The most important thing about supplementing with collagen powder is to be consistent: it must be taken every day to get results. With this in mind, it's important to find a way to take your collagen that you enjoy. Learn how to get the most out of your collagen here.

Adashiko collagen powders have been developed with the consumer in mind, with no taste or odour, and a fine texture that dissolves effortlessly in any hot or cold food or beverage. Not sure which powder to take? Check out this post. We've put together a list of a few of our favourite ways to take collagen, but really, the possibilities are endless.

Bulletproof Coffee

Bulletproof coffee, or BPC, is gaining popularity due to its purported health benefits. The original BPC was black coffee blended with butter and/or MCT/coconut oil (no milk), and was designed to create mental focus, boost weight loss, and to buffer the effects of caffeine.

Adding collagen to your coffee is quick and easy. To create your own beauty-boosting bulletproof coffee, add two scoops of Adashiko, a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil, and a dash of milk of your choice (try coconut milk from a can for a creamy, delicious option). Whizz everything together in the blender and enjoy. The addition of collagen helps the coffee froth up beautifully.

Soup

A hearty, warming soup makes a delicious lunch or dinner through the colder months. Adding your collagen is easy and quick - stir two scoops through your serving. Our creative team came up with this tasty Chicken and Corn soup recipe that is sure to please the whole family.

½ tsp Black Pepper 
½ tsp Salt 
1 tsp Ground Coriander 
1 tsp Smoked Paprika 
1 tsp Ground Cumin 
400 g Chicken Thighs 
 
INGREDIENTS 
 
( Serves 4 – 6 ) 

Chilli Flakes 
2 TBS Olive Oil 
2 TBS Butter 
1 Brown Onion (finely diced) 
3-4 Cloves of Garlic (finely diced)  
½ Jar Olive Lady Pickled Green Chilli 
2 x Tin Cannellini Beans (rinsed and drained) 
1 x Tin Whole Corn Kernels (drained) 
4 C Chicken Bone Broth* 
200 g parmesan Cheese (grated) 
½ C Sour Cream 
1 x Lemon (juice and rind – finely grated) 
8 x scoops Adashiko Collagen Powder 
 
EXTRA TOPPINGS  
Coriander 
Sliced Jalapeno 
Spring Onion 
Microgreens 
Rocket 
 
METHOD 
 
In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with the cumin, paprika, coriander, all of the lemon rind and half of the lemon juice. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.  Heat the olive oil + butter in a large pot over a medium heat. Cook the thighs ( whole ) through ensuring all sides are browned ( approx. 6-8 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside. Cover with foil as it rests. 
 
To the leftover oil in the pan, add the onion – allow the onion to soften before adding the pickled green chillis and garlic. Cook for a few minutes and add in the chilli flakes. 
 
Turning up the heat slightly add in the beans, corn kernels, bone broth/stock. Bring the mixture to the boil, place the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in the Adashiko Collagen Powder until mixed through. 
 
Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the parmesan cheese until melted through. To lift the dish, squeeze the remaining half of the lemon juice and stir through. Stir in the sour cream. Top with desired toppings and serve.
 
SIDE NOTE : 
The Olive Lady Pickled Peppers (Chillis) are not spicy. They just add in a lovely tang + rounded flavour.

Supercharged Water

We're all told to drink more water, and it is advised to have a large glass of water first thing in the morning to rehydrate post-sleep. Why not make this first glass of water even more beneficial for your body? Add in two scoops of collagen and a dash of Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon juice to kickstart your digestion for the day (warm water is also good for digestion).

Baking

When we say our collagen can go into any food, we mean it, including cookies, slices, bliss balls, bread, cake, muffins - you name it! If you're taking collagen, chances are you are health conscious and opt for healthier versions of the above.

There are endless recipes online - be sure you work out how many scoops of collagen to add, so you get a therapeutic dose per serving. For instance, if you make six large bliss balls and plan to have one per day to get your collagen fix, you will need to add twelve scoops of collagen.

Quick Shot

Keen to get your collagen in super fast first thing in the morning? Try a quick shot: two scoops of Adashiko with a small amount of juice or water. For more health benefits you could add turmeric and ginger to your juice, or if you have a juicer, you could prep a batch every few days to mix with your collagen.

Watch this space for a special Adashiko juice recipe coming soon!

Superfood Chocolate

If like us, you have a sweet tooth, this healthy homemade chocolate will hit the spot. In a small saucepan, melt coconut oil and nut butter together on a low heat, and stir in cacao powder, Adashiko collagen, and your sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, or stevia all work well).

Add in your choice of goodies: try shredded coconut, chopped nuts, goji berries, cacao nibs, or dried fruit. Pour into a lined baking tray and set in the freezer. Break into shards and enjoy!

(Best stored in the freezer)

Do you have a collagen recipe or idea that you love? Or would you like to see a specific recipe from us? We'd love to hear from you - info@adashiko.com

Collagen is well-known as a beauty supplement, and for a good reason: skin, hair and nails all benefit significantly from a well-formulated collagen supplement. But while your collagen powder is reducing the signs of aging and helping your locks grow, it's also working wonders internally. Here are some of the lesser known effects of peptide collagen supplementation.

