scissors to cut across, so jagged edges don’t irritate your skin. Keeping your nail growth in check can be a quick and easy way to taking care of your nails as a whole!
Daily marine collagen is great for so many reasons! Lots of health benefits, like healthy hair, bones, skin, and, yes, nails too, are really seen when you take marine collagen daily, which is why we advocate for daily usage of collagen! With Indigo Collagen’s great-tasting flavors like blueberry acai, we hope that you will be excited for your daily dose of collagen while also loving the benefits that it can help provide you with. For healthy nails, you will want to make sure that you choose marine collagen!
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This one is specifically for toenails! Toenail health has a lot to do with your shoes, which may come as a surprise. First and foremost, simply wearing shoes can be important for your nail health. Anyone who has run in a pair of ill-fitting shoes can attest to the black toenails that may come as a result of that. Finding a good-fitting pair of walking (or running) shoes is key for all who are hoping to keep their toenails in good health. Good socks, additionally, also help reduce friction between foot and shoe and help protect your toenails.
Using your nail to do some things your fingers can’t on their own is okay – hey, we know what it’s like to scratch a good itch! But what you want to avoid doing with your nails is using them as an object or a tool that may cause trauma to them. For example, using your nails repeatedly to open pop cans can be damaging to them, and may even cause them to break in the moment. Be sure to be practical when it comes to using your nails, and be smart about what may or may not cause damage to them.
Our last tip is certainly not the least, and it’s one of the most important! We all know about the cuticle, if you know the name of any part of the nail, it’s probably that one. It can be tempting to pick at your cuticles, but a compromised cuticle is a compromised nail. Moisturizing with cuticle oil or cream can help protect and strengthen your nails as a whole since the cuticle can affect the health of the nail bed. Simply not picking at them will go a long way in keeping your nails healthy!
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]]>You can absolutely take collagen on its own mixed with some water! It’s the most simple of any of the ways we are about to list, and some of us even think it’s the best way! We have three great-tasting flavors that all are super yummy on their own: raspberry lime, dragon fruit, and blueberry acai. Although you can mix our Pure collagen in water, we recommend mixing it in coffee, tea, etc.
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Indeed, one of the best ways to enjoy our ‘Pure’ marine collagen is in that drink at the start of your morning! Our collagen has a natural flavor that may taste slightly fishy (it is “marine” collagen, after all!) and the strong tastes of tea, and especially coffee, can help to neutralize it if you are not a fan of it on its own. For those that may forget to take their daily collagen in the evenings, keeping your container of collagen right next to your coffee maker, or even keeping it in your office at work or home, is a great way to remind yourself to take that daily dose. Of course, there are many other ways to mix in your collagen to something totally yummy while still redeeming its benefits!
A great-tasting smoothie is not only easy to make and great any time of the day (though it does make a fantastically easy breakfast) but it can be made even better with a scoop of marine collagen. Whether you would rather have one of our flavored collagen for your smoothie, or simply our ‘Pure’ marine collagen, smoothies are always better with collagen in them! With some fresh or frozen fruit, some veggies, and your dose of collagen, we can’t think of a better way to start the day or give yourself a bit of a pick-me-up in the middle of the day than with a homemade smoothie!
Yes, even a great dessert can be enhanced with a dose of collagen! For example, our almond coconut oat fudge bars are super yummy and our recipe for them involves two scoops of ‘Pure’ marine collagen. Whether it’s a cookie recipe, or perhaps brownies, it doesn’t matter what sweet treat you may be making. Marine collagen is a great way to add something a little healthy into a dessert and allow you to treat yourself well, mind, body, and spirit.
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]]>Our bones are primarily made up of collagen, and by the age of 30, our bodies begin to lose collagen. Bone strength is important for all of us, but especially as we age and begin to lose that collagen in our bodies, we need some way to help offset that and boost our bone density. The lower the bone density, the higher the risk of breaking bones will be in the future. Collagen has the ability to aid in making your existing bones denser while also helping in the growth of new bone in the future!
Collagen contains the ability to help both with the elasticity and the hydration of our skin. Again, as we turn 30 and our body begins to lose collagen, our skin becomes thinner, drier, and it loses elastic, which is how wrinkles begin to form. Keeping your skin hydrated has the benefit of keeping it smooth and soft, while the boost in elasticity can help rejuvenate your skin in a similar manner. Our skin is our largest organ, and just as we want to keep our bones healthy as we age and go through life, it’s important to remember that the skin is an organ as well and it needs to be kept as healthy as everything on the inside of our bodies as well.
