With its association to hair, skin, nails, lotions, potions and cosmetics, it’s understandable that many guys out there think collagen is just for women.
Well… think again.
This article demonstrates 7 of the many benefits that collagen offers men, including:
- Heart Health
- Hair Loss
- Men’s Skin
- Gut Health
- Metabolism
- Muscle Mass and
- Joints
Our collagen mythbusting series is all about lifting the lid on the misunderstandings and misinformation that surround the topic of collagen, especially that one that says collagen is just for women. How wrong that is! Collagen is for men just as much as it is for women!
Whether male, female or non-binary, we are all humans. This means we are all made up of around 25% protein, we all age, and we all experience a gradual decline in our collagen levels from our early twenties. In other words, the advantages for men taking a collagen protein supplement are as plentiful and relevant for anyone, regardless of gender.
But before we jump right into all the juicy benefits, let’s quickly look at some background essentials.
Collagen production slows down with age
Actually, several factors can reduce production, not just age. They include:
- Exposure to UV rays
- Smoking
- Eating too much sugar
- Poor lifestyle choices
- Lack of exercise or conversely too much exercise
These all contribute to lower levels, hence why supplements are important.
OK, so now we’ve got the basics laid out, let’s find out about the top collagen benefits for men!
1. Collagen may help to protect men’s heart health[1]
Indeed, it contains two components that could contribute to heart health:
- An amino acid called proline, which works to clear fat or plaque that is building up in the arteries[2] and to control blood pressure, and;
- Arginine, another amino acid which may aid blood circulation by widening the arteries and relaxing the blood vessels.[3]
Furthermore, although more research is required, a small study[4] of a sample group taking a collagen tripeptide for six months saw a reduction in artery stiffness and a decrease in “bad” cholesterol levels.
2. Collagen for male hair loss
When it comes to our hair, the specific protein responsible for maintaining its structure and quality is keratin. As we age and keratin reduces, hair often becomes thinner, weaker and sometimes more coarse. Collagen contains 18 amino acids in a very easy to absorb form and some of these amino acids are vital for the production of keratin, so a supplement may be key to helping keep hair at its optimum condition.
What about balding?
It’s a topic that can strike fear into the heart of many men. Hair loss.
As already mentioned, keratin helps to keep hair strong and to promote growth. Going one step further, however, a study[5] in Japan found that the reduction of a type of collagen, XVII, near hair follicle stems is associated with hair loss. The study examined mice at the age when they usually begin to lose hair. It found that those lacking in type XVII saw damaged stem cells turn into skin cells, which break away from the body like dandruff, thus contributing to hair follicle shrinkage and ultimately hair loss.
On the basis that amino acids are essential for stimulating and supporting hair follicles and keratin production, it therefore makes sense to ensure that your diet includes a high quality source of these proteins so as to potentially avoid hair loss and maintain a healthy head of hair.
3. Collagen for men's skin
Collagen is found in the dermis of the skin, where new cells grow. It helps to replace old and dead skin cells. However, the overall content per unit area of the skin surface declines approximately one percent per year[6]. When this happens, the skin becomes weaker and therefore more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles.
So, taking a collagen supplement (and combining this with a healthy lifestyle - like eating quality food, drinking plenty of water, staying active, stressing less, minimising toxins, using natural sunscreens) may help to maintain levels and better defend the skin from this deterioration.
4. Leaky gut syndrome
Essentially it may help by keeping the intestinal walls strong, thus reducing the chance of them leaking toxins into the bloodstream, as well as losing vital nutrients from the stomach. Read more about collagen and leaky gut in our blog.
5. Collagen and metabolism
You have probably heard of glycine? It is a very significant amino acid present in collagen and responsible for building muscle tissue and improving its mass, which then helps the body turn food into energy.
6. Collagen and muscle mass
The study[7] of a small sample of men shows promising results in terms of collagen stimulating the creation of proteins needed for muscle growth. This particular study focused on elderly men who combined supplements with resistance training. Who needs hours and hours in the gym, then…?!
7. Collagen and joints
Are your bones making audible noises in your men’s spin class? Are the joints feeling more and more delicate with each winter that arrives?
Type II collagen is found in the cartilage, bones and ligaments, along with many other parts of the body. It aids in the growth and repair of cartilage tissue, as well as to relieve joint inflammation and pain. So when Type II levels decrease, joint inflammation, tenderness, and those tell-tale creaking signs all increase.
Indeed, a growing body of medical evidence “provides a rationale”[8] for the use of supplements by those suffering from osteoarthritis.
What is the best collagen for men?
Well, we're convinced it is Edible Health collagen powders! Why? Because we use only 100% pure ingredients and 100% pure hydrolysed collagen (from either bovine or marine sources).
All our products contain Halal and Kosher certifiedcollagen. Being zero carb and zero sugar, they are ideal for Keto, Paleo and Whole30 lifestyles, as well as intermittent fasting. Our collagen is also certified free from GMO, BSE, gluten, whey, dairy, soy, nuts, pesticides, heavy metals, steroids, antibiotics and hormones. It also complies with WADA regulation.
How much collagen should you take?
Here at Edible Health we recommend a daily serve of 13mg, which is around two level tablespoons, depending on the size of your spoon!
That said, we are all different and some people may need more due to exercise regimes. Others may need less for health or other personal reasons. The key to success is consistency and persistence, so just take your serving every day and be patient for results. Collagen is a protein and proteins are the building blocks our bodies use to heal, grow, repair and rejuvenate. Sometimes what our bodies need proteins for isn’t always visible on the outside. Bone density could increase; ligament strength and flexibility could improve, brain, heart and other organ health may be optimised. Collagen protein doesn’t have to show up in just our hair, skin nails and muscles!
As for how to take collagen, our powder are designed to give you maximum freedom and flexibility. You can take it all at once, maybe in a smoothie or a juice, or you can stagger it throughout the day. In your morning coffee, porridge, soup or even your evening meal. Spaghetti Bolognese is a favourite in our team. It’s totally flexible and versatile and designed to suit your tastes and needs.
Lastly, be patient.
It can take up to 8-12 weeks to notice benefits as often our bodies heal from the inside out, but some of our customers report changes in days.
So, gents, there you have it! Collagen for men is every bit as important as it is for women. Check out our Edible Health range or touch base with us to ask us anything specific - we’d love to help!
Discover more about what collagen is here.
Discover more about what collagen is here.
The information we have provided herewith, and all linked materials, are not intended nor should they be construed as medical advice. Moreover, the information herewith should not be used as a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
[1] Please note not all studies have shown positive results. It is important to consult your medical practitioner for advice best for you
[2]https://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/collagen-connection/
[3]https://www.webmd.com/heart/arginine-heart-benefits-and-side-effects#1
[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429168/
[5]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26912707
[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
