A older person out for a run.

Amazing Potential Health Benefits of Collagen, MCT Oil, and D-Ribose

Youth is something that often gets taken for granted. Over the years, the inevitable happens, our bodies grow tired and weaker, and more wrinkles seem to appear every morning. Over one billion people are age 60 or older right now. And by 2050, that estimate could be as high as two billion.

Related: Spencer Dinwiddie NBA to NFTs

Humans can live longer now than ever before—the average human lives until 75 or higher. Not only can they live longer, but they can now live better. 

Hands of time move us forward, never back. So our skin is going to sag naturally. Weight loss and gain will create a risk for diseases and wear out vital organs over time. And we naturally just lose energy and vitality as we age. 

However, there are natural supplements that can help smooth aging skin, increase energy, maintain weight loss, and so much more.

Breinfuel is a healthy energy drink for when you need an extra boost to power through your day! Shop now.

Collagen 

Collagen is a main component of the human body and one of the most abundant, making more than 25 percent of the whole body's protein content.

What is Collagen? 

Collagen is an essential protein that is produced in the bodies of humans and animals naturally. It is the main component of connective tissues when dealing with cartilage and bones. However, it is also found in significant amounts within muscle tissue, which contributes to the strength and elasticity of muscles. 

Health Benefits of Collagen as A Supplement

For years collagen has been beneficial to skin and is often used in makeup or as a filler. Collagen doesn't just prevent damage but can actually restore your skin and hair. Furthermore, it can smooth wrinkles and promote the elasticity of your skin.

 However, lesser-known is that collagen supplements and other collagen-containing food products may also be an effective way to get protein into your diet. Everyone needs protein in their daily diet to help their body repair cells and even work to produce new ones as you grow. 

As we get older, the aches and pains always seem to be more present. In a recent study, collagen proved to lessen joint pain and can actually improve someone's bone health. Not only benefiting the body's skeletal and muscle structures but even providing aid to the digestive and other vital systems.

Related: Biohacking Ageing: Antioxidants, caffeine and oxidative stress

Limitations of Collagen 

It's important to note that collagen supplements, though beneficial to the skin and body, can sometimes cause some unwanted side effects. These side effects commonly affect the digestive system and include possible heartburn, bloating, and gut discomfort. These are all mild effects, and collagen appears safe for most people to take without issue. 

MCT Oil

MCTs are fatty acids found in many different foods, mostly coconut and dairy products. In fact, more than half of coconut oil is made up of MCT oils.

 Oil supplement in a dropper

What is MCT Oil? 

MCT oil is a dietary supplement that is extracted from a specific type of fat called triglycerides. Its use has become popular among athletes and bodybuilders. 

As the name suggests, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil contains medium-length chains of fats or triglycerides. Because of their shorter length, these oils are more easily digested than longer-chain fatty acids found in other foods. MCT oil is usually derived from coconut or palm kernel oils and has some possible health benefits.

Health Benefits of MCT Oil 

The health benefits of MCT oil start at the triglycerides. Triglycerides help your body burn energy and actually provide the body with more energy, and they can help change how the brain gets its energy to function properly. Many studies show that MCTs may also help with weight loss and muscle mass. MCT oil helps give athletes and others the needed energy boost and an extra spark behind their performance. 

Limitations of MCT Oil 

MCT oil has its limitations and even some undesirable side effects. Consumption of MCT oil can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Along with abdominal pain and issues, long-term use or overuse of these products could lead to liver problems. 

Related: How to use nutrition to slow the aging process

D-Ribose

D-ribose is the primary energy source for your cells. Research suggests that this supplement can help improve energy stored in muscle cells. 

What is D-Ribose? 

D-ribose is a super important type of sugar molecule. Furthermore, it's already a part of our DNA and makes up part of our cells' primary energy source, called adenosine triphosphate (or ATP).

Though your body produces ribose naturally, some suggest that D-ribose supplements can give that extra boost to improve health and enhance body performance.

Sugar cubes on a table

Health Benefits of D-Ribose 

D-Ribose may assist in the recovery of energy stored in your cells and is a component of the structure of ATP, the primary energy source for every cell that exists in the human body. Data is emerging that it can benefit your exercise performance and improve muscle functions. More research is evolving every day on its possible benefits and showing positive results that it works to reduce certain pain disorders in patients. Evidence also suggests that a daily dose of D-ribose may even improve heart health in people at risk for heart disease. 

Limitations of D-Ribose 

Some people with certain medical conditions have found benefits in D-ribose supplements, including improved exercise performance and recovery of muscle cell energy stores after exercise. 

However, the benefits of use by healthy, active individuals are unsupported by science, and more research is required to fully understand its positive impact. It is good to know that very few side effects have been reported in studies of D-ribose supplements.

Conclusion

The common denominator with all three of these beneficial supplements, such as collagen, MCT oil, and D-Ribose, is that they work the hardest and best when your body is working at peak performance. All three can be part of a healthy diet and give you that extra push to go faster and further. To start your day strong and finish it even stronger. 

Breinfuel is a unique energy drink that contains all three of these supplements to give you a kickstart for anything. Shop now.

Back to blog