Did you know that by the age of 30, a man's body begins to produce substantially less collagen — up to 1.5% less each year?
If this fact leaves you rather cold because you think collagen loss is not real, it's time to rethink. Collagen is often overlooked, especially when it comes to men's health and wellness.
But more and more men are realizing that collagen is important for them. If you're new to this topic and don't know much about collagen for men, don't worry. Today, we'll tell you everything you need to know about why you should supplement with collagen if you are a woman.
What is Collagen?
You may have heard of collagen as the building block of the body, and for good reason. It is actually the most abundant protein found in mammals, which includes humans. It makes up a large portion of our skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissue. You could imagine collagen like the glue that holds us together. It provides structure and elasticity.
What Does Collagen Do in the Body?
There are actually 16 different types of collagen, meaning each one has a slightly different role and location where it's found in the body. However, there are three main types :
- Type I: Comprises 90% of your body’s collagen and is dense in fibers. It provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth.
- Type II: Found in elastic cartilage between your joints.
- Type III
For men, type 1 collagen is particularly great.
Also Read: Does Creatine Make You Gain Weight?
Top Benefits of Collagen for Men
Men's skin is not only thicker than women's, it is also often exposed to harsh conditions. Many men do lots of outdoor activities, shave daily, and expose their skin to other environmental factors that can be damaging. These things can accelerate skin aging. Collagen is a protein estimated to make up about 30% of the total bone mass. Another thing that you should know is that collagen is rich in amino acids like glycine and proline.
How Can Men Incorporate Collagen Into Their Diet?
Incorporating collagen into one's diet can be very simple. There are many ways you can add a supplement to your diet. There are also natural food sources that contain collagen, so you'll have plenty of choices for increasing your collagen intake.
Also Read: Top 9 Foods with Creatine to Fuel Your Life
Natural Sources of Collagen
Collagen is primarily found in the connective tissues of animals. This is why foods rich in collagen tend to be protein sources like:
- Bone broth: Bone broth is made by simmering bones for an extended period to extract collagen into the broth. You can buy it or even make it yourself with leftover bones from other meals.
- Meat with connective tissues: Eating meats that include tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues will provide collagen. Slow cooking methods like stewing or braising are particularly effective at breaking down these tissues into gelatin, a form of collagen that the body can easily absorb.
- Fish and shellfish: The bones and ligaments of fish are rich in collagen. Since the structures are less dense than mammalian bones, they're an excellent source for anyone who wants to increase their intake.
Supplements for a Daily Collagen Boost
While natural sources of collagen are a great thing, the concentration in food can vary, and you never really know how much collagen you're getting. It also requires preparation time when you're, for example, making bone broth, and you might not want to eat meat and fish every single day due to personal preferences.
That's why supplements can be super handy in giving you a daily, consistent collagen boost. It's an efficient way to consume collagen, so you get high concentrations with each serving.
If you have a busy lifestyle or dietary restrictions, you might find it hard to consume adequate amounts of food. There's no shame in supplementing – especially when you're consistent.
Also Read: Do You Take Creatine on Rest Days?
How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement?
The right collagen supplement can make all the difference. You want something that's effective, easy to use, and fits into your daily life. Let's talk about what you should look for in a collagen supplement and what Purely Inspired has to offer in terms of supplement choices.
What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement?
First, it’s important to know where collagen comes from. Our supplements are made from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals. This is very important if you care about the source of what you’re putting into your body.
You’ll also want to choose hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are broken down into smaller pieces, making them easier for your body to absorb. This type of collagen is super versatile — you can mix it into your coffee, smoothies, or even just water without it getting too clumpy.
Another thing to consider is if the supplement comes with any extra nutrients. Some collagen supplements, like Purely Inspired, are especially useful if you're active and want that extra boost from your supplement.
Also Read: Paleo vs. Keto: What is the Better Choice?
Why Choose Purely Inspired Collagen Peptides?
Purely Inspired Collagen Peptides checks all these boxes. It’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, so you’re getting a clean, high-quality product. And the best part? You can easily mix it into your morning coffee or any beverage without worrying about it clumping up.
Collagen + Creatine: A Great Combo
If you’re looking for even more from your supplement, Purely Inspired also offers Collagen + Creatine. This product is awesome because it combines collagen with creatine, which helps with muscle building and exercise performance. This combo is perfect if you’re into fitness or just want to improve your overall well-being. Plus, it comes in a tasty Watermelon Strawberry flavor, so it’s enjoyable to drink.
Men, You Too Should Live a Collagen-Rich Lifestyle
We have one more tip for you to make the most out of your collagen supplementation: pair it with vitamin C-rich foods or supplements. Why? Well, vitamin C enhances collagen synthesis. How do you take vitamin C along with your collagen? It’s up to you! As an example, you could add oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, or a vitamin C supplement to your breakfast along with your morning dose of collagen. Like with many other things in life, consistency is key. Make collagen supplementation a regular part of your routine – just like brushing your teeth or getting your daily exercise.