Category: Natural

Best Food Supplements for Hair Growth – How Collagen Helps

Lustrous, strong hair is often associated with good health and confidence. While topical hair care products can help, lasting improvements in hair quality often start from within. Nutrition plays a vital role in hair strength, shine, and growth. Among the wide range of food supplements available, collagen has proven to be a standout ingredient that not only benefits the skin but also significantly enhances hair health.

This article delves into the top food supplements for hair growth and highlights how collagen, particularly collagen peptides and beverages, can transform your hair care routine from the inside out.

What Influences Hair Growth?

Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein produced in hair follicles. For strong, healthy hair, your body requires the right nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Unfortunately, various internal and external factors can slow down this growth process, such as:

  • Nutritional gaps
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Chronic stress
  • Age-related changes
  • Environmental pollutants
  • Chemical hair treatments

Targeted nutritional supplements can help restore balance and nourish hair follicles, promoting growth and reducing breakage.

Top Supplements for Promoting Hair Growth

  1. Biotin (Vitamin B7)
    Biotin aids in the production of keratin. It’s widely used to strengthen the hair shaft and prevent thinning.
  2. Vitamin C
    This antioxidant vitamin supports collagen production and protects hair follicles from oxidative stress.
  3. Iron
    Iron is essential for transporting oxygen to cells, including hair roots. Low iron levels are closely linked to hair thinning.
  4. Zinc
    Zinc helps with cell regeneration and supports the oil glands around hair follicles to keep them nourished.
  5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
    These healthy fats found in fish oil contribute to a healthy scalp environment and improve hair elasticity.
  6. Collagen Peptides
    Collagen provides essential amino acids that help strengthen hair and improve scalp health. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are particularly effective due to their high absorption rate.

The Role of Collagen in Hair Health

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that makes up a large part of our skin, bones, and connective tissues. It’s also a powerful beauty supplement for improving hair strength and appearance. Here’s how collagen contributes to healthier hair:

  1. Delivers Key Amino Acids
    Hair is made of keratin, which is built from amino acids. Collagen, especially when hydrolyzed, supplies the body with glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline – all essential for keratin production.
  2. Enhances Scalp Integrity
    Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Collagen supports the skin structure of the scalp, improving circulation and creating an ideal environment for hair to grow.
  3. Fights Free Radical Damage
    Environmental toxins and stress can cause oxidative damage that weakens hair follicles. Collagen has antioxidant properties that help protect and rejuvenate them.
  4. Slows Signs of Aging
    With age, natural collagen levels decline. This can lead to thinning hair. Supplementing with collagen may slow down this aging process and maintain hair volume and texture.
  5. Promotes Stronger, Thicker Hair
    By strengthening the hair shaft and improving elasticity, collagen helps reduce breakage and split ends, resulting in fuller-looking hair.

Why Collagen Food Supplements Make a Difference

Ingestible collagen comes in several forms: powders, capsules, and ready-to-drink beverages. Here’s why collagen food supplements are especially effective:

  • Enhanced bioavailability: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are easily absorbed and used by the body.
  • Easy to consume: Collagen powders can be added to drinks, soups, or smoothies.
  • Combined formulas: Many supplements also include biotin, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid for a more comprehensive approach.

Collagen Beverages: A Convenient Option

Collagen drinks have gained popularity as they offer a fast and enjoyable way to get your daily dose of collagen. They’re often enhanced with fruit flavors, vitamins, or additional nutrients that promote skin and hair health.

The Japanese Advantage: Why Choose Marine Collagen from Japan

Not all collagen is created equally. Japanese collagen, especially marine collagen derived from fish, is renowned for its purity, safety, and superior absorption. A standout product in this category is Ikigen Premium Marine Collagen, made in Japan using advanced technology and sustainable fish sources.

Key benefits of Japanese marine collagen include:

  • Sourced from deep-sea fish with minimal exposure to pollutants
  • Lower molecular weight for optimal absorption
  • Free from allergens, additives, and heavy metals
  • Manufactured under strict quality control standards (ISO, HACCP, GMP)
  • Backed by clinical studies to ensure efficacy

Using a high-quality product like Ikigen ensures your body receives collagen in its most potent form, enhancing hair, skin, and overall wellness.

