The so-called “9 to 5” grind can get you down, whether you’re a worker bee or a manager. Some stressors for employees include low salaries, workloads that are too heavy, lack of growth or advancement… More
Bovine Collagen vs. Marine Collagen
About 28 types of collagen have been identified, but the dominant collagen is collagen type I. Over 90% of the collagen in the human body is collagen type I because of its wide prevalence in almost all connective tissues.1 Collagen types I, II, and III are used for supplements. Collagen type I is mainly found in marine collagen. Collagen type II is from chicken collagen and bovine collagen. A mixture of collagen type I and type III can be obtained from porcine collagen and bovine collagen.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), collagen supplements originating from various sources such as marine, bovine, and porcine can improve skin integrity and lessen skin aging. They are effective in wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation, and skin aging reversal. Due to its high biocompatibility with the human body, collagen type I is the most used in beauty products. with collagen supplementation becoming prevalent in recent years.
Collagen of porcine and bovine origins come from cow and pig skins as well as their bones. Due to religious constraints concerning the avoidance of porcine and bovine products or other reasons such as the outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), the marine collagen source is being highly considered by the industry as an important alternative. In fact, marine collagens have the advantages of being highly sustainable as they can be obtained from invertebrate marine animals, such as jellyfish as well as a wide range of fish species.
Why would some manufacturers prefer bovine collagen when there is a risk of transmitting disease? Mammalian collagens have higher thermal stability than fish collagens. Thermal stability is related to body temperature and the low thermal stability of marine collagens restricts its applications.2 The mechanical strength of marine collagen is poorer than collagen extracted from bovine because it is less crosslinked. Cross-linking is a simple method known to improve degradability, biological and mechanical properties of biomaterials by enhancing chemical and physical interactions between polymers.3 After the crosslinking treatment, marine collagen can be used as a biomaterial in tissue engineering. Despite some limitations, the marine collagen is an appealing option for product developers because of its sustainability and there being no risk of BSE. In the latest 20 years, more than 175 chemical entities and 28 marine natural products were discovered. Marine organisms, as well as their wastes, are good sources of collagen.4
Marine resources of collagen have many advantages over land animals and other sources. Not only are they available in abundance, have no religious constraints and are easily accessible, there have been few reported toxic effects at effective doses. This is significant as a major source of collagen is from cattle, which have a risk of transmitting highly dangerous BSE and TSE. In addition to its promising safety profile, the use of marine collagen is environmentally friendly. Fish skin, bones, and scales are vast sources of collagen. By using marine collagen, useful waste is reduced, and no further organisms are harmed in the isolation of collagen. Furthermore, collagen has a variety of applications in many fields, such as drug delivery, wound healing, skin aging, and tissue regeneration.5
Marine collagen can be used as a biomaterial because it is water soluble, metabolically compatible, and highly accessible. Marine collagen and its derivatives also have proven beneficial and useful for both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis prevention and treatment. Marine collagen bioactive peptides are known to aid in the absorption of calcium and zinc, which are important components of bone and are beneficial for osteoporosis prevention. Other bone-related issues may also be targeted by collagen, as it is capable of increasing bone mineral density, mineral deposition, and importantly, osteoblast maturation and proliferation.6
Because marine collagen peptides carry a smaller molecular weight, they are more easily absorbed. They are therefore favored to help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and enhance the overall structure and appearance of skin.7
Bovine collagen or marine collagen: the choice is yours.
1, 2, 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620403/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8902548/
5, 6, 7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8780088/
Spring is in the Air
Warmer weather has arrived and for many people, spring is a time to venture back outdoors and become more active. Depending on where you live, the scenery changes, generally to be greener, with many species of flowers budding or blooming. You can hear different birds calling in their own special ways as they flock to suburban neighborhoods and rural areas.