With how plentiful collagen is in our body, everything can be affected by it, even in slightly indirect ways, as is the case for our joints. Collagen supports the cartilage in our bodies, which serves to benefit our joints. As our bodies undergo the normal wear and tear of everyday life, it can be effective to try and help aid the stress on your joints by giving collagen a try.
We all want nice and healthy hair, and collagen can help in the production of that great hair! Collagen provides our body with the compounds it needs to grow healthy and thick hair for everyone. It not only helps with the actual building and construction of that hair, but it also supports the health and regeneration of our follicles. Collagen’s ability to help with skin elasticity can also extend out to the hair, as well, as it helps the elasticity and strength of your hair while also moisturizing it.
So now you know just some of the great benefits of using marine collagen. Where do you go from here? Indigo Collagen has you covered with great-tasting marine collagen in three delicious flavors, as well as our Pure marine collagen. Our ‘Pure’ collagen has zero sugar, is non-GMO, and is also gluten-free, while also being Paleo and Whole 30-friendly and kosher certified. As we say, collagen is for everyBODY, so get started and experience the benefits today!
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]]>Water is an extremely important part of many different bodily functions. It helps us to regulate our body’s temperature and keep us cool, which is just one of the reasons it’s so important to drink to avoid dehydration. Water helps create saliva which helps us to break down food, and it also helps to absorb nutrients from our food. In addition to all these things, it also can improve the circulation of oxygen throughout our body through our blood. Water is essential to keep us going and healthy even in ways we may not have thought about.
Water also plays a key role in ensuring that no matter what we are doing, we will do it at 100%! Of course, drinking water while participating in physical activity is important to avoid dehydration, but water is good for so many things other than that. For starters, it is important to replenish the fluids you lost while working out, and in doing so you may find that your endurance during your workout remains high all throughout it! Even if you are not doing high-intensity workouts, keeping some water on hand, whether you are going on a walk or are at the gym, while you’re staying active is never a bad idea.
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It is always good to increase your water intake while you are ill, and that is for a very good reason. We can lose important fluids through illness, for example, running a fever causes us to sweat and lose water that way, so it’s important that we keep our intake high to ward off any potential dehydration. Water is not only good when we are sick, though. Water can help us to prevent several other medical issues like kidney stones, UTIs, constipation, and hypertension.
One of the other reasons we love water is that you can really spice it up! Adding fruits or herbs into your water, or even some spices for a fun and surprising kick can be a great way to make drinking water fun! Of course, one of the best ways to spruce up your water, while giving yourself an additional health jolt, is through marine collagen! Indigo Collagen has some great tasting flavors like dragon fruit, blueberry acai, and raspberry lime. Collagen helps the health of your hair, nail, bones, and teeth, and, just like water, it will make your skin bright and healthy. Marine collagen is great for us all, and adding it to your water is a perfect way to make drinking your water tasty!
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It’s not too late to make a new New Year’s resolution! The Indigo Hydration Challenge is underway and it’s a great opportunity to set aside some time and energy specifically towards drinking water. We are of the belief that New Year resolutions should be a challenge, but also obtainable. Drinking more water is a healthy way to improve your daily life for everyone! Join our hydration challenge today and get tips and motivation from us on your journey. Water is vital to our bodies, treat your body right, give it the water that it needs!
]]>Type I is the most common type of collagen, and it plays a role in tons of our bodily functions, as it makes up our bones, skin, blood vessel walls, tendons, and connective tissue. High amounts of it in our body can also assist in the wound-healing process. Of all the collagen in your body, 90% of it is this type. Because of its assistance in helping our skin, it plays a crucial role in keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. It plays a big part in building our structure, so this is certainly an important type of collagen. You are most likely to find this type in egg whites and other high protein meats – beef and fish being just two examples.
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Type II collagen is found primarily in elastic cartilage and promotes joint health. Cartilage doesn’t just make up your joints, though. It’s found in your nose, ears, and rib cage, among other places all over your entire body. Cartilage cushions your joints so they stay operational and fully intact, so it’s important not to neglect the health of your cartilage. This type of collagen is found in especially high amounts in chicken. One great way to get the collagen you need from chicken is by making your own bone broth out of leftover chicken bones. Give it a try and do some good for yourself!
