Part 1…Adding new modalities to our health mission…The holidays are over!…

Note: Please keep in mind, we are not attmeping to provide medical advice. We are not medical professionals. Please check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

Recently, I started looking more closely at bovine collagen powder and the potential benefits of adding it to our daily routine. Collagen is a protein naturally found throughout the body, particularly in our skin, bones, joints, tendons, and connective tissues. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, which is one reason I find the subject especially interesting.

Bovine collagen is usually made from cow hides and bones and processed into a powder that can be easily mixed into coffee, tea, smoothies, or other beverages. Most bovine collagen supplements contain collagen peptides, which are broken down into smaller pieces that the body can digest and absorb more easily.

One of the most commonly discussed benefits is supporting healthy skin. Collagen supplementation may help improve skin hydration and elasticity and may reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. Of course, no supplement is going to stop the aging process, but I am always interested in anything that may help support healthy skin as we get older.

Collagen may also support joint health by providing amino acids used in maintaining cartilage and other connective tissues. Some studies suggest collagen supplements may help reduce joint discomfort and improve joint function, particularly in people experiencing age-related changes.

Another potential benefit is supporting bones and muscles. Collagen provides important amino acids that help maintain bone structure and connective tissue. When combined with adequate protein intake and regular physical activity, it may be another small piece of the puzzle for maintaining strength as we age.

Like most supplements, collagen isn’t a miracle cure, and results can vary from person to person. I think of it more as a nutritional addition rather than something that will produce dramatic overnight changes. If you’re considering bovine collagen, check the ingredients and choose a reputable product with minimal unnecessary additives.

Another product we’ve recently added to our morning coffee is organic, unrefined, unsweetened cacao powder. This isn’t the sweetened commercial cocoa powder commonly used to make hot chocolate. We are using pure cacao powder with no added sugar or other ingredients. Since we are always looking for simple ways to add more beneficial nutrients to what we already consume, this seemed like an easy addition to our morning coffee.

Cacao is made from the beans of the cacao tree and naturally contains several compounds that have attracted considerable interest for their potential health benefits. One of the biggest reasons people consume cacao is its high concentration of flavanols and other antioxidants. These plant compounds may help protect cells from oxidative stress and may support overall cardiovascular health.

Cacao also contains minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. Magnesium is particularly interesting because it plays a role in hundreds of processes throughout the body, including normal muscle and nerve function. Of course, a spoonful of cacao won’t meet all our daily nutritional needs, but every little bit can contribute.

Another interesting benefit is that cacao contains compounds that may support healthy blood vessel function and circulation. Research into cocoa flavanols has found potential benefits for cardiovascular health, although the effects can vary depending on the amount consumed and how the cacao has been processed.

Cacao also contains fiber, which can contribute to digestive health and help us feel satisfied. For those of us following a low-carbohydrate approach, unsweetened cacao can be an appealing way to add flavor and nutrients without adding sugar. It gives our morning coffee a slightly richer, deeper chocolate flavor without turning it into a sugary drink.

Cacao also contains small amounts of naturally occurring caffeine and theobromine. These compounds can have a mild stimulating effect, which is something to keep in mind when adding cacao to an already caffeinated morning coffee.

We’re certainly not suggesting that cacao powder is some miracle food. We enjoy finding small ways to add nutrient-dense foods to our daily routine, and this one happens to taste good in our coffee, too.

As mentioned above, we are not attempting to provide medical advice. We are not medical professionals. Before adding cacao or any other supplement or concentrated food product to your routine, please check with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have existing health conditions or take medications.

We’re doing everything we can to stay healthy as we continue our worldwide journey. After almost 14 years of traveling full-time as of October 31, , we know how important it is to take care of ourselves so we can continue enjoying this incredible lifestyle. We pay closer attention to what we eat, try to stay active when possible, get adequate rest, and occasionally add supplements or nutrient-rich foods that may provide additional benefits. Of course, there is nothing we can do to stop the aging process. We simply want to feel our best and remain healthy enough to keep traveling and experiencing the world together.

Last night’s dinner was fantastic, and I have another batch of the same dish prepped and ready to go into the oven later today. Unfortunately, I was so preoccupied with preparing the meal that I completely forgot to take a photo of the finished dish! I’ll be sure to take one tonight and share the recipe in tomorrow’s post.

Meanwhile, today and tomorrow should bring some welcome changes to Marloth Park as the holidaymakers begin leaving the area. We are certainly looking forward to having fewer people, less traffic, and, most of all, returning to the peaceful days we so enjoy here in the bush. Already this morning, dozens of animals have come to call, especially since our lucerne arrived today rather than on Saturday, when it was too wet to deliver due to recent rain.

Right now there are 22 animals in the garden, five different species!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 5, 2016: