Davina McCall's Approach to Nutrition and Wellness
Davina McCall is a well-known advocate for health and fitness, regularly sharing insights into her diet and exercise routine. For her, wellness is not about quick fixes but a consistent, holistic lifestyle. She focuses on nourishing her body from the inside out, paying close attention to the foods she consumes and supplementing where necessary. This balanced approach helps explain her high energy levels and youthful appearance, making her a trusted source for many seeking to improve their own health.
A Lifestyle of Whole Foods and Smart Swapping
A core tenet of Davina’s nutrition diet is her focus on whole, unprocessed foods and her strict avoidance of refined sugar. Having authored books on the subject, she actively practices what she preaches. She makes smart swaps, opting for wholegrain versions of bread and pasta. She also loads her meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. For instance, she has mentioned a love for crunchy rainbow salads. When it comes to meals, she prefers to cook from scratch so she knows exactly what she is consuming. She has also adopted a form of intermittent fasting, cutting off snacking after her evening meal, a practice she finds has reduced her cravings for sweets.
Strategic Supplementation for Optimal Health
Recognizing that diet alone might not be enough to counter the natural effects of aging and an active lifestyle, Davina also strategically uses supplements. Her daily ritual includes more than just collagen. She has expanded her supplement repertoire to include creatine for cellular regeneration, omega-3 for heart and brain health, and magnesium glycinate for relaxation. This multifaceted approach showcases a deep understanding of her body's needs at different life stages.
Unveiling Davina McCall's Collagen Choice
So, what collagen does Davina McCall use? Davina has been a long-time, avid user and brand ambassador for Ancient + Brave True Collagen. This specific supplement is a high-quality product that aligns with her commitment to premium wellness. For years, she has incorporated it into her daily routine, praising its effectiveness and seamless integration into her lifestyle.
The Details of Ancient + Brave True Collagen
Ancient + Brave True Collagen is a bovine hydrolysed collagen supplement. This means it is sourced from grass-fed cows and has been broken down into smaller collagen peptides. This process, called hydrolysis, is critical for optimal absorption. The supplement provides Type I and Type III collagen, essential for the structural integrity of skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissues.
The Science Behind Collagen Supplements
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, acting as a structural 'scaffold' that holds everything together. It is a major component of skin, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. With age, natural collagen production slows down, which can lead to signs of aging like wrinkles, dry skin, and joint stiffness. This is where supplementation can make a difference, providing the body with the amino acid building blocks it needs to replenish and renew its collagen stores.
How Hydrolysed Collagen Works
The large, complex collagen molecule cannot be directly absorbed by the body. During digestion, it must be broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids. Hydrolysing collagen in a lab pre-digests the protein, making it highly bioavailable and easily absorbed through the gut wall. Once absorbed, these peptides travel to the bloodstream and signal the body to produce new collagen.
Benefits of hydrolysed collagen include:
- Improved skin elasticity, hydration, and reduction of fine lines.
- Support for joint health and reduced joint pain.
- Strengthened hair and nails.
- Faster recovery for active individuals.
- Support for gut health.
Bovine vs. Marine Collagen: A Comparison
Choosing a collagen supplement often comes down to personal preference, dietary restrictions, and desired benefits. Here’s a quick comparison of the two most common types, both of which are offered by Ancient + Brave.
| Feature | Bovine Collagen (Ancient + Brave True Collagen) | Marine Collagen (Ancient + Brave Wild Collagen) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Cows (specifically from grass-fed herds) | Fish (often sustainably sourced from free-swimming whitefish) |
| Collagen Types | Primarily Type I and Type III | Primarily Type I |
| Key Benefits | Supports skin, hair, nails, and is particularly good for joints, bones, and muscles | Excellent for skin health, hydration, and elasticity |
| Bioavailability | Highly bioavailable, though marine peptides can be slightly smaller | Considered very bioavailable due to smaller peptide size |
| Cost | Generally more cost-effective due to production efficiency | Often higher priced, but can be a more eco-friendly option as it utilises by-products |
| Dietary Suitability | Suitable for those who don't consume fish | Suitable for pescatarians or those with beef allergies |
Beyond the Supplement: Boosting Collagen Naturally
While Davina uses a supplement, she also understands the importance of providing the body with the raw materials needed to produce its own collagen naturally. You can support your body’s collagen production by including certain foods and nutrients in your diet. A well-rounded nutrition plan is the foundation for any wellness routine.
- Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Vitamin C is a critical cofactor for linking amino acids together to form new collagen. Good sources include citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers.
- Zinc-Rich Foods: This mineral helps activate enzymes involved in collagen synthesis. Zinc can be found in nuts, seeds, and legumes.
- Copper-Rich Foods: Copper is essential for cross-linking collagen and elastin fibers to maintain connective tissue health. Shellfish, nuts, and whole grains are rich sources.
- Protein-Rich Foods: Since collagen is a protein, consuming a variety of protein sources, such as chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes, provides the necessary amino acids like glycine and proline.
- Bone Broth: This liquid, made by simmering animal bones, is a popular whole-food source of collagen and other beneficial nutrients.
- Aloe Vera: Oral aloe vera has been shown to increase collagen content in the skin.
Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Diet
In summary, the collagen Davina McCall uses is the Ancient + Brave True Collagen, a bovine hydrolysed supplement known for its bioavailability and whole-body benefits. However, her approach to wellness goes far beyond a single product. Davina’s method combines strategic supplementation with a consistent focus on a healthy, whole-food diet, regular exercise, and mindful habits. Her story serves as a prime example of how integrating high-quality supplements can complement a robust, balanced lifestyle, rather than replacing the fundamental pillars of good nutrition. For anyone looking to emulate her routine, the key takeaway is to build a solid foundation of healthy eating and exercise, and then use targeted supplements to support specific goals like enhanced skin health and joint vitality.
Authoritative outbound link: Harvard University - The Nutrition Source: Collagen