1. It helps you detox.

Detoxing is a real buzzword in the health world, but really, our bodies have everything they need to remove toxins; namely a liver and two kidneys. What we can do to help the process is to support the liver through a healthy diet (with lots of greens) and avoid loading our bodies with toxins like alcohol, chemicals, sugar, etc. Taking collagen can help because it is rich in glycine, an amino acid that has enormous healing and detoxification capabilities for the body. Glycine helps reduce damage as your liver processes toxins. This study even showed that glycine reduces liver damage and provide a protective effect on the liver long-term.


2. It has gut-healing properties.

Again, gut health is a favourite topic among the health conscious. Digestive issues are increasingly common, with so many of us suffering IBS or leaky gut (a condition where food particles and toxins pass through the damaged gut wall and create inflammation in the body). Having a healthy gut lining is essential to keep our digestive system functioning well, and to allow the nutrients in our food to be adequately absorbed.

Dr Axe, from the world's most popular natural health website www.draxe.com, states "the biggest digestive benefit of consuming more collagen is that it helps form connective tissue and therefore “seals and heals” the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Today, we know that many illnesses can actually be traced back to inflammation or irritation stemming from an unhealthy gut."

3. It helps you gain lean muscle.

Powerhouse glycine comes into play again here, helping your body to form new muscle and converting glucose into fuel for the process. Collagen is also an excellent post-workout product to add into a protein shake to help with muscle recovery.

4. It's a dream for painful joints.

This study found that collagen helped osteoarthritis sufferers manage pain and improve function, and also stated: "according to published research, orally administered collagen hydrolysate has been shown to be absorbed intestinally and to accumulate in cartilage."

High-dose collagen shows great promise as a future treatment for all kinds of joint disorders. "With its gel-like, smooth structure that covers and holds our bones together, collagen allows us to glide and move without pain. Think of ingesting more collagen like greasing a creaky door hinge: It helps your joints move more easily, reduces pain often associated with aging and even reduces the risk of joint deterioration." - Dr Axe

5. It supports heart health.

One study found subjects had reduced plaque buildup in their arteries as well as significantly reduced cholesterol after six months of collagen peptide supplementation. Another reason to get your daily collagen fix.


Of course, taking a substandard product won't yield results or have health benefits. Learn how to choose the perfect collagen supplement for you here.

What does it do?

When taken at the correct dosage and in the right form, collagen powder helps to replenish natural collagen stores. It does this by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. Collagen declines as we age, and this shows externally on our skin and is felt internally in our joints, ligaments, and connective tissue.

Taking a high-quality collagen product will help reduce visible signs of aging like wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of firmness, dullness etc. It will also stimulate nail and hair growth, and supports joint health among other things.

Which product would be best for me? 

ALL THREE of our powders – Pure, Ultra, and Joint support the following, and they also have individual additional benefits.

• Strong, fast-growing nails
• Thicker, more resilient hair
• Skin hydration and radiance
• A reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation
• Increased skin firmness all over the body
• Full-body support; healthy joints, ligaments, and fascia
• Healthy gut lining

Check out this blog post to find your perfect collagen supplement.

How do I take it? 

You can take your Adashiko powder however you like! Our unique formula easily dissolves into any hot or cold drink or food, meaning you can have it in water, coffee, tea, a smoothie, oats, hummus, soup, bliss balls, pancakes.... You name it.

Does it taste funny?

Unlike other collagen powders on the market, our specially designed formula is completely tasteless and odourless, even when mixed in water. It won't taint your food or beverage at all and is incredibly easy to take. 

Does it actually work?

It sure does! Because Adashiko collagen is hydrolysed - meaning it has a super low molecule size of 3000 Daltons - and high-strength, it is absorbed and utilised efficiently by the body. Some other brands lack the strength or the low molecule size to be effective, so always do your research.

While collagen supplements are still relatively new, and more studies need to be done, we receive constant feedback from our clients about the amazing results they have had using our products. Check out some testimonials on our Facebook page.

Can I use collagen if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Absolutely. Collagen can be hugely beneficial for pregnancy - check out this blog post for more information. We recommend our Pure Collagen, which is 100% peptide collagen (our other products contain additional ingredients). We also recommend you check with your doctor or midwife before taking any new supplement or medicine.

How long before I see results? 

We have had reports of results in as little as three weeks. The first things people generally notice are their nails grower faster and becoming stronger, and their hair doing the same. We recommend three to six months of consistent use to see optimal results.

How long do I need to take it for?

We like to think of collagen as a long-term anti-aging supplement. If you stop using it, your results will gradually diminish, so we recommend it become part of your daily routine on a permanent basis. Over time you will only notice more and more wonderful benefits.

Does it come in capsules? 

Some collagen products are available in capsules, but we have chosen a powder form so you can get the correct dosage (five grams per day). Depending on capsule size, you would need to take around ten per day to get the correct dose! A powder is absorbed better and is far easier to take.

