You have heard about collagen but it’s for women, right? The last thing that comes to mind is a ripped dude at the gym…
The Surprising Truth about Collagen
The fact is that – besides being a big deal in the beauty world – collagen has a host of health benefits for men too, says Catherine Clark, Owner and Founder of the Harvest Table. Collagen works to repair, build and heal in just about every area of the body so you need to pay attention to your collagen levels. Why? Because if you like to run, bike, work out and recover quickly, collagen is your new wingman.
Catherine explains that collagen is a complex protein that acts as a glue in the connective tissues throughout your body. With a whopping 19 amino acids, it is the key structural protein that ensures the strength, elasticity and regeneration of all your connective tissues, including your skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bones. “As a protein source alone, collagen is excellent, packing in more protein per calorie than other sources while containing less sodium and sugar,” Catherine explains.
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As we age, collagen levels nosedive and less collagen mean weaker joints, longer recovery times and yes, even skin that starts to look like you feel some mornings! But don’t despair, supplementing collagen in your diet is an inside-out approach and in its granular or powder form, it’s a tasteless, easy addition to your morning smoothie.
5 Reasons Why More Men are Taking Collagen
Here are Catherine’s five most compelling reasons why men should be supplementing their diets with collagen:
Reason For Men to Take Collagen #1: It Stimulates Hair Growth
Is your scalp slowly making an appearance? Then you will be happy to hear that collagen can also support a healthy head of hair (not to mention beards). Found right in the hair follicle, collagen keeps hair supple and strong, reducing hair fall and even promoting hair growth.
Reason For Men to Take Collagen #2: It Facilitates Muscle Recovery
You like to push your workouts but the next day you can hardly move? The special combination of amino acids found in collagen help to fight inflammation and to repair, maintain and restore muscle mass. You see, your tendons and ligaments contain about 75% collagen so taking it as a supplement can help reduce potential pain or injury can help you to bounce back like a boss after a strenuous workout or day at work.
Reason For Men to Take Collagen #3: It Helps Maintain Muscle Mass
In the last few years, interest in collagen supplements has exploded due to the effect collagen has on muscle. Collagen accounts for up to 10% of all muscle tissue and studies have found that collagen consumption can boost muscle mass, improve strength and encourage creatine synthesis.
Reason For Men to Take Collagen #4: It Provides Improved Metabolism & Energy Levels
More muscle equals higher metabolism and increased energy levels. Catherine explains that the amino acids in collagen, particularly glycine, glutamine and arginine play an important role in supporting healthy metabolisms and muscle mass. Collagen also keeps the central nervous system healthy which can maintain optimal energy levels.
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Reason For Men to Take Collagen #5: It Reduces Joint Pain
Adrenaline junkies tend to experience more damage in their joints than most. Whether it’s from overuse or joint pain, that achingly familiar morning stiffness can start to set in. The great news is that collagen helps to feed the tissue and cartilage, keeping the joint areas soft and flexible. Goodbye joint pain.
The proof, however, is in the pudding. Former South African rugby player, Stefan Terblanche has been supplementing his diet with collagen granules for a few months and he is already feeling the benefits. “It’s so easy to take and has huge benefits with regards to recovery after exercise – I am no longer sore after training. I love the collagen coffee creamer, and I have two teaspoons every morning.”
Closing Thoughts
Collagen is a powerful tool for daily maintenance, healing and repairing the hard-working parts of your body. So start incorporating a scoop of collagen into your daily routine and say hello to your new wingman!
“With Father’s Day coming up, it is the perfect opportunity to drop some subtle hints to your family for a gift that will truly benefit your health – and it definitely packs more punch than another pair of socks,” Catherine concludes.
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