What is collagen?

Collagen makes up about 30% of all the protein in our bodies. That is the main reason why it’s a very important component of major organs, such as the blood vessels and skin. So, you can see how collagen deficiency takes a toll on our overall health.

Collagen’s molecular structure features three amino acids

• Proline
• Glycine
• Hydroxyproline

There are three main types of collagen in the human body. These include:

• Type I: Typically present in the teeth, bones, skin, and connective tissue (including cartilage and tendons).
• Type II: Found in the joint cartilage
• Type III: Found in the blood vessels, organs, and muscle tissue

What are the benefits of taking collagen for men?

The benefits of this structural protein are quite clear as it’s what gives your body structure and resilience. Although the body produces collagen naturally from the protein in your diet, as you get older, your body’s ability to effectively produce it starts to decrease.

The body’s collagen production drops by about 1% per year, starting in our 20’s. Moreover, the body breaks down collagen faster than it can produce it, and that is how signs of aging start to appear.

In addition to age, other factors that can affect collagen production include toxins, sun exposure, some diets, and lifestyle choices that expose our bodies to free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress throughout the body, which causes the premature breakdown of collagen. On the skin, this often appears as age spots, dry skin, fine lines, and sagging.

Collagen powder for men is designed to increase the levels of this vital protein and boost collagen production in the body.

Let’s explore the key benefits of collagen powder for men:

1.   It reduces hair loss

No man regardless of age wants to see hair in the shower as his scalp gradually appears. Although genetics play an important role, collagen helps keep hair and hair follicles strong and supple.

The specific protein that helps maintain hair quality and structure is keratin. As we grow older, our hair often becomes weaker, coarse, and thinner. Collagen contains 18 essential amino acids that are easy to absorb and some of them are essential for keratin production. Therefore, collagen powder may be the key to preventing hair loss and keeping it at its optimum condition.

2.   Collagen for Men – Supports joint and bone health

Joint pain and weaker bones are other seemingly inevitable effects of aging. However, that does not mean you shouldn’t take measures to improve and protect your joints- especially if your career is physically demanding.

There are several clinical studies that have examined the ability of collagen to reduce joint pain and support cartilage integrity. These studies show that the consumption of collagen improves the production of collagen in the cartilage, which ultimately helps reduce pain and inflammation.

3.   Improves muscle recovery

Collagen powder for men contains a special blend of amino acids that can help recover quickly after strenuous physical activity.

Your ligaments and tendons contain 75% collagen. Therefore, consuming collagen as a supplement helps reduce potential injury and pain. Moreover, collagen reduces inflammation caused by strain from high-impact exercise or intense lifting.

4.   It prevents muscle loss with age

Not every man is into working out after work, but guys that do want to increase their overall muscle mass. However, even guys who are not particularly concerned with their biceps and shoulder size should care about the loss of muscle mass as they age because it can pose several dangers to their health.

Muscle tissue is made up of about 10% collagen. Studies indicate that increasing collagen consumption can improve strength, boost muscle mass and boost creatine synthesis.

5.   It lowers the risk of heart disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for men as well as women in the U.S. There are numerous factors that can lead to conditions that increase the risk for heart disease like high cholesterol levels, narrowing arteries (atherosclerosis), and stiff arteries.

Researchers have conducted numerous studies on collagen regarding its ability to increase hood (HDL) cholesterol levels and improve flexibility in arteries. It is also essential to note that collagen is rich in proline; an amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and clear fat from the arteries.

6.   It supports a healthy gut

Your digestive system probably undergoes more stress than you can admit. That’s okay, we are all in the same boat here. Researchers recommend adding collagen to your diet, especially if you suffer from IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or leaky gut syndrome.

Collagen improves flexibility in gut cells so it helps protect the lining of the intestines and reduces inflammation. Making some adjustments to your diet can help prevent bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

7.   It helps maintain skin health with age

Everyone wants to age gracefully and just like women, men can also take advantage of collagen powder for healthy aging. Remember, as you age your skin loses elasticity and becomes less hydrated.

Collagen improves skin hydration hence reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, research shows that collagen consumption improves the body’s own capacity to produce collagen. This helps support natural anti-aging and improves elasticity.

8.   Collagen improves energy and metabolism

Collagen contains essential amino acids such as arginine, glutamine, and glycine, which play a vital role in boosting muscle mass and healthy metabolism. Researchers also believe that collagen helps maintain optimal energy levels by keeping the central nervous system healthy.

The bottom line

Collagen consumption comes with numerous health benefits across the entire body regardless of your gender. From hair and skin to muscle mass and heart health, collagen powder for men improves the entire body’s overall structure and function. Moreover, it is safe with no drug interactions or side effects.

Getting good quality sleep is extremely essential for your health. Studies report that sleep helps the brain and body function properly and getting a good night’s sleep helps improve your memory, learning, creativity, and even decision making.

Insufficient sleep and poor sleep are associated with a higher risk of health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. Despite this, the quantity and quality of sleep are at an all-time low, with a rapidly increasing number of people experiencing poor sleep. Although good sleep habits and practices can help you get good sleep, for some that are not enough.

If you are looking for some extra help to get good sleep, you can try these natural sleep aids:

1.   Vanilla Sleep Collagen Peptide Powder

Bulletproof Sleep Collagen Protein helps make your sleep more restorative. This supplement combines collagen protein with 3mg melatonin, magnesium, and chamomile in a relaxing lacuma vanilla flavor.

This collagen for sleep supplement helps you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed without feeling groggy.

Features and benefits of taking collagen protein as a natural sleep aid:

• 3mg melatonin is a drug-free way of drifting off and feeling energetic the next day
• 10g collagen protein: Promotes healthy skin, joints, and bones while you sleep.
• Custom sleep blend: Magnesium citrate and chamomile flower support muscle relaxation and better quality sleep. 
• Keto-friendly: Vanilla sleep collagen does not contain artificial fillers or sugar and it mixes easily in cold as well as hot drinks. Enjoy this soothing tonic just before bed and enjoy a better, sound sleep.

Vanilla sleep peptide powder only contains science-backed ingredients to ensure maximum benefits.

2.  Melatonin

Melatonin is produced naturally by the body and it is mainly responsible for signaling the brain when it’s time to sleep. Melatonin’s cycle of release and production is influenced by the time of day and its levels rise naturally in the evening and gradually falls as morning approaches.

This is one of the main reasons why melatonin supplements are becoming a popular sleep aid, especially where the cycle of production is disrupted. These supplements are commonly used to help with jet lag.

Learn more about how bone broth collagen powder can help with Cholesterol HERE!

Studies show that melatonin helps improve daytime sleep duration and quality. This is very beneficial for shift workers whose work schedules demand that they sleep during the day. Melatonin has also been shown to improve sleep quality in people with sleep disorders. Melatonin helps reduce sleep latency (time needed to fall asleep) and increase total sleep time.

3.  Valerian root

This herb native to Europe and Asia is commonly used as a treatment for signs and symptoms of menopause, anxiety, and depression.  Valerian root is most commonly used as a natural sleep-promoting herb in Europe and the United States.

Randomized controlled trials show that valerian root supplements help improve sleep disorder symptoms and sleep quality in postmenopausal and menopausal women. Taking 300-900 mg of valerian root just before bed time can improve sleep quality.

However, the observed improvements in these studies and trials were subjective. The studies relied on the participant’s perception on self-related sleep quality without taking into consideration objective measurements such as heart rate and brain waves during sleep.

In any case, short-term use of valerian root supplements is safe for adult users with minor side effects.

4.  Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in numerous processes in the body, and it is extremely important for heart health and brain function. Moreover, magnesium makes it easier to sleep by quieting the body and mind, relaxing the muscles and inducing sleep.

Its relaxing effect has been linked to its ability to control the production and release of melatonin. The combination of vitamin B, melatonin, and magnesium has been shown to be effective in treating sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Magnesium also increases the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric  acid) which helps calm the brain and relax the body.

Low levels of magnesium in the body have been linked to insomnia and troubled sleep. Therefore, taking magnesium supplements can help you improve the quantity and quality of your sleep.

5.  Lavender

Lavender has a soothing fragrance that can help improve sleep quality. In fact, studies report that smelling lavender oil just before sleep is enough to enhance sleep. This effect is particularly strong in people with insomnia, especially young individuals and females.

A study in individuals with insomnia shows that lavender aromatherapy helps improve the symptoms of sleep disturbance and increase total sleep time.

Lavender aromatherapy is largely considered safe. However, taking lavender orally can cause stomach pain and nausea in some cases. It is essential to note that essential oils should be used for aromatherapy rather than oral ingestion. More research on lavender is needed to further evaluate its safety and efficacy.

6.  Passionflower

Passionflower, which is also known as maypop or Passiflora incarnate is commonly used to treat insomnia. Although its sleep-promoting effects have been observed in animal studies, its effects in human beings appear to depend on how it’s consumed.

