By Ella Owen, Nutrition Advisor
Movember is an annual event that brings men’s health matters under the spotlight. This popular worldwide campaign raises awareness on subjects such as men’s mental health and male-specific health problems.
Men are known to be at greater risk of certain health issues including cardiovascular health, mental health, and obesity. The good news is that research has demonstrated that nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications can go a long way to favourably influence health risk factors and symptoms.
Are There Changes in Men’s Hormones?
Research suggests that men’s testosterone levels have been declining. The results of a 2007 study indicated an age-independent population-level decrease in testosterone in American men over recent years. * This is significant for men because as well as reproductive health, this hormone is known to be involved in muscle strength, body composition, energy levels and general wellbeing. Men’s sperm levels have also significantly decreased over the last 50 years. The reason for these declines has not been fully determined, however, theories include:
v Environmental effects from chemicals, pesticides & plastic particles
v Overworked soils short of vital nutrients due to industrial farming methods
v Changes in modern day diets
v Rise in obesity levels
v Dietary shortfalls of trace minerals such as zinc & selenium
How Important is Zinc?
Zinc is a key nutrient involved in both normal testosterone levels and normal fertility and reproduction. A deficiency in zinc could be one reason for sperm abnormalities. Regular intake of dietary zinc is needed to sustain levels. A balanced diet that includes zinc rich foods such as seeds, eggs, beef, chickpeas and oysters is advised. In cases of deficiency a well-balanced zinc complex may help to boost levels.
Nature’s Answer Zinc Plus supplies 25mg of zinc citrate/picolinate, balanced with copper and bioactive vitamin B6 (P5P).
A research study by the Harvard School of Public Health observed that men who ate fruit and vegetables containing a lot of pesticides, had lower sperm counts and poorer semen quality than men who had lower levels of dietary pesticide exposure. *
Therefore, eating organic foods and supplementing with wholefood multivitamins that are certified organic could be the best way for men to prevent exposure while ensuring optimal nutrition.
Should Men Focus on Targeted Nutrition for Their Needs?
Garden of Life Mykind Organics range specialises in certified organic multivitamins with specifically targeted formulas for men’s health. Men’s Once Daily Multivitamin is made from nothing but real wholefoods sourced from over 30 powdered organic fruits and vegetables. Certified organic, non-GMO verified, gluten-free and vegan.
Garden of Life’s Men’s Multi 40+ is designed to meet the needs of mature men. In addition to a bespoke range of 20 vitamins and minerals, this certified organic multi also delivers a blend of pomegranate, tomato (standardised for lycopene), turmeric (standardised for curcuminoids) and pumpkin seed for extra-targeted support.
A unique probiotic formula created exclusively for men by Dr Perlmutter MD (board-certified neurologist, New York Times best-selling author and expert in the human microbiome), Garden of Life Men’s Microbiome contains 50 billion live cultures from diverse strains plus clinically studied prebiotic fibres.
Men’s Grooming is As Equally Important as Nutrition and Supplements
Jason New Range specifically targeted for Men’s body care:
Jason offers high-performance products designed for the needs of men’s skin, body and hair. These plant-based formulas are strong enough to tackle odour, dirt and sweat, while helping to address any underlying issues such as sensitivity and dryness. The most common male skincare concerns are acne, dry skin and razor burn. These problems arise more for men than women not just because of shaving, but also because men’s skin as has a tendency to be thicker, more prone to oiliness, and with a more irregular texture. Jason offers a range of products to hydrate, refresh and calm.
The claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.
*References:
