Men's Health - Products on demand

It's hard to digest the fact that we can't lift the weight like we used to. Or that we get tired much sooner. The constant urge to urinate is driving us up the wall. And what if our libido is no longer up to scratch? And I haven't even mentioned the fact that we look in the mirror and see a man with half the muscles.

For healthy testosterone levels

Testosterone works in conjunction with a host of other hormones (including IGF-1 and growth hormone). It is responsible for primary masculine traits. More specifically, libido (sexual desire), muscle tone, proper bone and joint health, and adequate physical and mental performance.^1,2 As we age, testosterone levels will decline, so in some settings, supplements can be very helpful in restoring testosterone.

Zinc: our bodies cannot produce it internally, yet it is the second most abundant mineral. Its supplementation is key for testosterone levels and libido.³ Not only does it affect hormone balance⁴, but it also protects the reproductive organs through its antioxidant properties and contributes to genital health - it can reduce the risk of testicular enlargement.⁵ Pro-tip: Combined with vitamin D, it can boost natural testosterone boosting even more.⁶

DAA: or D-aspartic acid can stimulate testosterone production indirectly (by acting on growth hormone). These properties are most pronounced in people with inherently low testosterone levels.^7,8 DAA can also help to release melatonin (the sleep hormone).^9,10 It can help us sleep more restfully and better. By improving the quality of sleep, our testosterone and growth hormone levels will also be higher. Therefore, DAA can help restore proper testosterone levels by acting on two fronts.

Tesnor: a blend of cocoa bean and pomegranate extracts that has been scientifically proven to increase testosterone levels and muscle strength.²²

Tribulus: aka cherry melon extract. This pesky, pungent plant is specifically effective for our male vanity. In most studies, cherry melon extract, improved libido, increased sexual desire and also resulted in increased muscle mass and muscle tone. All this regardless of testosterone. That is, it does so through the hormone IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), which expresses the effects of testosterone. Testosterone is known to activate IGF-1, which will ultimately enhance male sex characteristics.^11-14

For full muscles and loose joints

Collagen: There's a supplement that will not only benefit your skin, but your joints too. And that's collagen. It's a type two protein (also found in your muscles). It's the type two that works best on your joints, helping to prevent the sometimes crippling and uncomfortable joint pain. Your skin, ligaments and muscles will thank you for using collagen powder.^14,15

Protein: want to keep your muscles? Then a (relatively) higher protein intake is essential. After all, proteins are the building blocks of muscle, and if your body doesn't have anything to build from, it will burn up the precious muscle you already have. When exercising, 1.5 grams* of protein per kg bodyweight is recommended. For a 90 kg man, this means a protein intake of 140 grams per day. And most of us don't get anywhere near this intake, so protein powders, bars and protein-enriched foods may be justified.

Creatine: want to keep your strength up? Then take creatine! Creatine is one of the most important energy-providing amino acids and is also found in beef - although you would need to eat a good amount of beef to get enough creatine. Muscle work is ultimately carried out by a compound called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). After all, the calories you take in from food will be used as ATP. However, very little pure ATP is stored. The reserve is only enough for a few seconds of muscle work. ATP is available in larger quantities when combined with creatine. So if you increase the amount of creatine in the body, you increase the amount of energy immediately available. To maintain fitness levels, use 5 grams of creatine for 1-2 months, then reduce to 2.5 grams, an amount that can be consumed over the long term with shorter breaks in between with peace of mind.^16-18

For prostate health

Saw Palmetto: Saw Palmetto is the best-established carer of prostate. It is also often prescribed by doctors to treat prostate enlargement, as it contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid that reduces the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone. The main cause of prostate enlargement is excessive dihydrotestosterone release. It may also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer through its anti-inflammatory properties.^19,20

Lycopene: protects prostate cells from damage through its antioxidant levels. This may enhance the preventive properties of Saw Palmetto against prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.²¹

It is recommended to use Saw Palmetto in combination with Lycopene.

Our TOP10 recommended supplements to improve male health

1. GARDEN OF LIFE VITAMIN CODE MEN (120 VEG CAPSULES)
2. NOW FOODS ZINC 50 MG (250 TABLETS)
3. LIFE EXTENSION TESTOSTERONE ELITE (30 VEG CAPSULES)
4. NOW FOODS UC-II® TYPE II COLLAGEN VEG CAPSULES (60 VEG CAPSULES)
5. NOW FOODS TRIBULUS 1,000MG (90 TABLETS)
6. RULE1 COLLAGEN PEPTIDES (28 SERVINGS, UNFLAVORED)
7. RULE1 CREATINE (75 SERVINGS, UNFLAVORED)
8. SWANSON SAW PALMETTO (100 CAPSULES)
9. LIFE EXTENSION DHEA 25 MG (100 CAPSULES)
10. MUSCLEMEDS CARNIVOR LEAN MEAL (30 SERVINGS, VANILLA CREME)

The above mentioned effects and recommendations are not a substitute for any medical advice, consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new supplementation routine.