This third type of collagen is what provides structure to our muscles. Occurring the second most frequently of the types of collagen and made primarily of reticular fibers, this type can also be found in our skin and our other organs. Like the first type, this collagen can help with skin health, and specifically keeping your skin elastic. This type of collagen is also found in high quantities in your intestines, and it is also part of the blood clotting process. This type of collagen is found in high amounts in beef products, and bone broth
The final key type of collagen is Type IV, which plays a vital role in the filtration process. Whether it’s for the largest external (or any!) organ, the skin, or your internal organs like your kidneys, this type serves also as the building blocks for the deep layer of skin that makes up the basement membrane. Cellular behavior can depend on this type, and it’s often difficult to find in supplement form. So while you can attempt to get enough through foods like eggs, especially egg whites, it can be much easier to find a supplement that can supply you with enough of all four types.
Indigo Collagen is the perfect marine collagen supplement for anyone looking to reap the benefits of collagen. With all these key health benefits, and with several different types of collagen, it can be important to make sure you are using a supplement that is keeping you provided with all four. Indigo Collagen’s Pure collagen is perfect as it is the rare case of a supplement providing you with not only Type IV collagen, and not just Type IV collagen, but four types of collagen. No matter who you are, everybody needs collagen!
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]]>Sustainability is something that matters a lot to us here at Indigo Collagen. Whether it’s our sustainable holiday gift guide (these are all still great gifts to give as a random act of kindness!) or our love of our new reusable glass water bottle, we think that cutting down on your carbon footprint can be an awesome way to try and make an impact on your own life as well as others in 2022. One great way to try and lead a more sustainable lifestyle is to see how much plastic waste you can cut out of your life. Keep track of every time to jilt plastic bags at the supermarket, or every time you fill up that water bottle instead of buying a plastic one. It all adds up and you will be able to see what a difference you are making!
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If you are going to have a new water bottle, why not get some use out of it! Setting a daily hydration goal for yourself can be a wonderful way to bring in the new year while pushing yourself to new health heights. There is no wrong way to hydrate, but we think that potentially monitoring how many times you refill your reusable water bottle, or tracking how many glasses of water you drink in a day can both be great ideas when it comes to deciding how you want to measure your hydration.
Join our 2022 Indigo Hydration Challenge!
Just simply leaping into a new hobby or skill can be extremely difficult and time-consuming. That’s why we think even just setting aside 10-15 minutes a day for whatever it may be you want to do more of in 2022 is a great new year’s resolution for anyone. It could be something you can do anywhere, like reading. Take ten minutes on your morning commute to read whatever book that has been teasing you from its perch on your shelf. Or, maybe it’s something that requires a little more learning, like chess or an instrument. Maybe take the first ten minutes after you finish working, either from home or when you get home, and dedicate it to doing that. It can also serve as a great way to unwind from your day at work and get you back in the mood to spend some quality time with your loved ones, or with yourself, after a day’s work.
Collagen has tons of external benefits in addition to internal, which makes it an ideal supplement for everyone, emphasizing why everyone should take marine collagen! Collagen helps keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy and revitalized. It can be tough enough to try and take care of one of those three on a regular basis is. Skincare routines are great and important for skin health, but it can be difficult to fit a longer one into a busy schedule. Likewise, keeping your hair healthy is also a lengthy process, and many do not know how to best keep their nails in tip-top shape. Collagen can supplement your daily or nightly routines and give those of you on the go a little extra boost during the day.
Those internal benefits are why we answer athletes and those who enjoy keeping active when we’re asked who should take marine collagen. Collagen is great at keeping your bones and joints healthy. Your bones are primarily made of collagen, and the collagen process begins slowing in your body at the age of 25. Boosting yourself up with a daily dose of collagen can keep your bone density level strong while aiding your body. Additionally, collagen can help maintain the structure of your cartilage, which helps to protect your joints. Boosting your collagen intake can keep your cartilage levels in good shape!
As we have now mentioned, everybody can benefit from marine collagen and getting some Indigo Collagen for themselves or their loved ones. Everyone can benefit and should take it, and it’s especially beneficial for athletes over the age of 25, but it’s also great and easy to add into a morning smoothie or baked goods for an added jolt of health. While Indigo Collagen’s great-tasting flavors are awesome on their own, our Pure Marine Collagen is the perfect option to scoop into a smoothie or stir into some batter to give yourself an extra health kick. Even if that might be a little too much to manage in the morning, it also goes great in tea and coffee, and your body will be thanking you later.
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We also want to say that marine collagen should be taken even by those who think they’re getting enough collagen in their daily diet. Indigo Collagen is the only collagen supplement with all four types of collagen, I through IV, in it. Usually, you would need to eat multiple different types of food to consume all four types of collagen, but with any of Indigo Collagen’s great options you will be getting all four of those vital collagen types to help with everything we have already outlined. With the holidays coming up, marine collagen is a great gift for those who should be taking it but might not know its benefits. Make it a sustainable holiday season and get one of our collagen and water bottle bundles, and help out a great cause in the Surfrider Foundation, as a portion of all bundles purchased will go to them. Everyone should be taking marine collagen, and everyone should be sharing the benefits of it!
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A great, cost-effective, piece of jewelry is these lovely bracelets from 4ocean. Made from recycled plastic, their beaded bracelets come in all different colors and are modeled after dozens upon dozens of ocean creatures. Every purchase made means that you are helping pull one pound of trash out of the ocean. In addition to that, these bracelets are made in Indonesia by an expert artisan, which means you are helping to create sustainable jobs for people around the globe. There are few better sustainable options this holiday season than these bracelets.
Now, more than ever, are we seeing plastic straws starting to fade away, and other options coming into the frame. Final Straw’s stainless steel straws are a perfect substitute for that one-use plastic, or even paper, straw. Collapsable and made of high-quality metal, Final Straw offers up a great option to keep you sipping any drink on the go while avoiding the spill hazard of drinking straight from a glass.
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Everyone needs a great reusable water bottle in their lives, and we always think that glass is the way to go. Even more sustainable than a reusable plastic water bottle, and the material that is guaranteed not to leak any chemicals into your beverage of choice now is the perfect time to give the gift of a great water drinking habit. Our glass water bottle is perfect for anyone looking to stay hydrated on the go and incorporate a little more water into their daily routine.
Auburn Jewelry is another excellent opportunity to provide the jewelry lovers in your life with a gorgeous new necklace while also showing support for good causes. We love their mini oyster heart charm necklace where 10% of proceeds from the necklaces sold will go to the Billion Oyster Project, which aims to restore oyster reefs in the New York Harbor. Each piece of jewelry is also handcrafted in the U.S. by trained artisans, so you’re supporting artistic workers while getting a great piece of jewelry out of it.
Another easy way to quick single-use plastics to the curb is by bringing your own tote bags to the grocery store. And what better way to do that then with a super fun, independent artist-designed, tote bog! Their tote bags, like this super cool ‘strawberry fields’ one are made of high-quality canvas material and come in three different sizes, which makes them perfect for whatever use you need for them. Whether it’s going to the beach, going to work, or going to the grocery store, this is a great sustainable option to carry your things in!
Another type of ‘single-use’ plastic that we may not even think about are plastic sandwich, gallon, or quart bags. That’s where Stasher comes in! These reusable silicone bags are not just cheap, but can also contribute to your sustainability efforts. Dishwasher, microwave, and freezer-ready, this is the perfect substitute for using up a whole box of single-use plastic bags for your lunch. Even better, they come in plenty of sizes to suit all of your food-packing needs and get you well on your way to crafting a more sustainable daily life.
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Last but certainly not least, we wanted to emphasize the importance of marine collagen in anyone’s life. Indigo Collagen comes from sustainable sources and also comes in a variety of great flavors. Collagen helps your body in tons of ways, including aiding in bone, joint, teeth, and hair health, giving your body an extra jolt of life. Collagen is the perfect way to round out your gift-giving, and it’s something that everyone on your list is sure to love!
]]>One of the most effective ways to understand just how bad plastic water bottles can be for the environment is by seeing the stats for yourself. According to EarthDay.org, humans buy roughly one million plastic water bottles a minute, and only 23% of those are recycled. In addition, 32% of the 78 million tons of plastic waste that humans produce are left to flow into oceans. Jilting those single-use plastics can be tough because they are so prominent in our lives, but starting by getting a great reusable water bottle and leaving plastic water bottles in the past can be a great way to help on your own!
A glass water bottle isn’t just awesome for the environment, but it’s also the best way to store any water or food. Water in a glass bottle isn’t affected at all by its container when it comes to taste or potential pollutants. Glass is chemical-free, dishwasher safe, and it’s made from all-natural materials, which means you can sleep soundly knowing that you are doing good to your body as well as the planet! Our glass water bottle is stylish and perfect for mixing in your favorite Indigo Collagen flavor!
