Jennifer Aniston's Favorite Vital Proteins

I know for so many, setting health and wellness goals for is of utmost priority. I often get asked questions about my favorite supplements to recommend, why I take collagen daily and what it does, etc. etc. So today, I am sharing some of my favorite products from Vital Proteins that help me and play very important roles in my own health and wellness, along with the health of many of my clients.

With so much of the focus surrounding wellness often being centered on What to Remove from the Diet, I really do love the idea of instead shifting our perspective to What Can I Add? While I always suggest getting your nutrients from whole food sources, at times we simply just cannot consume enough to reach the necessary level with select nutrients. Mindfully including properly-sourced supplemental sources of important and essential nutrients to boost our healthy diets and ensure our bodies are getting what we need, is something I believe can play a very significant role in our continued healing journey, along with maintaining our vitality for many years to come.

Top 5 Vital Products From Vital Proteins:

Collagen Peptides

Why I Like It: 

For more than a couple years now, Vital Proteins’ Collagen has been a part of my healthy lifestyle. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, it plays a very important role in healing and improving the gut and has also been shown to improve hair, skin, nails and joints, ligaments, tendons. Collagen peptides are highly bioavailable, so it gets digested and absorbed by the body, quickly for maximum benefits. Collagen peptides are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free and are appropriate for paleo, keto, AIP, WHOLE30, low FODMAP lifestyles – along with many others. 

NOTE: Collagen peptides are not a full and complete protein with all essential amino acids, so while it’s great as a supplement providing a slew of benefits I do suggest other more complete options when building a smoothie as a full and complete meal replacement or post-workout supplement.

How I Take It:

I like to consume collagen in some form, daily. Generally I blend the original collagen peptides powder into hot coffee or tea. It can also be added to cold liquids, smoothies, added to soups, salad dressings, baked goods, etc. The single-serve travel stickpacks of collagen are quite amazing and convenient for travel and when you are just on the go. I never leave home without them. If you don’t want to mess with the powder, the Cartilage Collagen capsules are a really great option, for ease. The capsules are loaded with Type II Collagen Peptides and Glycosaminoglycans including naturally occurring Chondroitin Sulfate. They also now make the original Collagen Peptides in capsules, as well.

Beef Liver Capsules

Why I Like It:

Liver is nature’s most concentrated source of Vitamin A and it provides over 200% of your daily value of B12, along with copper, folate, zinc, choline, and hyaluronic acid and many others. Beef liver is wonderful for improving and sustaining energy levels, promotes post-workout recovery, healthy immune function, brain health, heart health and more. 

How I Take It:

I take 4 beef liver capsules daily, if I haven’t consumed liver or other organ meat in recent days.

Collagen Creamer

Why I Like It:

This dairy-free creamer is a great option for boosting your morning (or anytime) brew or tea and it comes along with 10 grams of collagen peptides, plus healthy fats from the coconut milk powder. I like to pack this when we road trip and bringing my favorite liquid coconut milks or creamers for my coffee and tea aren’t exactly an option.

How I Take It:

I like to add a scoop or two to coffee or tea. If you want some fun flavors in your coffee, try the vanilla flavor. Boasting flavors from whole food ingredients and no added sugars or sweetners, there’s truly nothing like it on the market.

Collagen Veggie Blend

Why I Like It: 

This is the ultimate greens powder. Specially formulated by the brilliant Dr. Ballantyne (AKA PaleoMom, the leading authority on the Autoimmune Protocol, AIP), this nutrient-packed Veggie Blend features nourishing collagen along with a blend of 11 whole organic veggies and fruits, one serving contains more than 4 servings of fruit and veggies. It doesn’t contain any added sugar or alternative sweeteners, but the sweetness from the fruits bring a taste that is far more palatable and delicious than most other greens powders I have ever tried.  It’s also a great source of fiber, it’s loaded with Vitamin C and other naturally occurring phytonutrients and antioxidants and of course brings all the benefits of the collagen.

How I Take It:

I love this as an option for those busy days where I know I haven’t gotten in enough whole food sources of veggies and fruit. Green stuff is vital to my days, so I opt for a scoop of this in a smoothie or stirred into a glass of water. I also really love traveling with this, since we all know veggies and green stuff don’t take nearly the same prioritty when we aren’t cooking at home.

Matcha Collagen

Why I Like It: 

Antioxidant rich matcha tea, can help fight free radicals in the body and promote long-term health. Matcha being the whole leaf, ground, also contains 137 times the amount of free radical-fighting antioxidants as any other green teas that you would simple brew and dispose of the leaf in the tea bag. Matcha is combined with Vital’s high-quality grass-fed collagen which promotes bone, joint, and skin and digestive health. I love this Matcha Collagen as an option for a cozy afternoon beverage with a boost!

How I Take It:

This is great just added to hot water like traditional matcha or it can be added to warmed non-dairy milk for a Matcha Latte, or even a smoothie of your choice.

 

Other Vital Proteins Favorites:

Dark Chocolate Collagen Whey Protein: If you can tolerate whey, this is a really wonderful source of complete protein and BCAAs and it’s one of my personal favorite. While this isn’t technically paleo, I don’t subscribe to strict labels and black and white approaches to eating. 

Personally, I do alright with properly sourced, minimally processed whey in small amounts, so Vital Protein’s is naturally my first choice, especially as a post-workout option, because in addition to the solid protein, it also brings the additional healing and recovery benefits of collagen, with proline, and glycine plus it’s also boosted with probiotics and hyaluronic acid. Whey is an isolate of dairy, so it doesn’t contain casein or lactose, both of which can oftentimes be the root of people’s dairy intolerances.
 

Beef Gelatin: As it’s name suggests, this is the gelling version of the collagen peptides. The gelatin can be mixed into both hot and cold liquids, but will gel if blended in cold. This is wonderful for stirring into hot drinks, soups, sauces or for making boosted treats.

Beauty Boost Supplement: Rich in biotin and Vitamin C, Vital Proteins’ Beauty Boost offers the keys to helping the body produce more collagen on it’s own. Collagen is the building block for supporting healthy hair, skin, and nails, digestion, and bone and joint health. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production slows, which can reduce skin elasticity and increase signs of aging. Beauty Boost offers 500% of the daily value of Biotin and 300% of the daily value of vitamin C, both of which directly and effectively impact collagen production. Not to mention, biotin is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism.

 

Only use these dietary supplements under the supervision of your doctor, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You can check HERE the complete range of Collagen (over 300 products) at iherb.

IHerb Collagen

Benefits of Astaxanthin on Healthy Aging

The world population is aging and life expectancy is rising. According to a publication by the United Nations, the percent of people over 65 years will increase from 9% in 2019 to 16% in 2050. An increased life expectancy is associated with more illness, disability, and dependency. 

Healthy aging and longer periods of good health are associated with maintaining a healthy lifestyle including healthy and balanced nutrition. Thus, the demand for healthier products that are suitable for the elderly population is in constant increase.

Effective antioxidants may assist with the promotion of healthy aging.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Aging 

Human aging is a dynamic and progressive process, associated with biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, and behavioral changes.

Oxidative stress is the imbalance between Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and antioxidant defenses. Our body produces ROS during normal metabolic functions of the human body.

With age, the efficiency of the antioxidative and repair mechanisms in the body decrease [1].  

Long term exposure to a high amount of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) results in oxidative stress and leads to extended mitochondrial dysfunction. In the elderly, it may affect cardiovascular, brain, eye, immune, muscle, and skin health. 

The use of effective antioxidants may assist with the promotion of healthy aging and longevity.

Astaxanthin Benefits for Healthy Aging

Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants. It is over 500 times stronger than vitamin E, much more potent than other carotenoids, and several thousand times more powerful than vitamin C [‎2‎, ‎3]. 

The potential health benefits of astaxanthin have been widely studied in more than 500 clinical and pre-clinical studies worldwide.

Due to its unique structure which situates it through the cell membrane, astaxanthin can help protect cells from both internal and external oxidative stressors.

Astaxanthin is bioavailable in many organs and tissues such as muscles, skin, lungs, and heart. It can also cross the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers, – thus achieving a multitude of health-related benefits.

Astaxanthin has been used as a dietary supplement for over 30 years and is considered very safe.

Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular health depends on the proper functioning of the heart, arteries, and veins. Oxidative stress plays an important role in several processes that can lead to poor cardiovascular health, such as: 

• Endothelial dysfunction (an abnormal function of the cells in the artery walls)
• Oxidation of lipids and proteins (which can cause abnormal cell functioning)
• Cholesterol imbalances. 

Several recent studies have assessed the ability of astaxanthin to help maintain a healthy cholesterol balance, decrease oxidation of lipids, and improve oxidative status ‎[4].

Eye Health

The eye is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its extensive exposure to light, its rich content of mitochondria, and the high metabolic rate of photoreceptors. Antioxidants are the first line of defense for the human eye against these stressors.

