Beauty supplement powders have been filling up our Instagram feeds of late.
With promises of glowy skin, improved gut health, and even weight management, there is a magic potion on the market to help target your concerns.
BD spoke with The Natural Nutritionist, Steph Lowe, to get the 411 on how our body processes beauty powders, the different ways we can use them (if adding to plain water isn't your vibe), and what vitamins we should be ingesting through winter.
How does our body process powder supplements compared to tablets or capsules? What are the advantages?
Powders have naturally higher absorption rates and higher bioavailability of nutrients. A pure powder means a gram for gram dose, allowing optimal levels to be supplemented and for it to be easily hidden in food and beverages. As powders are more concentrated, a smaller more economical dose is needed when compared to capsules.
What are some ways we can use powders daily?
Powders can easily be mixed with plain water, or combined in smoothies or yoghurt.
What are the skincare and health benefits of taking vitamin C, specifically in the cooler months?
Vitamin C is efficient in helping to treat and prevent dry skin, which is a common side effect of the change in season. The main role of vitamin C is to prevent oxidative damage caused by sun, pollution and toxin exposure.
What other vitamins would you recommend to take during winter?
Zinc
Zinc is essential for virtually all elements of immune function as it is required for the optimal function of white blood cells, cytokine production and phagocytosis, a Pac-man-like process where cells engulf harmful bacteria and foreign material. Due to its antioxidant nature, zinc also acts similarly to vitamin C and offsets reactive oxygen species which would otherwise damage immune cells. Adequate zinc intake is vital to decrease your susceptibility to infection.
Olive leaf extract
Derived from an olive plant, olive leaf extract contains the active ingredient, oleuropein. Not only is olive leaf extract a rich source of vitamin C but it is antimicrobial, antiviral and antimicrobial in nature. This in turn stimulates the immune system and inhibits the growth of viruses, bacteria and fungi. Interestingly, olive leaf extract can directly attack infected cells and stop viral replication.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating immunity. By inducing our innate immune system and triggering an antimicrobial response it acts to protect the body from bacterial and viral agents. When exposed to pathogens, adequate vitamin D enables you to quickly fight off these invaders before it becomes a full-blown infection.
Beta Glucan
An immune modulator, beta glucan acts to raise your immune response to infection. This allows you to natural fight off infections. Beta glucan, derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is considered to be the best form of beta glucan for overall immune health.
As well as expert advice, we have rounded up the hottest brand offerings on the market, to add to your daily wellness routine.
Melrose Health Essential C + Immune is a unique blend of vitamin C, zinc, olive leaf extract and vitamin D designed to boost immunity needs, strengthen skin integrity and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles from within.
Bioglan Inner Glow Collagen Beauty Chewables is a new addition from the brand that combines skin nourishing collagen with hydrating coconut water. The natural berry flavoured chewable button is formulated with natural vitamin C from acerola, native Kakadu plum, Davidson plum and zinc from guava, and contains no added sugar.
Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Powder has no taste, smell or flavour, and quickly and completely dissolves in water, juice, smoothies, shakes and soups. It can also be added to cooking and baking, making it easy and convenient. Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Powder with VERISOL™ bioactive collagen peptides provides a great way to get your burst of collagen goodness, and helps nourish and assist the appearance of skin for wellbeing and vitality.
Skin Physics Collagen Beauty Elixir is formulated with 100 per cent natural ingredients, including marine collagen, super berries, prebiotics, probiotics, organic turmeric and superfoods. It helps transform the skin’s health and beauty from within by harnessing the benefits of collagen-bio peptides, as well as supporting natural production of collagen and elastin by restoring collagen levels.
Imbibe Living Miracle Collagen is shown to counter early signs of ageing to restore the look of juicy, hydrated skin. The short chain amino acid with an average molecular weight of 2kDA is shown to actually stimulate collagen production in your skin. This specific next generation bioactive collagen peptide is clinically shown to stimulate skin cells to produce more collagen so you have the bounciest, smoothest, most radiant-looking skin.
Rapid Loss® Meal Replacement Shakes are powered with garcinia cambogia, guarana Extract and high-octane MCT oil, vitamins and minerals for boosting energy, high-protein to help build and maintain muscle and high fibre to help keep you regular. Rapid Loss® Shake is also formulated with key vitamins and minerals such as energy supplements; magnesium, iron and B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and biotin) to help reduce fatigue and tiredness; vitamin D to help optimise normal muscle performance; vitamin C to help with production of natural collagen for beautiful skin; and both vitamin A and C to help support normal function of the immune system.
The Beauty Chef Glow Supercharged is the latest release from the wellness brand. The cult inner-beauty product has been supercharged for even more radiant results - now containing three times more vitamin C and zinc, a higher vitamin A derivative, and for the first time ever an ingestible source of niacinamide (vitamin B3).
Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix provides 20 grams of vegan protein to help support muscles, delivering essential amino acids. It is supplemented with over 20 vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and magnesium to support overall health, energy and wellbeing. Can be blended with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Image: Imbibe Living.