How to Use Collagen for Hair Benefits

  • Dosage: 5 to 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen per day is typically recommended.
  • Timing: Collagen can be taken at any time, but some prefer it in the morning or before bed.
  • Consistency: Visible improvements often appear after 4-8 weeks of regular use.

Complement your collagen intake with a nutritious diet, regular hydration, stress management, and proper sleep to maximize results.

Wrapping Up: Collagen’s Contribution to Hair Health

If you’re searching for the best food supplement for hair growth, collagen stands out for good reason. It supports keratin production, enhances scalp health, combats free radicals, and strengthens hair from root to tip. Whether taken as a powder, capsule, or collagen beverage, this protein offers real, long-term benefits for hair vitality.

For optimal results, choose a high-grade supplement like Ikigen Premium Marine Collagen, which combines Japanese innovation, purity, and performance.

Your journey to healthier, fuller, and stronger hair starts from within – and collagen is the secret weapon to get you there.

Why Collagen is the Secret to Glowing Skin

When it comes to achieving glowing, youthful skin, most people focus on external skincare products. But the true foundation of healthy skin lies much deeper—within the body. Collagen, the most abundant protein in our system, plays a vital role in maintaining skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity. Understanding how collagen works and how to replenish it effectively can be the game-changer your skincare routine needs.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein that forms the connective tissues in your skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. In skin specifically, it acts as the scaffolding that keeps everything firm and smooth. As we age, collagen production naturally declines—often beginning in our mid-20s. This leads to common signs of aging like fine lines, dryness, and sagging skin.

Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, and stress can further accelerate collagen breakdown. To maintain healthy, glowing skin, replenishing lost collagen becomes essential.

Top Collagen Benefits for Skin:

  1. Improves Elasticity and Firmness
    Collagen gives skin its structure and bounce. With regular supplementation, it helps the skin maintain firmness, reducing sagging and improving overall texture.
  2. Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines
    Hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in the dermis layer, visibly reducing wrinkles over time.
  3. Boosts Skin Hydration
    Collagen enhances moisture retention in the skin. Well-hydrated skin appears plumper, more radiant, and youthful.
  4. Supports Healing and Repair
    It plays a key role in skin regeneration, helping to heal wounds, acne scars, and sun damage.
  5. Enhances Overall Glow
    By improving the structure and function of the skin, collagen gives it a smoother texture and healthier appearance.

Why Marine Collagen is Best for Skin?

Among different collagen sources—bovine, porcine, and marine—marine collagen stands out for skin health. Sourced from fish, marine collagen has a smaller molecular structure, making it more bioavailable. This means it is absorbed faster and more effectively by the body. Marine collagen is also rich in Type I collagen, the type predominantly found in the skin. This makes marine collagen peptides particularly effective in restoring skin elasticity and hydration.

The Power of Collagen Powder for Skin

Collagen powder is an easy and effective way to boost collagen levels. It’s odorless, tasteless, and can be mixed into drinks like coffee, smoothies, or plain water.

The best collagen powders are hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen is broken down into smaller peptides for quicker absorption. Many also include vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis in the body.

Why Choose Collagen Powder Made in Japan?

Japanese collagen is widely recognized for its exceptional purity, safety, and effectiveness. Products like Ikigen Premium Marine Collagen are manufactured in Japan under strict standards including ISO, GMP, and HACCP certifications.

Here’s what sets Japanese collagen apart:

  • High-quality raw materials: Sustainably sourced fish collagen
  • Low molecular weight: Ensures better absorption
  • Additive-free: No allergens, heavy metals, or unnecessary fillers
  • Clinically supported: Backed by scientific research

Ikigen Premium Marine Collagen is an excellent example of Japanese excellence. It combines low-molecular-weight hydrolyzed peptides with a clean, safe formula designed for maximum skin benefits.

How to Use Collagen Powder for Skin Benefits

Consistency is key when using collagen supplements. Most users see visible improvements within 4-8 weeks. Here’s how to incorporate it into your daily routine:

  • Take 5–10g of hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides daily
  • Mix it into your morning coffee, smoothie, or even water
  • Combine with foods rich in vitamin C (like citrus fruits) for better absorption

You can also pair collagen with hyaluronic acid or biotin for an extra glow boost.

Natural Ways to Boost Collagen

In addition to supplementation, you can support your body’s natural collagen production through:

  • Eating collagen-rich foods like bone broth and fish skin
  • Consuming nutrient-dense foods high in vitamin C, zinc, and copper
  • Avoiding excessive sun exposure
  • Reducing sugar and processed food intake
  • Getting adequate sleep and hydration

A Holistic Approach to Glowing Skin

Collagen is only part of the story. To achieve long-term results, adopt a full skincare and wellness routine:

  • Cleanse and moisturize your face daily
  • Wear sunscreen to protect against UV damage
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants
  • Exercise regularly to promote circulation

Combining lifestyle habits with collagen powder supplementation leads to better, longer-lasting skin results.

Conclusion: Glow From Within

Radiant skin doesn’t come from just what you apply on the surface—it starts from within. Collagen is the foundational protein that keeps your skin smooth, elastic, and hydrated. As your body’s collagen production slows with age, supplementing with high-quality marine collagen peptides becomes an essential step.

Choosing a reliable, pure source like collagen powder made in Japan, especially from trusted brands like Ikigen, ensures you get the maximum benefits. Marine collagen peptides are highly bioavailable and especially effective in restoring skin health and glow.

If glowing, youthful skin is your goal, incorporating collagen powder into your daily wellness routine could be the best-kept secret to radiant beauty.

FAQs about Collagen

Collagen FAQs

Nowadays the famous buzzing word “collagen”, is often related to beautiful skin, and anti-ageing but many people aren’t aware of what exactly collagen is and its benefits.

Today let’s help you to get a better idea of what collagen is and how it adds value to our well-being. 

Collagen is found throughout the body and is the most abundant protein in the human body and is as diverse as it is multifunctional, making up 30 per cent of your body tissue and 70 % of your skin tissue. It is often referred to as the glue of the body. 

Collagen has numerous structural properties but also plays a vital role in the repair of almost all the body’s tissues. Some diseases are directly linked to lacking this essential protein. Depending on which part of the body it is located, collagen serves different purposes.

Health Benefits of Collagen

There are many health benefits of collagen far beyond just looking better. Collagen does the following.

  • Improves and strengthens your hair, skin, teeth, and nails
  • Helps repair leaky gut
  • Reduces or prevents joint pain and acts as an anti-inflammatory
  • Increase metabolism and muscle mass 
  • Provides better quality sleep
  • Help supports your liver and detox system.

What causes a deficiency of collagen in our body?

  • Normal ageing- It is estimated that after the age of 30, collagen production could decrease by 1% a year, so by age 50, the body could lose 20% of its capacity to produce collagen. 
  • Injury- In specific areas of the body such as muscles and joints, when the body sustains an injury, it utilizes its resources to heal the injury. If the body is already lacking in collagen, it can further exacerbate the deficiency. 
  • Lifestyle ageing- Sun damage, smoking, drugs, alcohol, processed foods, sickness, and more can have a drastic negative effect on the body’s ability to produce collagen.

There are a few myths that you cannot restore your body’s own collagen, but the truth is we can replenish our collagen levels by intake of dietary supplements and active ingredients found in creams and lotions and by having laser and other similar types of skin treatments

So, how can we add collagen to our lifestyle?

Eating collagen-rich foods or supplements that boost and replenish collagen production may also help create the building blocks (amino acids). 

Why is collagen necessary to our body?

Collagen supplements can help make your bones denser, slowing the ageing process that makes them brittle and helping your body to produce new bone. Oral collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity for older people. They might also help to lessen wrinkles. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues, to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals

What are the sources of collagen supplements?

