Is collagen for men too?
Whether you want to recover faster from workouts, an increase in lean muscle mass, thicker hair or healthier, younger looking skin, collagen protein is a great supplement for every body – regardless of gender.
We are all made up of around 25%-35% protein, and as we age, our body’s natural collagen production begins to slow down and the signs of ageing — like joint pain, weaker cartilage, loss of muscle and bone density, sagging skin and thinning hair — become more apparent.
We begin to lose about 1% of our collagen per year in our mid-20s. By the time we get to 40, we will have lost around a third of our natural collagen.
Excess sun exposure, smoking stress, and poor diet can also inhibit collagen production.
Clinical studies show that supplementing our diets with collagen supplements can increase our collagen intake and has multiple benefits. Collagen is also an excellent protein source, packing in more protein per calorie than other sources while containing less sodium and sugar.
So, it comes as no surprise men’s health magazines, Dr’s and nutritionists say Collagen is the protein supplement men (and women) should be taking.
So, what is collagen?
First and foremost, it’s important to note that collagen is the second most abundant substance in our body, after water. Collagen also happens to be the most abundant protein in our body and is often called the body’s scaffolding.
It is found in all our connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and bones, with its purpose being to provide these body parts with their strength, structure and elasticity.
As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at naturally producing collagen, which is why so many men supplement their diet with collagen protein to keep their bodies in optimal working condition.
What is a collagen supplement?
Although there are also several protein-rich foods you can eat to increase your collagen intake, including beef, pork skin and bone broth, the problem is that these unprocessed sources of amino acids are comparatively difficult for your body to absorb. So, you’d need to consume an enormous amount of bone broth to have any impact on your collagen levels.
High-quality collagen supplements contain animal collagen. Using a process called hydrolysation the collagen is broken down into smaller pieces known as “peptides” which makes it more bioavailable – i.e., easier for our bodies to absorb. This is why collagen peptides are also known as hydrolysed collagen.
The amino acids in collagen peptides include an abundance of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, all of which are difficult to get in large quantities from diet alone. These three amino acids are fundamental to fuelling and stimulating the production of collagen in our bodies. So, collagen supplements also enable your body to create more of its own collagen.
Studies that have looked at the absorption of collagen peptides found marine collagen tends to be absorbed better than bovine collagen due to its low molecular weight. Furthermore, Marine collagen, which is sourced from the skin of freshwater fish, is more sustainably produced and has less impact on the environment than for example bovine collagen which is sourced from animals (cows & pigs). Plus there is a lower risk of contaminants as Marine Collagen does not pose any known risk of transmissible diseases.
Why collagen is important for men.
Whilst collagen is usually associated with glowing skin or getting a youthful complexion, it also has numerous health benefits throughout your body particularly in places like your muscles, joints, hair and even digestion.
There have been some impressive clinical studies showing that supplementing your diet with marine collagen can increase your collagen intake and has multiple benefits such as:
+ improving skin elasticity & reducing acne and acne related blemishes
+ providing relief from joint & muscle pain
+ boosting muscle mass & faster muscle recovery
+ preventing bone loss
+ promoting heart health
+ increasing hair and nail strength
+ improving gut and brain health
+ aiding weight loss
As we age, collagen levels decrease, by adding collagen into your diet, it’s super easy to boost your levels and reap the benefits. Let’s delve into some of these benefits below and answer your most frequently asked questions…
How Collagen helps muscles recover.
Marine collagen is a protein that contains 19 different amino acids (including 8 of the 9 essential amino acids). Therefore, taking a daily marine collagen protein supplement can help to prevent injury, by building and repairing muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage that are stressed during exercise by:
Replenishing Protein: Protein loss occurs in muscles during and after long periods of exercise due to oxidation, inflammatory reactions, and muscle microlesions. Collagen is an excellent protein source, packing in more protein per calorie than other sources while containing less sodium and sugar, and the combination of marine collagen’s high bioavailability with its high amino acid content makes it an optimal pre and post-workout supplement that rapidly absorbs and can quickly work to help repair and replenish proteins broken down during exercise.
Building & Repairing Muscles: During workouts, muscles absorb amino acids at a faster rate and don’t leave enough for other parts of your body. Collagen contains 19 different amino acids including glycine and proline which we need to maintain and repair our tendons, bones, and joints. When you work out, your muscles can be broken down and damaged. However, collagen supplements can help increase the levels of these amino acids, that are part of normal muscle structure, and help to build and repair the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage that are stressed during exercise. For example, in a controlled 12-week study, the men that took collagen supplements gained significantly more muscle mass and strength versus those that took a placebo. In fact, the amino acid Glycine is responsible for building muscle tissue and improving its mass, which then helps the body turn food into energy. It can prevent muscles from breaking down by boosting the level of creatine in the body. Boosting creatine in the muscles can help them to perform better in short, intense bursts of activity such as weightlifting or sprinting. Several studies have shown that boosting creatine in the body can lead to increased muscle strength, mass, and power, and it can help with recovery after exercise and rehabilitation after injury.
Side note: Challenging workouts can often lead to torn muscles, sprained ligaments & inflammation. Read here for tips you can incorporate to help your muscles heal faster.
Will collagen boost metabolism and energy?
Collagen is a protein that contains a whopping 19 different amino acids including glycine, glutamine and arginine which are all important for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Muscles draw energy and nutrients from food, so generally speaking, the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism.
Side note: One kilo of muscle mass increases your basal metabolic rate by up to 100 calories per day. On average, men between the ages of 25 and 35 lose about 3 kg of muscle mass despite maintaining the same eating habits. Ageing sucks! That loss of muscle mass means that we require about 2,100 calories per week less than before. If those excess calories aren’t cancelled out through diet or physical exercise, they’ll continue to be packed on in the form of fat week after week. If you want to lose fat, but not muscle, follow the science-backed steps here.
Can collagen supports joint health?
Collagen helps maintain healthy cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue that covers the surface of our joints, protecting them from wear and tear. As we age, the amount of collagen in our body decreases so we are at an increased risk of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Taking collagen regularly aids in the repair of cartilage tissue, as well as alleviating joint inflammation and pain, thereby easing daily tasks like walking, and climbing stairs, as well as exercising.
High impact activities and high-intensity sports exert stress on joints that can lead to pain and injury. Clinical trials have shown supplementation with collagen may reduce activity and exercise-related joint pain.
For example, a review of five studies in more than 500 people with osteoarthritis found that taking collagen daily for an average of 24 weeks led to significant improvements in joint stiffness and joint pain. A joint study by Harvard Medical School and Tufts Medical Centre showed that the patients taking Collagen had “significant re-growth of damaged cartilage” after a year. A study conducted by Penn State University showed that 73 athletes who consumed collagen daily for 24 weeks experienced a significant decrease in joint pain while walking and at rest, compared with the group that did not take it. In another study, adults that took collagen daily for 70 days had a significant reduction in joint pain and were better able to engage in physical activity than those who did not take it.
Studies have also shown that taking Collagen with Vitamin C (which plays an essential role in collagen synthesis in our bodies) (1) helps maintain healthy cartilage, the tissue that covers the surface of our joints, protecting them from wear and tear and (2) helps with the healing of tendons bone and ligament grafts (HIMMENSE SHIFT daily collagen drinks also contains 100% of your NRV of Vitamin C as well as other nutrients).
Will collagen help hair loss?
No man, of any age, wants to lose their hair. Although it`s largely hereditary and due to genetics, hair loss can also be caused by medical conditions, hormonal changes, medications, radiation treatment and stress. But it can also occur as a result of a bad diet and a vitamin deficiency.
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 amino acids in a very easy to absorb form and some of these amino acids are vital for the production of keratin, so a collagen supplement may be key to helping keep a healthy head of hair and preventing hair loss.
Collagen keeps both hair follicles supple and strong and can be used to replenish and strengthen hair. HIMMENSE SHIFT daily marine collagen drinks contain 19 different amino acids. Plus, it’s packed with clinically proven vitamins and minerals, so you get tons of benefits straight away.
Side note: Unexplained hair thinning and hair loss can give you sleepless nights. Read our tips here to help you maintain a healthy head of hair.
Can collagen help reduce the visible signs of ageing?
Being in constant contact with the external environment, the skin is subject to more insults than most of our other organs and is where the first visible signs of aging occur. As we age, our body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. According to a comprehensive meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Dermatology, hydrolyzed collagen supplementation shows favorable results in terms of skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkles. These findings were consistent across all 19 studies included. For example:
A 2014 study of 69 participants aged 35 to 55 found that those who took 2.5 or 5 grams of collagen daily for 8 weeks showed a lot of improvement in skin elasticity, compared with those who did not take the supplement.
A separate study found that participants who took a collagen supplement daily for 12 weeks had 76% less dryness, 12% fewer visible wrinkles, better blood flow in the skin, and a 6% higher collagen content compared with a control group.
Side note: Follow our men’s skin care tips here to fight wrinkles, tired looks, dark circles, dull skin, acne, scars, and more.
Can Collagen promote heart health?
Collagen provides structure to your arteries, which keep blood flowing to and from your heart. A meta-analysis published in The British Journal of Nutrition determined that collagen supplements positively affected biomarkers related to cardiovascular disease, with studies showing that taking collagen supplements can reduce artery stiffness and increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in the body. This means it can help reduce your risk of developing heart conditions.
Which collagen is best?
The benefits of collagen for men are there for the taking, but you need a supplement that contains high-quality collagen peptides that are easy your body to absorb. You also want that supplement to be easy to incorporate into your daily routine, and it might help if the product is not blatantly marketed at women, right?
HIMMENSE SHIFT is the collagen supplement that ticks all those boxes. Formulated especially for men, each 20ml ready to drink sachet contains 6000mg of hydrolyzed marine collagen protein plus vitamin C, for maximum absorption, as well as vitamins B5, B6, B12, D3, Selenium plus the stress busting adaptogen and natural testosterone booster Ashwagandha for multiple health benefits.
So, if you’re looking for a way to get collagen protein into your body quicker with little to no prep time, we recommend taking HIMMENSE SHIFT daily. Like a shot of tequila. But good for you. Simply snap the pouch in half using one hand and squeeze the contents in to your mouth.
Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Consult a doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions or are taking any other medications before you try any remedies.
Published 25 November 2022
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