Air temperature affects air movement and therefore, air pollution. Some types of pollution are worse in the summer heat, while others are worse in cold winter weather. Air pressure, temperature and humidity all affect air quality. The same atmospheric conditions create weather patterns. For example, low pressure systems create wet and windy weather that can transport air pollutants to other areas, producing a sense of clear skies. On the other hand, high pressure systems tend to produce stagnant air that is “dead” or doesn’t move. In these instances, the pollutants from car exhausts and factory fumes hover and create unpleasant air quality.1
As we move out of cold weather, many of us begin some frenzied activities known as “spring cleaning.” Ironically, this well-intentioned cleaning that is aimed at letting the fresh air in and the stale out, has its own set of issues. Cleaning supplies that are purchased from retail stores generally are full of chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds. So, as we clean and inhale these chemicals, we’re also polluting our indoor air. Returning to old-fashioned ways of cleaning with water, vinegar and baking soda can help, as well as wearing a mask while cleaning, and airing out after cleaning.
If you have pets, spring is also a time of intense shedding, adding to the dust- and mite-filled air. Combined with the pollen released from the new spring growths, allergic reactions may well be triggered. During the spring season, concentrations of particulate matter tend to be higher, another source of allergies. And, on warm sunny days, the concentrations of ozone are also higher when the air is stagnant. A HEPA air filtration system is practically a must-have, especially if you are prone to any respiratory challenges. Spring air can be the most polluted of the year.2
Nature gives us the beauty and renewal of spring but also challenges us with its companions of pollen, dust and fluctuating air quality. If you don’t already have a KenkoAir Purifier®, this is the perfect time for it to make a difference in your household.
And through March 31, check out 20% off all sleep products and receiving free shipping on them!
1 https://scied.ucar.edu/search?search_api_fulltext=spring+air+quality
2 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/09/spring-is-not-the-only-thing-in-the-air
How Much Do You Risk in Launching a Business?
Entrepreneurs face known risks when they take on a new business venture. There’s the obvious financial risk. There’s also the volatile economy to consider when launching a business. Market trends can be erratic and what’s good one day can pose a risk on another. What about competitors? Are you looking at unique products or services or trying to cash in on a trend?
So many businesses had to move entirely to the digital market since the pandemic but brick and mortar outlets are gradually making a comeback. Many businesses will permanently be hybrid going forward, so that is something newly minted entrepreneurs need to factor in to their risk analyses.
A network marketing business relies on a different set of parameters and can offer entrepreneurs a shot at business ownership without as much risk as with traditional ventures. There’s no overhead, as anyone can work from wherever they live. A reputable company you sign up with should provide the systems and the technology needed. There’s no need for outside investors, and you choose the company that offers products or services that match your interests.
Aside from a one-time start-up fee, sometimes called a registration cost, there usually is not much cash required to launch a network marketing business. You can earn from retail sales right away without carrying inventory. You also can earn from commissions when you become an “upline” to those you register as your “downline” who generate retail sales. In a nutshell, the more product you and your group retail, the more you earn.
Network marketing is not for everyone; however, if you like working for yourself as an entrepreneurial business owner, forging your own hours, talking to people, making new friends, giving meet-and-greet parties, and you have the luxury of time to build up a team of like-minded people, this is a pretty low-risk way to become a business owner.
Interested? Contact your local Nikken distributor or call our Customer/Distributor Services. It could be the start of something amazing.
Nikken Introduces Pink Collagen Complex: Skin Nutrition Inspired by Nature
Collagen is trending, but what’s the big deal? And what makes one brand better than the next? Nikken didn’t decide to research and develop a product made with collagen just to be one of many on the market. Nikken wanted a formula that was not only effective, but also made with exclusive and beneficial ingredients. In other words, something different and better than what was available.
Collagen is a big deal because it’s required for overall well-being—for the skin, bones, joints, muscles—throughout the body. As we age, the amount of collagen in our bodies gradually reduces, starting as early as our 30s. Pink Collagen Complex supports the body’s need for collagen, not through application but through nutrition. Pink Collagen Complex reinforces beauty from the inside out in relation to skin care, but it also supports the natural need for collagen throughout the body.
There are other collagen powders out there, but Pink Collagen Complex stands out, not only with its naturally pink color, but also by its exceptional formulation.
• Collagen is manufactured by our bodies naturally, but decreases over time. Collagen that most closely replicates what the body naturally produces is easier to absorb. Pink Collagen Complex is made with Type 1 Collagen derived from fish collagen peptides, closely resembling the collagen the body makes on its own.