The basic sources of collagen are 

  • Bovine-from cow/beef,
  • Marine-fish skin, scales, and bones
  • Porcine-pig

What is meant by Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen?

Hydrolyzed marine collagen means the protein has been broken down into individual amino acids which are easier for the body to absorb. Collagen serves to help repair tissue and also functions in various roles throughout the body

Are collagen supplements safe?

Collagen supplements have been safely used for many years with no evidence of negative side effects. Since collagen is basically just protein, there’s no reason to think it would be harmful to the body, as long as the supplements come from a reputable brand with good manufacturing practices and standards. Check the label to make sure there aren’t any added ingredients you don’t want. Some collagen supplements and powders are flavoured and sweetened, some include additional health ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, or herbs, and some will have artificial additives or unwanted fillers.

How does collagen help pets and animals?

Collagen also plays an important role in the food for cats, and dogs, and feed for cattle. they too need all the love, care, and nutrition to carry on their day-to-day activities and to add that sparkle to our lives. 

  • Delays the signs of ageing in your pets and boosts health
  • Maintains good joint health and promotes mobility
  • Gives a lustrous shiny coat and healthy skin thus
  • They shed less hair and are less itchy
  • Repairs and soothes their gut lining
  • Improves their digestive health

Hope you enjoyed reading the blog and it answered your questions. Although if you have more questions about Marine Collagen, its benefits, consumption, etc. comment down below and we will answer them. Until then stay tuned!

Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements seem to be taking the world by storm. They have become a notable candidate in the protein supplement market and are quickly rising to the top of the list regarding what supplements people are buying.

Despite the rise in its popularity, there are many questions around for instance what collagen supplements are, what they do, and whether they work or not.

There have been lots of reliable studies, and some results have been very encouraging. 

HOW COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS WORK?

Your body is filled with cells that have specific jobs to keep your system working smoothly, Fibroblasts are cells with a significant job: They produce collagen.

In order to make things happen, fibroblasts need access to amino acid building blocks—such as the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.

Collagen supplementation gives your cells the amino acids they need to continue doing what they do best: make more collagen.

You’ll usually find collagen supplements in powder form like Ikigen serves to its customers, called hydrolyzed collagen peptides—another name for collagen protein powder. “Hydrolyzed” means the collagen has been broken down into a smooth, light powder that is easier for your body to digest and use.

DO COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS WORK? 

WHAT DOES SCIENCE SAY? 

Collagen is linked to several health benefits. Some of these have been heavily researched and can be backed by scientific evidence,

Some of the claimed health benefits with studies to support them include:

Skin health

A large number of people who take collagen supplements do so for the benefits of their skin. Collagen supplements can help slow down the ageing process by improving skin elasticity, boosting moisture levels, and reducing wrinkles. A study published in the Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals and a similar study conducted by the Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Germany confirmed collagen supplements are beneficial to skin health, The study revealed several women who drank a collagen supplement containing hydrolyzed collagen, actually showed significant improvements in their skin’s hydration and elasticity.

Cellulite Reduction

A large number of women over the age of 20 suffer from cellulite, and many supplements have been tried to find one that can reduce the orange peel appearance of the skin. One study of women with moderate cellulite took marine collagen peptide for six months. They showed a significant decrease in the degree of cellulite and reduced skin waviness on their thighs. The study reported that collagen treatment worked in average-weight and overweight women.  

Bone Strength

As we age, it’s not only our skin that loses its strength and structure. Our bones are made up of collagen and its production decreases, making bones weaker. A study revealed taking marine collagen can help prevent bone deterioration. The combined supplement may also improve bone mineral density to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. 

Digestive Health

People who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may benefit from collagen supplements. Some amount of research has been completed in this area.

Heart Health

Atherosclerosis is a disease caused by the build-up of plaque inside the arteries. A small six-month trial of marine collagen peptide could reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis with a reduction in artery stiffness and reduced levels of bad cholesterol.

Muscle mass

We lose muscle mass as we age, but a doctor may diagnose sarcopenia if a patient suffers significant muscle loss and strength. In a study elderly men with sarcopenia were given 15 grams of collagen while completing a 12-week exercise program. They gained notably more muscle mass and strength than men who only exercised. 

Mental health

Some people claim collagen supplements have improved their mental health by decreasing anxiety and improving mood. A study has found collagen can protect brain cells against amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteins which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have also linked glycine and schizophrenia. Around one-third of collagen is made up of glycine, a non-essential amino acid. Which can improve general psychiatric symptoms and improve sleep.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, collagen supplements do have some health benefits, and the results from the studies sound promising.

Also, the available result has not shown any side effects in people given collagen supplements, which is proof of their safety and harmlessness. 

10 Ways to Boost Natural Collagen Production

10 Ways to Boost Natural Collagen Production

Collagen is a protein that can help keep the skin looking smooth. As age and other factors reduce collagen levels, the skin loses its elasticity, and lines can form.

The body produces collagen naturally, but as people get older, the amount and quality of collagen fall. One result of this is lines and wrinkles in the skin.

Here, find out what collagen is, how it affects the skin, and what approaches may help boost it.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant type of protein in the body and a key component of the skin.

It is present in numerous tissues, including muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and the digestive system. It plays a key role in many bodily functions, including wound healing.

Ways to boost collagen

Many people are looking into ways of boosting collagen in the skin to stop wrinkles and other signs of skin aging. Here are some options.

1. Collagen supplements

Collagen is a protein found in connective tissues in your body. It is located in your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Its main job is to help tissues withstand stretching.

As you age, your body makes less collagen. Some people try to restore collagen by taking collagen supplements.

Collagen supplements may benefit some parts of the body, including aging skin, bone density, and joint health.

2. Hyaluronic acid

Collagen Cream with Hyaluronic acid is a compound that helps promote collagen production.

Dermal fillers, which aim to reduce lines in the skin, often contain hyaluronic acid. A combination of hyaluronic acid and a purified polynucleotide helps in boosting the amount and quality of collagen in the skin and enhances skin elasticity.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential trusted source for the production of collagen. A vitamin C deficiency can lead to low collagen levels, resulting in a potentially serious condition known as scurvy.

Symptoms of scurvy include:

  • gum problems
  • skin symptoms
  • problems with wound healing

The human body cannot make vitamin C, so people need to get it from the diet.

4. Aloe vera gel

People often use aloe vera gel to treat the skin after sunburn or ease a rash. Aloe vera contributes to the growth of cells that benefit the skin.

People can use products containing aloe vera as a topical cream or gel or an oral supplement.

5. Ginseng

Ginseng is a plant with a wide range of possible health benefits. Ginseng increases the amount of collagen in the bloodstream.

Ginseng has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Red ginseng may reduce the stiffness of fibroblasts, part of the structure of collagen. It may help improve the elasticity of the skin. 

People can use ginseng in tea, tinctures, and collagen supplements.

6. Cashews 

Being rich in copper and zinc, cashews aid in boosting the body’s capacity to boost collagen. 

7. Antioxidants-Rich Food

Not all antioxidants can boost collagen, but they can surely help the existing ones function effectively. They protect and revitalise the skin. You can include green tea, cinnamon, liquorice extract, blueberries, pomegranate extract, and other food items that are rich in antioxidants in your diet as often as possible.

8. Garlic

It is high in sulfur, a trace mineral that helps generate and prevent collagen breakdown. Trace minerals are essential minerals that are required in tiny quantities by the body. 

9. Limit Your Added Sugar Intake

A diet rich in sugar promotes the formation of advanced glycation end products (aptly called AGEs) that break down collagen, says Chwalek. Limit sugar consumption by reading the back of food labels and looking at either the “added sugar” line in the nutrition label or reading the ingredient list.

10. Retinol and other carotenoids

Carotenoids, such as retinol and beta carotene, are antioxidants that can help boost skin health. They are derivatives of vitamin A.

Research indicates that topical retinoids may help protect the skin from sunlight by preventing UV rays from breaking down collagen.