The effect of astaxanthin on the eyes was reported in several clinical studies. The beneficial effects were shown against the negative effects of UV radiation and macular degeneration ‎[5]. An additional clinical clinical study showed a beneficial effect on the blood flow to the eye in aging people ‎[6].

Skin Health

Photoaging is the cause of most age-related changes in the skin. When skin is exposed to sunlight, the UV rays damage the skin through the production of free radicals which can degrade collagen and cause DNA-damage. This can result in sunburn, swelling and inflammation, aging, and even carcinogenesis.

Astaxanthin derived from microalgae was shown to protect the skin from UV radiation and thus have anti photoaging effects ‎[7]. 

Clinical studies showed improvement in skin elasticity and moisture and reduction in age spots size and wrinkles following oral consumption of Astaxanthin ‎[8].

Immune System Function

Astaxanthin helps support a resilient immune system by defending the cells from Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Immune cells produce ROS as part of the anti-pathogen response and thus are particularly prone to induced oxidative stress damage. According to a double-blind randomized trial, the key benefits of natural Astaxanthin to immunity include antibody production, immune cell proliferation, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effects ‎[9].

Muscles Strength and Volume

In advanced age, there is a decline in the size and number of skeletal muscle fibers leading to loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. The weakened muscles can cause loss of function, disability, and frailty.

A study with healthy elderly subjects has shown that astaxanthin improves muscle size and strength. The use of Astaxanthin in combination with a functional training program improved muscle strength, endurance, and mobility in the elderly ‎[10].

Brain and Cognition

Astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, which allows for potential beneficial effects on the brain. A pre-clinical study suggests that the powerful antioxidant properties of astaxanthin can slow down brain aging by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the central nervous system ‎[11].

Clinical studies that evaluated the effects of astaxanthin on cognitive functions in elderly people showed better task performance and improvement in working memory.

Conclusion

Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants which can support optimizing health at the cellular level. Multiple studies support the effectiveness of astaxanthin supplementation for preventing age-related damage to organs such as the heart, brain, eyes, and skin.

You can check here the complete range of Astaxanthin products at iherb.
IHerb Astaxanthin

The Best quality Astaxanthin 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836174/ 
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10775364/
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285255302
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21964877/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20205737/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22072378/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28751807/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22428137/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20205737/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30259703/
11. https://pubs.rsc.org/lv/content/articlehtml/2014/fo/c3fo60400d

The best vitamins on iHerb for kids

In this article, I will break down the highest quality and best vitamins for kids from Iherb, which have been tested not only by my children, but also by thousands of other users. Children are the most beautiful thing we have. We want them to be healthy. It is very important to monitor the tests of children and know what vitamins and minerals they are lacking. There is a large number of supplements for children, but not all of them are of good quality.

So, what vitamins do our babies need? In fact, the same as for adults, only in much lower dosages. For example, vitamin D for children is vital, because at a young age it helps to form a healthy immune system and bone system. Its deficiency can be detrimental to a baby’s health, which is why it is so important to check vitamin D3 levels in your daughters and sons.
Omega 3 is another important supplement for children. Since they eat fish reluctantly, this substance is most often lacking. Fish oil was given in the past, but, unfortunately, for some reason it was forgotten. And only now, faced with frequent acute respiratory viral infections and diseases, they remembered it again.

You can endlessly list such important supplements such as echinacea, probiotics, prevention of parasitosis. In the rating of supplements for children from Iherb I will tell you what vitamins are better to buy and which will help your child grow up healthy and happy.

Top vitamins on Iherb for kids

Nature’s Way, Alive! multivitamin complex for children, orange and berry flavored

The brand Nature’s Way, Alive! has developed a very high quality complex, which helps to maintain almost all processes in the health of the child. When taking this Bud a baby gets: healthy bones, good and clear vision, a healthy immune system. Doses are chosen as correctly and safely as possible, there are no huge doses. Here and magnesium, zinc, vitamin D and other useful supplements. Thousands of customers have seen the result. The price is $14 for 120 Chewable Tablets. You can give 2 tablets as needed and depending on age.

California Gold Nutrition, liquid vitamin D3 for children

This vitamin for  children’s is great for babies because it is in the form of drops. You can choose the dose depending on the age of the child and his needs. The supplement has gone through several stages of quality control, so it is completely safe and effeccve. The price is $8, for 300 servings. In one serving of 400 IU. This is the most optimal dosage.

MegaFood, Kids One Daily

The Megafood brand has proven itself on the market in a very positive way. The ingredients in this product are all-natural and have undergone many tests and examinations. You can be sure that this product does not contain pesticides, herbicides, gluten and other harmful components. The daily dose of intake is 1 capsule, and it fully covers all the needs of a child. It is very good that there is also vitamin D3, K, B vitamins, as well as berries and fruits. Reviews for Kids One Daily are great. Many have commented that their children become sick less often, feel better, are less cranky and more joyful. The price is $22 for 60 pills, which is enough for 2 months. You can also use the current promo code FIW102, which will give the maximum discount and you will be able to buy even cheaper.

Natural Factors, vitamin D3 in drops for children

Vitamin D for children is profitable to buy, since the price is cheap and the quality is much better than that of domestic manufacturers. D3 from Natural Factor is one of the most inexpensive (price $7) and best supplements available on the official Iherb site. The drops do not have any flavorings. And the biggest plus is that there is enough bottle for as many as 500 days, and this despite the fact that the dosage of cholecalciferol in one drop is 400 IU, which is very good.

Oslomega, fish oil with omega-3 for kids from Iherb

Oslomega produces the best fish oil for children on Iherb. Due to the fact that the fish oil undergoes strict quality control, it has won the love of many customers. The capsules are small and have a strawberry flavor. Kids will not even think that they are drinking something fishy. The benefits of the drug are tremendous, I highly recommend giving your kids this product, as it will improve their health. A month later, you will see that your child will be less sick and how it will have more energy and strength. The price for 60 servings is $10. Do not forget to check discounts and promotions Iherb on our website, as well as enter promo code FIW102.

Solgar, U-Cubes, calcium with vitamin D3 for children, strawberry flavor

It is very important to eat calcium-rich foods, such as milk or cheese, as a child. But not all children can be forced to eat dairy products, and some are lactose intolerant. So Solgar company has produced a product with calcium and vitamin D. It is very good that the Bud is in the form of tasty jellybeans, the children are happy to eat and improve their health. The dosage is good, and most importantly, safe. The price is $17 for 60 marmalades.

You can check here the complete range of Children's Multivitamins (over 150 products) at iherb.
IHerb Children's Multivitamins

Best Omega 3 iHerb – Top 5 fish oil supplements

In this review, I will tell you how to choose the best Omega 3 on iHerb. I made a rating of the top 5 fish oil supplements. Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important for the human body. They help fight depression, improve eye health, reduce the risk of heart disease, improve symptoms of metabolic syndrome and have other proven properties. People whose diet is dominated by oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout get enough fatty acids and they do not need to take supplements. But in today’s world we eat fish less and less often, so taking omega 3 supplements is vital.

20 Reasons to Take Omega 3 for Your Health

1. Significantly reduces triglyceride levels by about 15-30%;
2. Regulates blood pressure in people with hypertension;
3. Increases the level of “good” HDL cholesterol;
4. Prevents platelet adhesion, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots;
5. Reduces inflammation in the body;
6. Reduces risks of autoimmune diseases, autoimmune diabetes and multiple sclerosis;
7. Treats schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder;
8. Helps fight age-related mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease;
9. May help prevent cancer, especially colon cancer;
10. Reduces asthma in children and adults;
11. Helps fight fatty liver hepatosis;
12. Improves bone and joint health;
13. Relieves menstrual pain in women;
14. Increases the duration and quality of sleep;
15. Combats dry skin;
16. Treats depression and anxiety;
17. Improves vision;
18. Strengthens the health of the baby’s brain in the womb;
19. Reduces symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children;
20. Treats type 1 diabetes.

As we can see, taking fish oil affects almost our whole body and helps to fight many diseases. All these facts are scientifically proven, so if you are facing any of these problems, include fatty acids in your diet.

Types of Omega

When omega-3 foods are listed on labels, check what type they contain. Omega-3 fatty acids are not just one, but many other fats. They all have different functions.

The three main types of omega-3 are;

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

EPA and DHA can be obtained mainly from fish. Alpha-linolenic acid is found in plant sources such as flax seeds, soybeans, and nuts.

You need to take enough DHA and EPA to get the benefits of taking Omega 3. Alpha-linolenic acid does not need to be taken in most cases, we get enough of it with food.

Which is the best Omega 3 on IHerb – Top 5

Carlson Labs, Wild Caught Super Omega-3 Gems

I think this is the best omega 3 on iHerb as it has 1200 mg of omega 3 fatty acids, of which EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) 600 mg and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) 400 mg. This is the dosage that will really help our body.

Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol)	13.4 mg	89%
Norwegian Fish Oil	2 g	†
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids♦	1,200 mg	†
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)♦	600 mg	†
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)♦	400 mg	†

Our whole family has been drinking fish oil from Carlson Labs on a daily basis for more than 2 years. Here are the results of taking it: I forgot about dry skin, my husband’s cholesterol is normal, fatty liver hepatosis has decreased. Blood tests were all normal. I think this is the result of omega 3. How do I take omega 3? On days when we eat fatty fish, we do not take extra fish oil. On the other days, we drink it. The leaders in omega 3 content are trout, salmon, cod, herring, mackerel, sardines.

It is convenient that the set contains a large jar with 100 capsules and an additional small jar with 30 capsules. It is convenient to take it with you on the road. The price of Wild Caught Super Omega-3 is 17$ for 130 capsules. Excellent price-quality ratio.

Carlson manufactures its products in Norway, which undergo many tests and have a quality guarantee. I trust this brand and recommend it to you. By the way, on the iHerb site this fish oil has the most positive reviews.

Life Extension, Super Omega-3

Life Extension is another one of my favorite vitamin manufacturers. I also love Super Omega-3 and recommend it to you. The serving, which is 2 capsules contains Pure+™ Fish Oil Concentrate from wild-caught fish: 2000 mg, EPA 700 mg, DHA 500 mg. And here is the entire composition:

Pure+™ Wild Fish Oil Concentrate Yielding: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)	2,000 mg 700 mg 500 mg	** ** **
Polyphen-Oil™ Olive extract (fruit and leaf) [providing 19.5 mg polyphenols, 5.2 mg hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol, 4.4 mg verbascoside/oleuropein]	300 mg	**

The dosage works! The manufacturer also added olive fruit and leaf extract and sesame seed lignan extract for better digestibility and effect. From time to time I take this fish oil when the first one is not available. The price is $20 for 120 softgels, enough for a month. Don’t forget to enter promo code FIW102 for maximum discount iHerb.

Solgar, Omega-3 Fish Oil Concentrate

Omega from Solgar is the most popular in the United States. It is prescribed by many doctors. And this is for a reason. It really is of good quality and proven effectiveness. The composition is good:

Cholesterol	20 mg	7%**
Fish Oil Concentrate comprised of: Total Omega-3 Polyunsaturated† providing: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)	2000 mg 600 mg 320 mg 200 mg	*** *** *** ***

The advantage of this fish oil is that Solgar vitamins and supplements can be found in almost every pharmacy. This comes in handy when there is no time to wait. But buying on iherb will come out cheaper. If you take advantage of promo codes and discounts, it will be even more profitable. Right now on the site the price is $23 for 240 softgels!

NOW Foods, Omega-3

This omega differs from the others in that the manufacturer assures that it is purified on a molecular level. This means that it goes through several stages of purification. The composition is pleasing

Fish Oil Concentrate	2 g (2,000 mg)	†
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)	360 mg	†
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)	240 mg	†

I started taking fish oil from iHerb with it. I can’t say anything bad about it, the dry skin is gone, heart function is normalized, since I suffer from tachycardia. Buying this Omega on iHerb is probably the best deal. Because the price for the whole 500 capsules, which you have enough for almost a year is only $28. Very good value for money.

Sports Research, Omega-3 Fish Oil, Triple Strength

Another very high quality fish oil supplement. A very good working composition:

Wild Alaska Pollock Fish Oil Concentrate (AlaskOmega®)	1250 mg	†
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids as TG	1040 mg	†
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA as TG)	690 mg	†
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA as TG)	260 mg	†
Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids	90 mg	†

I have received a lot of positive feedback from my friends about this supplement. I take it myself from time to time. The fish oil is made from Alaskan pollock, which I like very much. The fish lives in cold waters, not artificially raised on farms. That means it will get the most benefits and no harmful additives in its composition. For those who care about the form of fish oil, those will appreciate that this supplement is in triglyceride form. There are more and more studies coming out now that it does not matter what form you drink omega in. What matters is the composition of EPA and DHA. And here it is good. The price is also attractive at $16 for 60 softgels. One or two softgels, preferably with a fatty meal, should be taken.

In general, this is the entire rating of Omega 3. I have for 6 years, drank almost all the omega from the site iHerb. Unfortunately, from some I saw no effect, others started fishy burping, while others when opening the capsules generally had an unpleasant smell. In this top I have collected the best Omega from iHerb, which you will definitely help and like.

You can check here the complete range of Omega 3 (over 734 products) at iherb.

IHerb Omega 3