Although more studies are needed to examine the effects of passionflower on humans, it’s important to note that the intake of passionflower is safe in adults. However, a few studies show that passionflower is more effective when consumed as an extract or tea rather than as a supplement.

7.  Glycine

Glycine plays a very important role in the human nervous system and studies show that this amino acid can also help improve sleep. It’s not known exactly how it works. However, some studies show that it works by lowering body temperature, signaling the body that it is time to sleep. Another small study shows that glycine reduces fatigue and improves performance in the daytime, especially in people who are sleep-deprived.

Glycine is available as a powder and in pill form. It is recommended that you take 0.8 g/kg of body weight to be safe.

Glycine intake can be increased by eating foods that contain the nutrient including bone broth, eggs, meat, fish, poultry, beans, kale, cabbage, spinach, and fruits such as kiwis and bananas.


The bottom line

Just like exercising and eating well, a good night’s sleep is very important for your health. Unfortunately, many people have troubled sleep, wake up frequently, or wake up feeling tired. Even while taking these supplements, try to incorporate good sleep practices such as limiting your intake of caffeine before bedtime and keeping electronic devices out of your bedroom.

Bones are the only true source of type II collagen which is known for keeping joints and teeth health and skin supple and smooth, as well as other health benefits.

Bones are also rich in several minerals, compounds and anti-inflammatory amino acids that help speed up the body’s healing process from various things such as leaky gut, arthritis, or sports injuries.

However, since we can’t chow down bones and connective tissue in their whole form, simmering them for 10 to 20 hours to make bone broth is one of the best ways to release their nutrients and enjoy its numerous and extensive health benefits. In fact, bone broth contains many different nutrients, most of which cannot be obtained from other foods. This is partly why bone broth is so special.

By using bone broth in recipes or drinking it regularly, you help reduce gut inflammation and permeability while promoting healthy gut integrity. Let’s explore the major benefits of bone broth.

Heal your Gut and Promote Digestion

Nowadays, bone broth is the top-recommended food for improving symptoms of various chronic digestive conditions such as colitis, Crohn’s disease and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

This is largely because collagen forms gelatin when you cook it down further. Gelatin and collagen are rich in amino acids that help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and they also have the ability to heal and seal holes in the GI tract, which can cause leaky gut syndrome.

Research shows that leaky gut syndrome is one of the primary underlying causes of various digestive conditions. Leaky gut is also a contributor to chronic low energy, brain fog, depression, anxiety, eczema, allergies and acne.

However, it’s essential to understand that leaky gut can show no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Bone broth is highly recommended on various special gut healing protocols and diets such as the SDC diet, low FODMAP diet, and the GAPS diet.

Relieve Arthritis and Soothe Inflamed Joints

Whether it’s sore muscles, an injury or arthritis, the best way to nourish your joints and bones is by consuming the nutrients found within them, including calcium, magnesium, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine.

Bone broth is heavily packed with all of these essential nutrients, plus various amino acids that can help reduce inflammation and joint pain, like proline and glycine. This is one of the main reasons why bone broth has become a very popular recovery drink especially among workout enthusiasts and athletes.

Accelerate Weight Loss

Consuming bone broth on a regular basis can help promote sustainable weight loss. Studies have found that consuming bone broth before a meal promotes weight loss mainly due to the low amount of calories consumed during the meal itself.

Moreover, the combination of bone broth and intermittent fasting accelerates sustainable weight loss by restricting calorie intake and burning fat more efficiently. If you want to combine bone broth and intermittent fasting, you should increase bone broth consumption on the fasting days. However, the findings show that consuming water during or before meals does not have this beneficial effect.

Better Nails, Hair, and Skin

Nowadays, many anti-aging skincare brands add collagen to their serums, face creams, and moisturizers. However, many people are not aware of the fact that these creams can’t provide much in terms of results mainly because collagen molecules are bigger than the size of our skin pores and hence cannot be absorbed directly through the skin.

You’ll be happy to know that collagen is easily absorbed through the digestive system. Since there’s a direct link between the skin and the gut, incorporating bone broth in your diet will have very powerful and lasting effects on the overall health and appearance of your skin.

It’s also essential to keep in mind that nails and hair are made up of various proteins including collagen. Therefore, adding bone broth to your diet can help strengthen nails, and encourage hair to grow quicker and thicker.

Deep, Restful Sleep

Stats show that the average person sleeps an average of 6.8 hours per night. Therefore, we all need a little more of better sleep in order to make those few hours count.

