Top Benefits of Collagen for Men’s Health and Fitness

We often hear how collagen benefits women, but did you know that men can benefit from it as well? It’s true, and you may be surprised at the ways it can help!

But first, let’s explore what collagen is and why our bodies need it.

Collagen is the most abundant protein found within our bodies. The Cleveland Clinic explains that “collagen accounts for 30% of your body’s protein.” It is the primary building block of our bones, muscles, skin, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues.

The amino acids proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline make five types of collagen. The Cleveland Clinic defines these five types:

• Type I. This type makes up 90% of your body’s collagen. Type I is densely packed and used to provide structure to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
• Type II. This type is found in elastic cartilage, which provides joint support.
• Type III. This type is found in muscles, arteries and organs.
• Type IV. This type is found in the layers of your skin.
• Type V. This type is found in the cornea of your eyes, some layers of skin, hair and tissue of the placenta.

Collagen is a vital part of our body’s proper functioning. Our bodies make it, but as we age, we produce less. So what happens when our production slows? We encounter a whole host of problems. For instance, we begin to see our skin become wrinkled and crepey. We see hollowing around our eyes. Our muscles weaken and even begin to ache. Our ligaments and tendons become less flexible. Joint pain intensifies, which then can lead to loss of mobility. And we may even encounter gastrointestinal problems because the lining of the digestive tract begins to thin.

But there are lifestyle changes we can make to help our bodies slow this reduction of collagen. For instance, if you smoke, stop. Wear sunscreen outside to minimize sun damage. Sleep seven to nine hours per night. And eat a healthy diet, as foods that consist of high amounts of sugar or refined carbs can lead to a decrease in collagen.

Benefits for men

Now that we have seen why it’s important for our bodies, let’s look at the ways that men specifically can benefit from a collagen supplement.    

Studies have shown that collagen can help maintain muscle mass, improve joint and bone health, and may speed up recovery times. Medical News Today explains that research “showed that the collagen peptides increased bone mineral density and improved bone markers, indicating a reduction in bone loss and an increase in bone formation.”

Additionally, Healthline explains that collagen may even help with baldness, as it “makes up 70% of your dermis, the middle layer of your skin.” It goes on to say that if the dermis is healthy, your hair is also more likely to be healthy.

Collagen can also help improve heart health. WebMD explains, “Collagen helps keep the shape of your arteries and blood vessels. When you lack collagen, your arteries may weaken. Fragile blood vessels increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.”

It may also improve gut health. Hackensack Meridian Health System states that “collagen supports the intestinal lining and may help alleviate symptoms of gut-related conditions like leaky gut syndrome.”

So collagen is definitely not just for women. But how do we get more collagen into our diets?

Adding collagen into our diets

Harvard explains that “high-protein foods are believed to nurture collagen production” and “these include fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, and soy.” It goes on to explain that “collagen production also requires nutrients like zinc that is found in shellfish, legumes, meats, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; and vitamin C from citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, bell peppers, and tomatoes.”

Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy meats and fats is critical in our body’s production of collagen and in many other ways as well. But we cannot always make all that we need. That’s where supplements come in, and Performance Inspired offers three forms of collagen supplements, so you can decide which fits into your lifestyle.

All of our collagen supplements are hydrolyzed collagen, meaning it has gone through a chemical process that breaks down the molecules so that the body absorbs it easier.

You can choose Beauty Support Collagen & Vitamins, which are capsules that have Types I and III collagen. If you want to mix a powder with your food or drink, try this Collagen Powder, which is flavorless and has Types I and III collagen. And if you like gummies, I recommend Collagen Plus Biotin Gummies that have a delicious raspberry flavor and can be easily taken with you wherever you go. 

With any addition of a supplement to your diet, talk with your doctor, as he can examine your symptoms and review any other meds or supplements you’re taking. But once you get the green light, decide which suits your needs. You may soon find that your bones, muscles, and joints feel better, that your hair is thickening, and that you are recovering more easily from those tough workouts.