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Why else should you switch to a reusable glass water bottle, and avoid plastics? Plastic water bottles use more oil in their production than a glass water bottle does -- and that goes for reusable plastic water bottles as well. Limiting your oil usage is also another way that you can limit your own carbon footprint, and kicking the plastic habit and switching to glass can be a quick and easy way to do it.
If the environmental effects and helping out your body aren’t enough, then consider the cost benefits that switching to a reusable water bottle can offer you. Our glass water bottle is just $20 before shipping. Your average case of water can cost anywhere from $3 to $6. If you drink about a case a water a week, it would take under two months for your reusable water bottle to pay for itself, and we can assure you that its lifespan is much longer than two months. You will save even more money if you buy a bottle of water from the vending machine at work or school every day for, say, $1.50. Using your new glass water bottle for two weeks at work would cancel out the cost there, as well! That’s just another reason to go green and go glass!
Buying a reusable water bottle for the looks of it certainly pales in comparison to the other reasons we outlined, but a good-looking water bottle can even be a fun accessory for you and your daily life the same way your bag or backpack, or purse can be! Our glass water bottle has a classy wooden twist top that’s easy to open and adds to the look of the glass. With it being both ethically sourced and great to look at, we’d call that a double whammy!
Making simple switches in our life to help the environment can be a great way to control the controllable in our own life when it comes to saving the planet. We love using our reusable water bottles! We think you will, too.
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- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup oats
- 2 scoops Indigo Marine Collagen
- 1 cup soaked dates
- 1 tsp vanilla + Pinch of Sea salt
- 1-2 tbsp milk, if needed
Filling:
- ¾ cup almond butter
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tsp vanilla + pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup
1. Combine all bae ingredients in a food processor, until a sticky dough forms. If your dough isn’t holding together, add 1 tbsp of plant milk or maple syrup at a time until a sticky dough has formed. Press into the bottom of a lined loaf pan.
2. Combine all filling ingredients in the food processor or blender until completely smooth Pour over the base.
3. Melt the chocolate. Dollop over the filling. Use a knife to swirl the chocolate into the filling.
4. Place in the freezer to set. Enjoy!
Self-care is very important and it’s something that we think everyone needs to practice. With Thanksgiving now having come and gone, and the December holidays just around the corner, it is, more than ever, important to show some self-love and some gratitude for yourself. That’s why this week we wanted to highlight four quick and easy ways to take care of yourself and show yourself some gratitude.
We all can use a little extra sleep. We know that especially around the holidays our sleep debt can get high with the late nights planning out meals, wrapping gifts, or just working a little extra to try and set ourselves up for an easier holiday period. Maybe it’s a weekend that you have nothing planned for, or it’s a day you might have off around the holidays, but it can be a great treat for yourself to sleep in a little extra when you have a day off. It’s a great way to catch up on your Z’s following a busy week or to just show yourself that you care.
With how busy the holiday period is with purchasing gifts for others and making sure everyone else is happy, sometimes one of the best ways to focus a little time on yourself is to get yourself a gift! We all know it’s better to give than receive, but here, you can give AND receive! Whether it’s something small or it’s a bigger item that you’ve been wanting and saving up for, carve out a little extra time and take yourself to the store to get that gift that you have been eyeing for the past month or two. Even if there is nothing, or it’s not in your budget at this moment, you can get yourself the gift of a self-care spa day at home, or a quiet night in. You don’t need to physically buy yourself a gift to give yourself a present, and that’s sometimes the way we like it!
One of the best ways to show yourself some love is by giving yourself the gift of marine collagen. Our marine collagen comes in four different flavors, including three rocking flavors that are great on their own, and our Pure option that is perfect as a mix-in with baked goods, smoothies, and much, much, more! Collagen is the perfect way to give yourself a gift because you are really doing right by your body by using it, and it’s got plenty of benefits for men, women, and athletes. Indigo Collagen is perfect for everyone because it improves the health of your skin, bones, teeth, joints, and can be part of a well-balanced diet to improve your overall health. Get your marine collagen today and see why everyone raves about its benefits.
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One of the most important, and best, ways of taking care of yourself is to put into words your kind actions towards yourself. We mentioned positive affirmations last week as a great way to show self-gratitude, and this is similar to that. Being honest to yourself about the great work that you do for yourself and others and being kind and gentle with yourself when you are feeling down are very good and easy ways to take care of yourself. Doing these little things can be a great reminder of the person you are and the kindness that you deserve from both yourself as well as others.
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