Studies show that bone broth is very rich in glycine which works on the CNS (Central Nervous System) and when taken before bed it can reduce daytime drowsiness and improve sleep quality. It is even more effective when combined with other important sleep-supportive nutrients such as magnesium and calcium.

Healthy Pregnancy

For expectant mothers, your growing baby will also get to experience all the benefits you’ll reap from bone broth including a healthy digestive system, and healthy joints and bones. Although it can be almost impossible to keep food down when morning sickness hits, bone broth is usually well-tolerated and can be soothing for nausea.

On the other hand, bone broth provides all the nutrients you and your unborn baby need, including minerals, protein, and essential vitamins. The slow simmer time of about 10 to 20 hours makes nutrients easier to absorb and highly bio-available compared to nutritional supplements. Bone broth also helps you have a more comfortable and healthy pregnancy by soothing painful or still joints.

Improve Mood

According to neuroscientists and nutritionists, your brain is influenced by your gut bacteria. On the other hand, your diet has a huge impact on your gut bacteria. Your microbiome (the makeup of your gut bacteria) influences how your brain is wired in terms of ability to learn, memory moods and dealing with stress.

Therefore, when your gut microbiome is unhealthy, it sends stress and anxiety signals to the brain, and when it’s healthy it sends signals of happiness. This has led neuroscientists to start investigating how gut bacteria can be managed as a treatment for various stress-related disorders.

Studies show that gelatin promotes the growth of good bacteria (probiotics) in the gut hence supporting healthy digestion function which can help improve general mood. Biologists also say that the rise in inflammatory and degenerative diseases especially in industrialized societies can be attributed to the presence of various restorative amino acids such as hydroxyproline.

Bone broth is rich in various important nutrients which make it a very powerful food that can be highly beneficial for your entire family including your pets.

Besides the benefits listed above, bone broth can also benefit your pet’s joints, bones, teeth, shiny coat and digestion.

In most cases, Kidney disease does not have any major symptoms in the early stages and hence goes undetected until it’s very advanced. In its late stages, kidney disease is usually untreatable and most patients need a transplant or dialysis.

What causes kidney damage?

The kidneys are very powerful organs that are responsible for many vital functions such as filtering waste, balancing bodily fluids, producing urine and producing hormones that help regulate blood pressure. These small but vital organs can easily become damaged in many ways.

High blood pressure and diabetes are some of the most common underlining risk factors that can cause kidney disease. However, research shows that the risk for kidney disease can also be increased by smoking, age, gender, and genetics.

High blood pressure and uncontrolled sugar can damage blood vessels in your kidneys, impairing their ability to function properly. When kidney function is impaired, waste products accumulate in the bloodstream. Therefore, it is very important for people who are at risk for kidney damage as well as people with kidney disease to adhere to diet regimes that help promote kidney function.

Does bone broth help improve kidney function?

In most traditional cultures, people often used animal bones as a base for stock. In addition to being a great cooking ingredient, bone broth is also highly nutritious and provides numerous health benefits for the skin, kidneys, gut, hair, bones, and immune system.

For instance, bone broth is rich in protein (approximately 6g per cup), and a wide variety of nutrients including potassium (which helps move toxins out of cells and nutrients into cells), phosphorus (great for teeth and bones), and calcium.

Bone broth is rich in minerals and vitamins that have been shown to aid in detoxification as well as improve liver and kidney function. These minerals can also help prevent the harmful effects of dangerous environmental toxins, such as lead. This energizing beverage is also high in glycine, which stimulates the production of a powerful antioxidant called glutathione.

Animal studies have shown that glycine aids in speeding recovery from fatty liver disease (alcohol-induced), improving survival after surgeries such as kidney transplants, and protecting liver cells against damage and hypoxia. Glycine also helps reduce oxidative stress especially in people diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

Proline, on the other hand, plays a critical role in a process known as apoptosis, which entails breaking down old cells, recycling raw materials, and clearing up toxins and waste products in healthy cells. Proline also acts as an antioxidant by getting rid of free radicals.

Glutamine is a nontoxic nitrogen transporter that carries amine groups through the blood to the kidney. Glutamine is converted to glutamate in the kidney and the acid-base balance is regulated by producing ammonium.

How can you use bone broth to improve kidney function?

If drinking bone broth out of a coffee cup feels odd, don’t worry; there are numerous other ways to use, drink, or eat bone broth.

• Drink your broth straight up.

This method is simple and straightforward. Simply pour your broth into your thermos flask and sip it as part of your meals.

• Use bone broth to make grains.

