HOW DOES CHOCOLATE RELATE TO COLLAGEN: THE BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

Written By Go Vita

CHOCOLATE IS NOT ONLY DELICIOUS, IT ALSO BOOSTS HEALTH – NOW, THERE’S EVEN A COLLAGEN-ENRICHED CHOCOLATE THAT IMPROVES YOUR SKIN. What is collagen and why is it good for your skin? Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is the major component, or ‘building block’, of connective tissues, including skin, muscles, tendons and bones. Collagen has many vital functions, including providing structure to skin and strengthening bones. As we age, the body’s ability to produce collagen in the skin decreases by approximately one percent every year; this rate of decline is accelerated if the skin is sun-damaged. Research also shows that there is a correlation between skin collagen density with bone density, meaning that declining levels of collagen in skin will have a negative impact on bone health. THE SKIN SAVIOUR Collagen is found in some foods, but it is difficult for the body to absorb it correctly unless it is broken down into hydrolysed collagen peptides, which ensures optimal absorption and bioavailability so the collagen is distributed throughout the body. In particular, research has demonstrated that taking collagen in hydrolysed peptide form significantly improves the health and appearance of skin. In one study, women aged 35-55 years who took 10 grams of hydrolysed collagen daily reported a 30 percent decrease in wrinkle formation; in another study, improvements in skin hydration were most noticeable in women aged over 30 who took hydrolysed collagen. This is all great news – but it gets even better. Locako is Australia’s first low-carbohydrate, Keto-friendly brand of collagen-based products, which are all Australian-made and free from dairy, refined sugar and gluten. Ocean Kissed is Locako’s new range of bioactive marine collagen-based products, and it includes Ocean Kissed Majestic, a 100 percent bioactive pure marine collagen powder, and Ocean Kissed Glowing, with the added skin-supportive ingredients pearl extract, hyaluronic acid, marine minerals and vitamin C (see “Secrets of beautiful skin” for more information). Both products can be easily mixed with your favourite beverage. The Ocean Kissed range is completed with delicious (and guilt-free!) Ocean Kissed Aphrodisiac Hot Chocolate, which contains bioactive marine collagen, magnesium, raw cacao, maca, cordyceps and oyster extract sourced from New Zealand’s pristine waters. SECRETS OF BEAUTIFUL SKIN Pearl extract This luxurious traditional remedy has long been used to treat skin problems, such as acne, as well as to speed wound healing and to help reduce visible signs of skin ageing. Pearl extract is a powerful antioxidant and is packed with important minerals. Kakadu plum This Australian native fruit is one of Mother Nature’s best sources of vitamin C and antioxidant polyphenols; together, these nutrients neutralise the ageing effects of free radicals in the body and also improve the body’s natural ability to produce collagen. Hyaluronic acid This gel-like substance is found naturally throughout the body, especially in the skin; its main function is to retain water – up to 1000 times its own weight – to keep your tissues well lubricated and plump. As is the case with collagen, production of hyaluronic acid also declines with age, so a supplement will help to improve skin hydration and prevent the formation of wrinkles.

PREP TIME 5 minutes SERVES 1

COOK TIME 2 min DIFFICULTY Easy

INGREDIENTS Get the Glow Smoothie 4 tablespoons Locako Vanilla Creamer 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries 1 cup coconut milk (or other milk of choice) 1 tablespoon Ocean Kissed Aphrodisiac Hot Chocolate METHOD

1. Add an inch of warm water to a measuring cup or jug. Stir in the Locako Vanilla Creamer until dissolved.

2. Add raspberries, coconut milk and Ocean Kissed Aphrodisiac Hot Chocolate.

3. Blend well and enjoy!