With endless skin care brands and supplements on the market - not to mention the array of advice available to us, it can be near impossible to figure out how to take care of our skin. Beautiful skin requires a holistic approach; one that takes into account not only what you're using topically, but what you're putting into your body, and your lifestyle as a whole. Many skin issues are related to health problems (hormonal conditions, stress, allergies etc.), so focusing on health and wellness is a great starting point.

Work from the inside out

Everything you put into your body helps your body to create new cells: we literally are what we eat. A diet rich in good fats and antioxidants and low in sugar will help your skin - and your entire body - stay young. Correct hydration is also essential to keep the body functioning well.

There are many different ways of eating, and we all thrive on different foods. Regardless of whether you subscribe to a particular eating style, you can't go wrong choosing whole foods and focusing on eating plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and protein (from both animal and non-animal sources).

Taking quality supplements can also help our general health and skin immensely. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the choice of supplements available, and it can be downright confusing trying to figure out what to take. If you have a specific health condition - or skin condition - consider visiting a natural health practitioner like a naturopath, and/or your GP or a dermatologist.

If you want to improve your skin naturally, a fantastic starting point is peptide collagen (additional vitamin C is also an excellent anti-aging supplement). Our collagen stores decrease by around 1% each year as we age, causing visible signs of aging like wrinkles. Declining collagen levels can also affect our joints, ligaments, and connective tissue. Peptide collagen replaces collagen stores and stimulates fibroblasts (cells) to produce new collagen. Learn more about Adashiko peptide collagen here.

Topical products

If your bathroom is bursting with products, it could be time to take it back to basics. Using too many different products at one time increases your risk of skin reactions - think of how many ingredients are in each product alone! Fragrance, in particular, is particularly problematic for the skin. It doesn't matter if it's natural or synthetic, it can irritate the skin and even damage collagen and elastin. Try and limit fragranced facial products, especially if you have any skin conditions, acne, aging, or sensitive skin. Treating the skin gently and with care goes a long way in keeping it youthful. 

The essentials:

A gentle cleanser - avoid anything that foams and go for cleansing oils, milks, gels, or creams. Foaming cleansers strip away the natural oils from your skin, and can trigger more oil production.

When you cleanse or remove your makeup, avoid pulling and tugging at the skin to prevent sagging in later years. Ideally, your skin shouldn't move as you cleanse. 

An exfoliant - steer clear of abrasive scrubs which are highly irritating. Leave on exfoliants - like alpha hydroxy products - are fantastic. If you want to keep it simple, use a facecloth with your cleanser to very gently exfoliate your face.

A moisturiser with SPF - sun damage is a significant factor in skin aging. Always wear sun protection during the day! An easy way is to find a moisturiser with SPF included; there are many natural options available if you want to avoid chemical sunscreens.

If you wear foundation, choose a product that also contains SPF to add another layer of protection. Wear a hat and sunglasses at the beach, and avoid sunbathing at all costs. A tan may feel good now, but you WILL age faster and put yourself at risk of developing skin cancer. 

A treatment serum - serums deliver a concentrated nutrient boost to the skin and can be used alone or mixed with your moisturiser. Keep it super simple and choose a multitasking serum - like the Adashiko Collagen + Noni Gel. Reduce the signs of aging (wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of firmness), while hydrating and gently exfoliating. Learn more about this fantastic product here.

Why does our skin age?

Skin aging is due to internal factors that happen naturally (intrinsic), and external factors that we can control (extrinsic). The signs of aging occur when:

• Collagen and elastin break down. After the age of twenty, we produce around 1% less collagen each year. 

• Our cell turnover cycle lengthens, meaning it takes longer for new skin cells to be produced and older ones to slough off.

• Blood flow slows, and we get fewer nutrients to our skin.

• Our skin produces less sebum (oil) and natural moisturising factors. 

• We are exposed to environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, chemicals etc.

 Image from Healthy Skin Solutions

The signs of aging

• Enlarged pores
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dullness
• Rough and thickened skin texture
• Pigmentation 
• Loss of firmness and sagging skin

Prevention is key

So what can we do to slow the signs of aging? While we can't altogether avoid the natural aging process, we can protect our skin and give our bodies the fuel to boost skin (and full body) health.

Supplementing with a quality peptide collagen powder can increase and replace your natural collagen stores, helping you to fight aging and reduce some of the external signs. More clinical studies are being done on this amazing ingredient as it gains popularity. This study of more than 100 women aged between 45 and 65 years shows that daily supplementation of peptide collagen significantly reduces wrinkles after four weeks and leads to a significantly higher concentration of collagen in the skin.

Wearing a daily sunscreen is an excellent start, and if you're a smoker, quitting will be one of the best things you ever do for your skin - and your health.

Avoiding sugar, in particular, is an excellent choice to promote healthy aging in general. Sugar consumption - and in turn, high blood sugar - causes a process called glycation, which affects collagen and elastin (learn more about glycation here). 

Taking antioxidants like Vitamin C, and eating an antioxidant-rich diet can help reduce oxidative stress (from extrinsic factors).

How does Adashiko collagen work?

Pregnancy case study and testimonial