Use bone broth instead of water when cooking ancient grains such as farro or quinoa. Besides providing all the benefits of bone broth, it also adds flavor to your grains.

• Freeze to use later

Pour your broth into an ice cube tray and freeze to make individually portioned broth.

Despite having a rather intimidating name, bone broth is simple to incorporate into any diet and enjoy its health benefits. For instance, you can drink it to recharge and nourish yourself post-workout. Other people mix it into morning smoothies or simply use it to glaze vegetables. You can also use it to make stews and soups, instead of using water.

Where can I buy bone broth?

You can purchase bone broth pre-made in liquid or powder form, or make your own at home. Although store-bought bone broth is a good option, be sure to buy pasture-raised, organic bone broth to maximize the nutrients and minerals you get and minimize the toxins. Avoid buying bone broth that comes in plastic food containers or cans that contain BPA (bisphenol) or BPA substitutes.

Remember, it is important to ensure that your kidneys are functioning optimally in order to avoid complications caused by kidney diseases such as stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, anemia, nerve damage, and kidney failure.

Read about Bone Broth as a natural treatment for high cholesterol HERE!

Bone broth, commonly known as beef or chicken broth, is becoming a very popular beverage among health enthusiasts in the United States, largely owing to its health benefits.

It is basically a soup base that is made by slowly simmering the connective tissue and bones of animals (beef, turkey, duck, chicken, etc.) in water for up to 24 hours. This hearty beverage is touted for its variety of vital nutrients that may improve digestion, benefit your skin, improve joint health and boost your immune system.

What is Bone Broth Powder?

Bone broth powder is a nutritional supplement that purports to offer the benefits of consuming protein and bone broth, all in powder form. This protein powder can be taken by mixing it with the liquid of your choice, including soup and water.

Bone broth powder is made by boiling animal bones, tendons, ligaments, and water under sustained high heat and pressure. In addition to helping the broth retain its nutrients, this also allows it to be cooked for a considerably shorter time.

Reducing the cooking time is particularly important because nutrients such as hyaluronic acid chondroitin and glucosamine may be lost when cooked for a long period of time. The bone broth is then slowly dehydrated and concentrated into bone broth powder.

What are the Health Benefits of Consuming Bone Broth Powder?

It is important to keep in mind that there’s limited scientific research on the benefits of consuming bone broth powder. Instead, its health benefits are attributed to some of the benefits of its nutrients, including:

• Glycine
• Chondroitin
• Glucosamine
• Proline
• Hyaluronic acid
• Glutamine

Does Bone Broth Powder Help Improve Digestion?

Studies have shown that your general health depends greatly on your intestinal tract health. In addition to being easy to digest, bone broth may also help improve the digestion of a wide variety of other foods.

Bone broth protein is rich in gelatin with attracts and bonds with liquids, helping food move through the gut more easily. It has also been shown to heal and protect the mucosal lining of the human digestive tract.

Gelatin contains an amino acid known as glutamine which aids in maintaining the intestinal walls as well as healing and preventing leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut is a condition caused by the impairment of the barrier between the bloodstream and your gut. This leads to inflammation as well as other potentially dangerous conditions.

So How does Collagen Help Digestion?

Bone broth is high in glycine which stimulates the body to produce stomach acids which are essential for the digestion of any food. Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) is very common in many developed countries and can easily cause serious health complications, including GERD and heartburn. Glycine is an essential element of bile acid, which aids in the digestion of all fats. Therefore, bile acid helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels.

Studies have shown that gelatin helps draw fluids into the intestine, hence improving gut motility as well as healthy bowel movements. In fact, collagen deficiency is closely linked with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Consuming bone broth regularly helps with leaky gut syndrome and it can also help protect non-leaky guts.

The gelatin in the ligaments and bones used for making bone broth helps repair damaged intestines by “patching up” holes. Repairing the porous intestinal lining helps ease constipation, chronic diarrhea, as well as some food intolerances.

According to research, people who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease typically have significantly lower levels of various amino acids. Therefore, such people may live more comfortable lives and relieve some symptoms of the disease by simply consuming more amino acids. Drinking bone broth regularly is a simple way of getting amino acids in the body and reducing inflammation.

The bottom line

Since bone broth powder is essentially concentrated bone broth, the body can utilize all of its protein, unlike other protein sources like egg, soy, or whey. Although most bone broth powder supplements are made with chicken bones and ligaments, there are alternatives made with fish bones or grass-fed beef.

Therefore, consuming bone broth powder may be beneficial for people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), leaky gut, or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Read about why you should include bone broth powder in your diet HERE!