When it comes to joint supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin are the two common remedies used to combat joint pains. But many of us may not be aware that collagen also helps to support healthy joints on top of beautiful skin. Here are the four surprising benefits of collagen for joint health.

1. Collagen is the building block of the body

Surprise, surprise! The most abundant protein found in your body is collagen, which plays a vital role in providing support and elasticity to connective tissue, such as cartilage, bones, tendons and ligaments. Collagen also provides structural support to the skin, so your skin looks young, supple and wrinkle-free.

2. Collagen stimulates cartilage growth

Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the end of bones in joints. Over time, cartilage wear off due to ageing and repeated movement. As a result, tendons and ligaments stretch, and bones rub against each other, causing pain. Collagen provides support for the growth and repair of cartilage tissue, as well as relieve joint inflammation and pain. Boost collagen intake for your body, so you can sustain an active lifestyle and achieve your fitness goals.

3. Collagen comforts and supports weak joints

Type II collagen is primarily found in joints, which are areas of the body more prone to wear and tear. When it comes to choosing a joint supplement, look for one that contains collagen as a key active ingredient to support joint comfort, flexibility and mobility. This is especially beneficial if you experience joint discomfort and pain, are a sports enthusiast, or suffer from arthritis.

4. Collagen is twice as effective as glucosamine and chondroitin

More specifically, undenatured type II collagen, or UC-II^®, has proven to be more than twice as effective in relieving joint pain as glucosamine and chondroitin combined.* BRAND’S^® ActivMove contains UC-II® and Hydrolyzed Type II Collagen, making it the ideal solution for the protection and maintenance of your joint health. Just one tablet a day is enough to keep joint pain away.

Proven effective in supporting and protecting your joint health, collagen looks to be a promising and safe alternative to the common joint supplements out there.

* Crowley DC, et al. Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. International Journal of Medica Science. 2009; 6(6): 312-321.

Feeling tired or listless? Lacking vigour to take on the day? Or is your skin looking dull and lifeless? The best way to boost your health as well as your mood is to find ways to rediscover your energy and verve. Here are 6 tips you can incorporate into your daily life to help you feel healthy and beautiful.

1. Get active

Exercise is one of the best ways to give yourself a lift. It’s also an antidote to the daily pressures of life. Known to effectively treat stress, depression, anxiety and even the common cold, it’s something you’ll want to work into your everyday routine. Head out for a jog or plunge into the lap pool for a heart-pumping workout. Getting physically active helps to release endorphins, which is the natural way to help give your body and mind a lift.

2. Don’t skip breakfast

Jump-start your metabolism by tucking into a nutrient-rich meal in the morning such as eggs, cereals or fruits. The good doses of protein, vitamins and unprocessed carbohydrates will keep your weight in control while helping to lower cholesterol levels. Eating breakfast also makes you feel good as it helps to restore glycogen and insulin levels. So, you’ll be less likely to feel hungry, tired or cranky.

3. Feed your skin

Prized for its high glycoprotein value, people look to bird’s nest to maintain a smooth and healthy glow as well as good respiratory health. Made from 100% genuine bird’s nest and brewed under hygienic processing conditions, drinking a bottle of BRAND’S^® Bird’s Nest with Rock Sugar regularly can do wonders for your overall health and complexion.

4. Look on the bright side

If you want a natural, zero-calorie mood booster, simply bask in warm sunshine in the morning or before dusk. Spending time under the sun boosts dopamine levels and encourages Vitamin D production which helps with depression. Keeping a positive attitude is also key to protecting your mental well-being. It helps to put any challenges that come your way into perspective and keeps your stress level in check. So, always have a bright outlook on things!

5. Stay hydrated

You may have heard this before – water is the fountain of youth. Not only does it aid kidney function and cleanse your skin from within, it also relieves fatigue and boosts your immune system. If water tastes too plain for you, try adding a squeeze of lemon or adding a few sprigs of herbs to your glass. Your body will thank you for drinking up and taking in enough fluids.

6. Snooze away

Sleep is also important, but how exactly does it help your overall well-being and happiness? For one, having enough snooze time keeps inflammation and serious illnesses at bay. Studies have shown that short sleepers are at far greater risk of heart disease or stroke than those who get seven to eight hours of rest every night. On a day-to-day basis, sleeping well lets you focus better and increases your productivity at work or in school. When you stay well rested, you can be sure of feeling healthier and livelier.

What exactly is it?

Being exposed to blue light is unavoidable especially in this day and age where screens have become an integral part of our lives. With high screen times, it is important to protect our eyes from harmful blue light.

How does it affect the eye?

Human eyes are poor at blocking blue light. Since the cornea and lens are unable to block it, constant exposure damages the light-sensitive cells found in the retina. This could result in issues such as blurred vision or dry eyes, or more serious conditions such as macular degeneration. But don’t worry, here are four simple tips to help you protect your eyes!

Tip #1: Go on a digital detox!

Spend a day or so unplugged and disconnected from your electronic devices. A study conducted by The Straits Times has shown that the average Singaporean spends a whopping 12 hours on their gadgets daily! With the high screen times, taking a break from it will not only improve your mental health, but your eye health as well. Limiting blue light exposure will mitigate the negative effects of prolonged exposure. We understand that it might be tough for most of us to go on a complete digital detox. Hence, we’ve compiled some other tips that will shield your eyes even if you have to face a screen.

Tip #2: Use a blue light filter

If you can’t run from the screen, change it up! Most devices have blue light filters preinstalled. For example, the function is labelled as “Night Shift Mode” on iPhones and “Blue Light Filter” on Samsung phones. They work by adding a yellowish tint to your screen, decreasing the amount of blue light being emitted. Another kind of blue light filter you can consider is a physical one. Also known as computer glasses, they work in the same way as digital filters, using a yellow-tinted lens which filters blue light.

Tip #3: Install warmer lighting

Look up at the ceiling; the lights you see are constantly emitting blue light.If you don’t mind putting in the extra effort, consider switching out the LED light bulbs in your house. Instead of the bright white ones, install yellow-tinted bulbs to reduce the amount of blue light your eyes are exposed to. Although the lighting in your eyes house may seem a little dimmer, your eyes will definitely thank you for it!

Tip #4: Watch your diet

Your diet is important when it comes to keeping your eyes healthy. Nutrients to look out for include omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamins C and E, Zeaxanthin and Lutein. Consider taking the BRAND’S^® Lutein Essence as a good supplement to your eye health. It contains a 5:1 ratio of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which is the recommended dietary proportion to benefit vision health according the 2nd Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). These two antioxidant nutrients are found in the eyes and protect the retina by absorbing and filtering out blue light. However, they are not produced by the body and must be consumed through diet, making the BRAND’S^® Lutein Essence a great choice to introduce into your diet. For best results, take a bottle a day after meals! Click here to find out more.