• The body has its own natural cycle of tissue and skin renewal. Pink Collagen Complex is formulated with L-Gluthathione, an ingredient that works synergistically to support the body’s natural cycle of repair or renewal,
• Blood peach and rose apple are two fruits that are similar to regular peach and apple; however, they are notably higher in antioxidants. Contained within Pink Collagen Complex, these extracts boost the antioxidant level in our skin nutrition formula.
• The high antioxidant blood peach and rose apple are partnered with beet root extract, which is naturally sweet and reddish in color. This combination gives Pink Collagen Complex a fruity flavor so there is no fishy taste, making it easy to mix and drink as part of a daily regimen.
• Make it a habit to read labels. Any supplement that is not “clean” means it contains fillers or other useless or even undesirable ingredients. We made sure Pink Collagen Complex contains exclusive and beneficial ingredients. We also made sure it does not contain soy, gluten, artificial colors or flavors, GMO, preservatives and added sugar.
A box of Pink Collagen Complex comes with 30 pre-measured packets, making it perfect for a monthly Autoship, so you don’t run out.
Pink Collagen Complex is the first skin nutrition product by Nikken—inspired by nature.
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2024
Amelia Earhart. Malala Yousafzai. Florence Nightingale. Madame Curie. Mother Teresa. These are famous women, pioneers in their own right. But what about so many women most of us have never heard of, because women pioneers have been overlooked throughout the years? Jackie Cochran, first woman to break the sound barrier, trained by Chuck Yeager. Nadezhda Popova who flew 852 missions for the Russians against the Nazis in World War II (Hero of the Soviet Union). Junko Tabie, Japanese mountaineer, author and teacher, first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest and first woman to ascend the Seven Summits, climbing the highest peak on every continent. Rosalind Franklin, the chemist known for discovering the double helix structure of DNA.
The point is, women are under-acclaimed. That is in part, what International Women’s Day is all about. This year, the theme is “Inspire Inclusion.” When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond.1
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, March 8th serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.2
This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.3
One of the key pillars of Inspire Inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organizations and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation.4
Regardless of where you live, gender equality is a fundamental human right. Advancing gender equality is critical to all areas of a healthy society, from reducing poverty to promoting the health, education, protection and the well-being of girls and boys.5
Nikken celebrates International Women’s Day every day! Won’t you join us and help to inspire inclusion?
1, 2, 3, 4 https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Missions/20202/What-does-it-mean-to-truly-inspire-inclusion
5 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/
Feel Naturally Beautiful with the Right Statement Piece
What we wear affects how we feel. Think about how you feel when you get “all dressed up” versus being in your favorite pair of denims. In both these cases, chances are you have a certain “attitude,” positive but in different ways. When you add the right statement piece in the form of jewelry, it can enhance that feeling of self-confidence and gratification.
Jewelry in ancient times were made from bone fragments and other things provided by nature: twigs, leaves, the pits of fruit, pebbles, vines, raw gemstones and so on. Even Neandertals wore jewelry! Although contemporary fashionistas use “Neandertal” in a derogatory way, new studies in the United Kingdom have identified a connection between ancient collagen protein and archaic artifacts, creating a portrait of Neandertals as beings who already knew how to adorn themselves to enhance their beauty.1
We’ve come a long way since ancient times! The Kenko line of jewelry is not only beautiful and beautifying, but it also imparts a sense of well-being. Limited editions that are currently in stock, there are the Serenity Duo, Universe Duo, Venus Set and the Nova Ring that comes in either silvertone or goldtone. Each of these pieces are also available individually.
The Universe Duo with necklace and matching bracelet aims to help you look great while reaching for your total balance. Made with abrasion-resistant Stainless Steel 316L, the rose goldtone necklace and bracelet are great accessories with restorative magnetic technology and the naturally calming effects of tourmaline.
If you prefer the subtle elegance of silver, the Serenity Duo with necklace and matching bracelet provide the same complementary magnetic and tourmaline technologies. Also made with abrasion-resistant Stainless Steel 316L, the silvertone duo matches virtually every outfit!
The Roman goddess Venus is the inspiration for the elegant Venus Set. Available in matching hematite faux pearl necklace and earrings, they are made with Stainless Steel 316L and nickel-free. The earrings are 8 mm while the necklace boasts 18 inches of the same high-quality craftsmanship—both with natural magnetic and calming tourmaline technologies.
The Kenko Nova magnetic rings are made with high-quality copper and zinc alloy. Nickel-free, both silvertone and goldtone versions have naturally calming tourmaline technology and 400 gauss magnets. Both rings adjust to fit sizes 5 through 8 and are comfortable to wear.
A gift of Kenko Jewelry is a gift from the heart.
1 https://www.science.org/content/article/neandertals-made-their-own-jewelry-new-method-confirms
Entrepreneurs Being More
Individuals who know Nikken are often familiar with Humans Being More (HBM), a foundational aspect of the company that focuses on self-development and ultimately, the betterment of the local and global communities. Many people attend Humans Being More workshops many times throughout their careers. Now Nikken is taking the philosophy even further with Entrepreneurs Being More (EBM).
Entrepreneurs Being More is focused on igniting business success rather than personal development, but the two are still related. Personal growth and business growth are both journeys taken over the long term, and intersect.
The main tenets of EBM are the power of collaboration, teamwork, leveraging strengths, fostering a culture of innovation and focusing on productivity. The cornerstone of business success is communication, and EBM provides tools to master this essential skill.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or starting to conduct your business, there’s always something new to learn in order to communicate better. Business success may hinge on your sales pitch and how adept you are in artful persuasion. Do you come across with confidence? Are you clear and succinct? EBM addresses all of these crucial elements of business-building and more.
EBM sessions are interactive and held in a supportive environment, so participants can thrive and grow. You will sharpen your ability to articulate your ideas and to connect with others: keys to business success.
Where EBM intersects with HBM is in creating the best version of yourself. Business success is not only about profits, it is also about impacting others positively, and helping them to succeed as you yourself succeed. By developing the people skills associated with HBM and learning how to build meaningful relationships, you then can lead your business with integrity and compassion.
Chancellor of Nikken University and Director of Sales & Training Jeff Isom will be conducting EBM workshops. For details, contact Nikken Customer Service or your personal Nikken Consultant.
Show Your Love with the Gift of Health and Hydration
There are so many ways to show your love and it should be a year-round effort. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world as a special day to show your love to your beloved, and the standard gifts are chocolates, flowers and jewelry. If you step out of that box, what about a gift that benefits the health of those you love?
Hydration is something people often take for granted, until they suffer the consequences of not having enough water in their systems. There are many reasons to stay hydrated, including to help digest food and absorb the nutrients, to lubricate our joints for smooth movement, to help remove waste from the body and even to help regulate body temperature.1 Proper hydration also helps ensure the teeth, gums and entire mouth stay healthy—water helps you make saliva, which helps keep food away from your teeth, as well as aiding in chewing, tasting and swallowing.
Did you know that water helps to produce hormones and neurotransmitters? Water also helps protect your internal organs and tissues and deliver oxygen throughout the body, while supporting the growth and reproduction of cells. In other words, water helps the body’s natural cycle of renewal.
What happens if you don’t stay hydrated? You will definitely not feel like your usual self, as your body doesn’t function well when dehydrated. You may feel dizzy, brain fog, fatigue, dry mouth, and even faint. Dehydration also puts you at risk of kidney stones, constipation, urinary tract infections and recurring headaches.
Depending on your activity levels, gender, age and diet, how much water you need to drink for health, varies. Since approximately 20% of the water we need comes from food, people who don’t eat plenty of fruits and vegetables need to drink more water. Rule of thumb: men need about 10 cups a day, women need about 8 and children need between 4 to 8 cups.2 The more active you are, the more water you need, especially if you exercise a lot and sweat. You need to replenish the water your body secretes.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day (February 14), why not give your loved ones a PiMag Waterfall® or PiMag® Sport Bottle so they not only can keep hydrated at home and on-the-move but also benefit from filtered alkaline water, almost like drinking spring water from nature? You will also be helping them use fewer plastic bottles and decrease their carbon footprint. And, through the end of this month, filter replacements are 20% off! Happy Valentine’s Day from Nikken!
1,2 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drinking-water-and-your-health#not-enough
Do You Know About Plastic Microfibers?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are smaller than 5 mc. They come from household items such as synthetic clothing, furniture and packaging. Every year, about 16% of the plastic produced in the world consists of textile fibers. In recent decades, production has grown by 6% and now equates to 60 million tons per year. Synthetic clothing is responsible for endless amounts of microfibers, which can even be found in drinking water.1
Microplastics washed off from synthetic clothes contribute up to 35% of the plastic particles polluting our oceans. When we do laundry, an average of nine million microfibers end up in wastewater treatment plants that cannot filter them.2 These unfiltered microfibers add to the plastic waste in the oceans.
Microplastics have been filling the oceans for years, but they also can be found indoors, especially within the dust on floors. Research shows that individuals may ingest microplastics at the rate of 11 particles per hour, and this occurs more through household dust and textiles than through consuming seafood, such as mussels. Researchers have found that the microplastics in wild mussels were low compared to those found in household dust.3
Until recently, research was focused on microfiber pollution through laundry washing. A recent study, however, shows how simply wearing synthetic clothes can pollute the environment. As many microplastic fibers are released into the air whenever we wear synthetic clothing as when we do laundry.4
To help reduce the amount of microplastics indoors:
• Choose products with less plastic packaging.
• Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton and wool, instead of synthetics, which are derived from petroleum-based chemicals.
• Wash synthetic clothing on a gentle cycle to decrease shedding.
• Use a HEPA air filtration system because it is effective at capturing microparticles.
From now through February 29, 2024, take advantage of 20% off select replacement filters! Be sure to check your KenkoAir Purifier® and keep its HEPA filter up-to-date. PiMag Waterfall® filter cartridges, PiMag® Sport Bottle filters and PiMag® Shower Systems filters are available at 20% off. Even Air Wellness Pro and Aqua Pour replacement filters are included in this special offer!
Minimize Your Risk of Ingesting Micro- and Nano-Plastics
Bottled water. There probably isn’t anyone you know who doesn’t drink it sometimes. It’s just so convenient, it’s hard not to take advantage of it. Almost all of it is in plastic bottles and has been a major contributor to landfill and ocean waste. Just this month, bottled water is prominent in the news for yet another bad reason: microplastics and nanoplastics within in specific brands. The researchers are not disclosing the actual brands, but they’re letting the public know what the issues are.
A liter of bottled water contains nearly a quarter of a million pieces of nanoplastic on average, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.1Nanoplastics measure less than a micron, so picture a speck of household dust and think of a tiny part of that speck. The new research showed that nanoplastic particles in bottled water measured between 10 to 100 times higher than previously estimated.
Researchers contend that nanoplastics and microplastics, which are about the size of a grain of rice, end up in food and beverages during the manufacturing process as well as through plastic tubing used in machinery and leaching from packaging such as plastic bottles. How exactly they affect our overall health is being studied. So far, it is known that these nano- and micro-plastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, enter the placenta and even show up in urine.2
Dr. Konstantinos Lazaridis, a gastroenterologist who studies the role of environmental factors in liver disease at Mayo Clinic says, “It’s possible that tiny plastic pieces simply pass through most people’s bodies without causing much harm, or it might be that these environmental particles only have an impact in people who already have genetic predispositions to disease.”3
Nevertheless, it seems that avoiding bottled water may be most prudent. Douglas Walker, an analytical chemist at Emory University says, “Additives and chemicals found within plastic, like BPA, have been linked to increased blood pressure and type 2 diabetes; PFAs may affect fertility; and phthalates may interfere with hormones.4
So, what is the best way to limit your exposure to nanoplastics and microplastics? Drink filtered tap water whenever possible. Filters that have a pore size of one micron or less can help reduce microplastics in your water; smaller micron pores will be better at filtering out smaller particles. Dr. Walker warns not to use filters that are made of plastic and to use ceramic or carbon filters instead.5
From now through February 29, 2024, take advantage of 20% off select PiMag replacement filters! And while you’re filtering your tap water through the PiMag Waterfall® and PiMag® Sport Bottle, why not check your KenkoAir Purifier® and keep its filter up-to-date as well?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/live/bottled-water-nanoplastics.html
Active Wellness Blog 