With all the talk about collagen and its many overall health benefits, men are starting to really take notice of this once thought of beauty protein. More recent studies are revealing why collagen is especially important for men, giving experts lots to say about why men should be taking this vital protein. If you have questions and want to know what does collagen do for men and what the experts have to say about the benefits of men taking collagen peptides, this article is for you. 

The Ins & Outs Of Collagen

Collagen synthesis is vital to the health of every person. The body needs collagen protein for structure and functionality. The essential amino acids found in collagen and the connective tissues of our body are incredibly important. From skin, hair, nail, and joint health to maintaining a healthy digestive or cardiovascular system, collagen plays a major role. Unfortunately, as natural as collagen synthesis is, the decline of collagen synthesis as we age is also a natural process.

When this decline begins, our body lets us know so we can take action. We see the onset of skin aging, joint stiffness, and perhaps even an unwanted pound or two as our digestive system lacks the collagen levels required to maintain its health. It’s even going to affect our very hair follicles! This is also about the time one needs to start thinking about things like blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and other age-related health concerns; about the time one needs to start considering collagen supplementation.

Are Collagen Supplements Good For Men?

It’s true that collagen is an excellent tool at combating skin aging and men can certainly reap those benefits as their collagen levels drop but collagen has so many more benefits for men then great looking skin. So, what does collagen do for men?

Increases Muscle Mass & Improves Recovery

Most men do not realize that when their natural collagen synthesis begins to drop off, they are vulnerable to muscle loss and a decrease in muscle mass. 

Men who are diligent about working out have probably heard about the benefits of whey protein for promoting the building of new muscle mass. While this is true, recent studies have proven that collagen supplements not only help increase muscle mass and strength but additionally, have shown that collagen actually improves muscle recovery after exercise. The body uses collagen to repair muscle tissue that has been strained or damaged during exercise.

Collagen protein is rich in amino acids, which are the foundation of all muscle tissue. By taking collagen supplements, men are able to increase the amount of amino acids in their muscle tissue, keeping muscles healthy and strong.

Perhaps you are already committed to taking whey protein. That’s okay. You can take both. Adding collagen into your wellness program can ensure you are getting the desired results from whey protein.

Keeps Your Joints & Bones Working Smoothly

When it comes to keeping your joints and bones healthy, collagen is essential. This protein is necessary for keeping your joints working smoothly. Taking collagen supplements can ensure that your body has enough of this vital protein and amino acids as you age.

Collagen plays an important role in bone health. Collagen helps to keep bones strong and reduces the risk of fractures. By maintaining the health of both our joints and bones, we are also reducing the risk of inflammation. 

Inflammation causes a lot of problems when it comes to our health. In fact, inflammation actually destroys collagen, making things worse. Because men are typically hard on their bodies, keeping collagen levels up can make a huge difference for maintaining health and wellness.

Improves Energy Levels

When it comes to boosting energy levels, collagen is a powerhouse. When men take collagen supplements, they’re providing their bodies with the raw materials they need to build more muscle tissue. More muscle mass leads to increased energy levels.

Collagen helps to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Both of these effects can contribute to increased energy levels by reducing the effort required for the body to move and function. More movement equals more energy, more energy tends to mean more movement, and on it goes.

Supports Heart Health

Studies have shown that collagen supplements can help to lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Collagen, with its structure and elasticity properties, helps to maintain the integrity of our blood vessels, keeping them strong and flexible. This can help to prevent conditions like atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up on the artery walls and restricts blood flow. 

Inflammation is a major risk factor for heart disease. Keeping inflammation at bay is yet another way collagen supplements support a healthy cardiovascular system.

Contributes to Gut Health

The human digestive system is lined with a layer of cells known as the epithelium. Taking collagen supplements helps to fortify the lining of the gut, making it more resistant to damage.

Collagen aids in the production of digestive enzymes, which helps to break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. If you eat healthy but don’t have the collagen levels to allow the digestive system to do what it needs to do, your body isn’t going to be able to actually use those healthy nutrients. 

And here’s that word again–inflammation. Inflammation in the gut can lead to a host of health problems. By taking collagen supplements, we can help to keep our guts healthy and functioning properly.

Supports Healthy Hair

For some men, healthy hair is a much bigger issue than for others. If you are one of those men that care about their hair, then you’ll be interested in knowing what collagen supplements can do for you. 

Collagen helps to improve the strength and elasticity of the hair shaft. This means that the hair is less likely to break or become brittle. Second, collagen can help to promote healthy hair growth by improving the blood flow to the scalp and providing the follicles with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Finally, collagen helps to protect the hair from damage caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution.

Fights Signs Of Aging Skin

When it comes to fighting the signs of aging, collagen is one of the most important tools in a man’s arsenal. Collagen helps to keep skin looking firm and smooth. It also plays a role in the production of new skin cells.

Unfortunately, as collagen production declines, men also end up with wrinkles and sagging skin. Fortunately, collagen supplements help to boost collagen levels and stimulate collagen synthesis, resulting in firmer, younger-looking skin.

Different Sources Of Collagen For Men

There are a variety of collagen supplements available on the market, and each one is derived from a different source. Here is a look at some of the most popular sources of collagen for men.

Bovine Collagen

Bovine collagen is derived from cow skin and connective tissue. It is one of the most popular sources of collagen due to its high bioavailability (meaning that the body can easily absorb it). Bovine collagen is very rich in amino acids. 

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is derived from fish skin and scales. It is rich in type I collagen, which is the most abundant type of collagen in the human body. Marine collagen is also easy to digest and has a high absorption rate. Most marine collagen contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to lubricate joints and keep skin hydrated.

Plant-Based

There are several plant-based sources of collagen that are becoming popular. These include things like seaweed, which is rich in alginate (a compound that helps the body form new collagen) or bamboo extract, which contains silica (a mineral that helps promote collagen production). 

Whatever type of collagen you choose, make sure to look for a product that is high quality and from a reputable brand. Let’s look at another way to increase your collagen intake that will enhance the workings of your supplement of choice.

Foods That Contain Collagen

Collagen is a protein. The body needs protein along with healthy vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants for collagen synthesis. Some of the best foods you can add to your diet for collagen production are:

• Bone Broth: Made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for hours or even days, breaking down the collagen into smaller peptides, bone broth is very rich in collagen and amino acids.
• Fish: A great source of collagen-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that these essential nutrients can help increase collagen production.
• Citrus fruits: Rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Add some oranges, lemons, or grapefruits to your diet to give your collagen levels a boost.
• Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants, which help to protect against cellular damage. Some of the best berries for boosting collagen levels include blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
• Green leafy vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach are rich in vitamin A, another nutrient essential for collagen production.

How Much Collagen Should Men Take?

The amount of collagen that men should take depends on a number of factors, including age, diet, and activity level. Men who eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of exercise may not need as much as someone whose diet is less than healthy and lives a very sedentary lifestyle. 

Age factors into it as well. Younger men who aren’t seeing the tell-tale signs of aging yet probably don’t require as much as an older gentleman with wrinkles suffering from joint stiffness or pain.

Generally speaking, though, the recommended dosage of collagen supplements for men is between 10 and 20 grams per day. Start with a lower dosage and gradually increase if needed.

The Bottom Line

What does collagen do for men? A lot! No matter what your reason is for adding a collagen supplement to your daily wellness regime, you will enjoy all the benefits that collagen has to offer. 

Want more information or looking for even more health tips? Check out our Health BLOG and be informed when it comes to your health. Want to be sure you are getting the quality products for optimum results? Head over to our product page, where you’ll find only the best of the best. Here’s to your best health!

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