What is Happy Collagen?
Happy Collagen is by far one of the best collagen supplements on the market today. It’s naturopathically blended with prebiotics, probiotics, potent skin healing antioxidants and collagen peptides. Collagen peptides constitute 95% of human skin and show abundant and powerful benefits in wound healing, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, bone remodeling, muscle repair, intestinal health, vaginal/uterine/pelvic structural support as well as the aesthetic perks of nourishing your hair and nails. There’s a LOT of benefits when it comes to collagen peptides.
Collagen is an abundant protein in animals, and collagen peptides are amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine). Collagen conjoins connective tissues. Think of it as a support net or building block for all of your cellular structures—literally, for everything.
You can read more about what collagen peptides are.
What's in Happy Collagen?
Here’s why we are in LOVE with our Happy Collagen formula. This magical potion consists of the following ingredients.
CollagenHappy Collagen contains Grass Fed Bovine Collagen. The reason for this is it contains predominantly types 1 and 3 collagen which are the primary forms of collagen in the skin. Marine collagen for example only contains type 1. So it is important you get the right form of collagen for optimal skin health.
ZincZinc is a well known healing agent and involved in over 200 enzymatic pathways in the body so essential for overall health. Zinc helps to build skin immunity and is involved in the repair processes in the skin.
PomegranatePomegranates are one of the healthiest foods in the world. This beautiful fruit is a potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and immune modulator. Pomegranate enhances every aspect of your health, including nourishment and healing for cardiovascular, viral, inflammatory, metabolic, microbial, intestinal, reproductive and skin diseases. Pomegranate yields exorbitant amounts of vitamins such as A, C, E as well as antioxidants.
HibiscusThis cooling flower is excellent for menopausal hot flushes or for those who just run hot. It has quite an affinity for central nervous and cardiovascular system invigoration. Hibiscus may help to reduce atherosclerosis, diabetes, pathogenic overgrowths, liver congestion and skin inflammation, which is why it is the perfect collagen powder ingredient. Hibiscus is 85% total anthocyanins (major antioxidant), making it impressive at supporting the vascular and skin systems.
BeetrootDid you know that beetroot has been reported as one of the top ten vegetables with the strongest antioxidant activity? This is due to the antioxidant betalain (this is what gives beetroot its gorgeous purple/red colour) and numerous other antioxidant compounds such as nitrates. Beetroot may reduce cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and cognition issues. It’s excellent for enhancing libido, penile dysfunction, wound healing, red blood cell development and immunity. People with anaemia, muscle weakness and chronic fatigue would highly benefit from beetroot’s health benefits which is why we include it in our Happy Collagen supplement.
Our next collagen powder ingredient is acerola fruit which contains an exorbitant amount of ascorbic acid in the range of 1500–4500 mg/100 g (around 50–100 times more than an orange or lemon). Just 3 acerola cherries per day would be sufficient for the adult dietary intake of Vitamin C. These delicious fruits are abundant in skin-loving nutrients such as Vitamin A, iron, calcium and B-vitamins.
Elderberry extractElderberry substantially protects against skin oxidative stressors and is a naturally rich source of quercetin, and rutin. Quercetin and rutin are excellent immune modulators that are ideal for histamine-induced inflammation (e.g. psoriasis, hayfever, recurring headaches, viral infections, hives, and itchy skin). Elderberry enhances liver detoxification and reduces histamine-inducing enzymes that cause uncomfortable signs and symptoms!
Probiotic blend
- Lactobacillus reuteri can increase dermal thickness and oily skin
- Lactobacillus paracasei can improve skin sensitivity and barrier function
- It has also been reported that Bifidobacterium longum strains are amazing for skin rejuvenation
- The bacterial probiotics Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have been shown to exert beneficial effects on overall skin health and glow, particularly via immune modulation and promoting anti-inflammatory pathways (super histamine related)
Probiotics are very important for skin health however you need to feed them. Otherwise supplemental probiotics are very temporary. Every ingredient in Happy Collagen listed here, apart from the collagen, act as a prebiotic for the probiotics to feed on. We also included a substance called PHGG which means partially hydrolysed guar gum. It is a new ingredient that has been clinically shown to build probiotics numbers as a food source. A healthy digestive system is critical for healthy skin.
RosehipRosehips is a collagen powder ingredient that contains vitamins A, C plus essential fatty acids. Vitamin A protects the skin from sun damage, aids skin repair, reduces fine lines, deep wrinkles and pigmentation. Rosehips are loaded with lycopene and beta carotene. These pigments promote skin health, cellular turnover, plumping, and significantly reduce hyperpigmentation.
Maitake & ShiitakeThese medicinal mushrooms comprise antioxidants and key anti-inflammatory compounds that help nurture and lessen skin problems. The kojic acid in maitake and shiitake are renowned to lighten and brighten skin. Kojic acid is a natural alternative to dangerous, toxic, chemical skin lighteners, such as hydroquinone (which has recently been linked to skin cancer).
Burdock RootBurdock root is known for its antitumor, anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, neuroprotective, liver protective and stress regulatory properties. It’s kind of a big deal in the herbal world, especially for skincare. Burdock is an excellent collagen powder ingredient for reducing inflammation within the skin's dermal layers; its perfect for reducing boils, acne, itching, redness and rashes. This is great for wound healing, diminishing scars, hyperpigmentation and premature aging.
HorsetailHorsetail is traditionally known to strengthen hair as strong as a ‘horse's tail’, hence its name. It contains several hair fortifying minerals such as silicon, potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, E, and C. The heightened silicon levels in horsetail improve collagen production, blood vessel walls, and accelerate wound healing. If you’re looking for hair, skin and nail support - we LOVE horsetail.
Schisandra is a well-established adaptogen and tonic in the herbal world and is included in our Happy Collagen supplement. It’s ideal for enhancing physical and mental stamina, day/night vision, reducing fatigue and inflammatory skin conditions. Schisandra can help to reduce P. acnes bacterium and overactive mast-cell stimulation, a key driver behind dermatitis and allergic skin reactions.
Nettle leavesNettle is a superior herb when it comes to supporting the urinary tract, jaundice, heavy or prolonged periods, arthritis and rheumatism. Nettle is powerful in reducing aches, pains, UTIs, bladder incontinence and inflammation. This potent little herb is frequently used for the treatment of anemia and weaknesses as it can increase iron-binding capacity, red cell folate and vitamin B12.
ChlorellaChlorella is a skin and body superfood. Chlorella deeply cleanses the blood, balances hormones, improves skin tissue and so much more (we seriously love chlorella for detoxing the skin). Chlorella is one of the most condensed vegan sources of protein boasting a whopping 60%, including most of the essential amino acids that you need to thrive. This super alga contains naturally occurring D-mannose and N-acetylgalactosamine, perfect for inhibiting candida overgrowth and immune disrupting pathogens.
MatchaMatcha provides 137 times the amount of antioxidants compared to green tea (yowza!), making it an incredible skin and complexion brightening collagen powder ingredient. Matcha provides incredible alkalising benefits to the body by restoring healthy blood pH, reducing inflammatory processes and ensuring adequate cell turnover.
Gooseberry aka Amla berriesGooseberries are argued as ‘the most important medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine’ as well as being ‘nature's gift to humans’ given its extensive treatment capacity.
Various research indicates this cooling herb may:
- Protect the liver, cardiovascular system and reduce cholesterol
- Improve cognition and memory recall
- Improve insulin resistance
- Significantly improve wound healing and skin barrier function
- Reduce skin rashes, itching, and dermatological conditions e.g. eczema, acne, dermatitis, and histamine reactions
- Improve iron absorption and utilisation
- Repair DNA damage, particularly, within skin dermal layers
- Improve lung health conditions such as asthma and bronchitis
- Promote healthy ovulation and hormonal communication
- Increase libido and reduce vaginal inflammation (particularly, vaginal burning)
Camu Camu is abundant in carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and vitamin C (yep - all of the very best antioxidants mother nature can offer). Per 5g, Camu camu yields a whopping average of 200 to 700 mg of vitamin C! Kind of insane. Camu Camu is admiringly nurturing for inflammatory skin lesions, osteoarthritis, elevated liver enzymes, obesity and diabetes.
So there you have it, all the reasons why we LOVE our Happy Collagen blend. We hope you love it, too!
REFERENCES
Akan S, Gunes NT & Erkan M. (2021). (2021). Red Beetroot: Health benefits, production techniques and quality maintaining for food industry. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 45(1).
Belwal et al. (2018). Phytopharmacology of Acerola ( Malpighia spp. ) and its potential as functional food. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 74(7):99-106.
Bourgeois et al. (2016). Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a source of antioxidant and anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetic applications. Comptes Rendus Chimie, 19(9).
Caruso et al.(2020). Pomegranate: Nutraceutical with Promising Benefits on Human Health. Applied Sciences, 10(19), 6915.
Chang SK, Alasalvar C, Shahidi F. (2018). Superfruits: Phytochemicals, antioxidant efficacies, and health effects – A comprehensive review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(10):1580-1604.
Milton-Laskibar I, Martinez JA, Portillo MP. (2021). Current Knowledge on Beetroot Bioactive Compounds: Role of Nitrate and Betalains in Health and Disease. Foods, Jun; 10(6): 1314.
Hora JJ, Maydew ER, Lansky ER, Dwivedi C. (2013). Chemopreventive Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil on Skin Tumor Development in CD1 Mice . Journal of Medicinal Food, 6(3):157-61.
Kandylis P & Kokkinomagoulos E. (2020). Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate and its Derivatives. Foods, Feb; 9(2): 122.
Kochman et al(2020). Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules, Jan; 26(1): 85.
Lolou V & Panayiotidis MI. (2019). Functional Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Skin Health and Disease. Fermentation, 5(2):41.
McLoughlin et al. (2021). Skin Microbiome—The Next Frontier for Probiotic Intervention. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, Aug 12.
Michalak M, Pierzak M, Kręcisz B, Suliga E. (2021). Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review. Nutrients, Jan;13(1):203.
Montalvo-González et al (2022). Physiological Effects and Human Health Benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa: A Review of Clinical Trials. Pharmaceuticals, 15:464.
Patel S. (2017). Rose hip as an underutilized functional food: Evidence-based review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 63:29-38.
Prakash A & Baskaran R. (2018). Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiers. Journal of Food Science and Technology, Sep;55(9):3373-3384.
Riaz G & Chopra R. (2018). A review on phytochemistry and therapeutic uses of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Jun;102:575-586.
Saeedi M, Eslamifar M, Khezri K. (2019). Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. Feb;110:582-593.
Viuda-Martos M, Fernández-López J, Pérez-Álvarez JA. (2010). Pomegranate and its Many Functional Components as Related to Human Health: A Review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, Nov;9(6):635-654.
Vujanović et al. (2020). Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) juice as a novel functional product rich in health-promoting compounds. RSC Advances, 10:4805-44814.
