Foods and Nutrients to Support Men’s Health

Gender stereotypes often portray men as perpetually strong, stoic and reluctant to express emotions or discuss their feelings, including how they feel about their health. This mindset frames asking for help as a weakness, which is a complete misconception. Recognizing stressors and actively seeking strategies to manage them are signs of a healthy, well-adjusted individual. 

Many men also tend to neglect their health, often delaying medical consultations until their issues become critical or unavoidable. This may stem from a notion that scheduling regular doctor visits, including annual physicals, signifies vulnerability. However, these routine checkups are crucial as they enable you and your doctor to detect early warning signs of disease or illness. By doing so, you can proactively make necessary lifestyle adjustments and potentially alter the course of your health for the better.

As societal attitudes shift, there is a growing recognition among men about the importance of proactive health management. Increasingly, men are prioritizing preventative healthcare practices. 

Embracing nutrition and supplements can be a powerful and natural approach to enhancing overall well-being. From ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D, to incorporating particular foods, men can improve their quality of life and take control of their health.

Let’s start with food! Here are three foods that can support men’s health:

Beets and Pomegranates

Cardiovascular disease is public enemy number one because it’s the leading cause of death among men. Pomegranate and beet juice are the ultimate duo to improve blood flow and heart health. There are several published studies showing that pomegranate and beet juice can lower blood pressure, increase exercise stamina and improve erectile dysfunction. Both these juices (taken together or separately) are a man’s secret weapons for optimal performance in the gym and in the bedroom.

Tomatoes

Cooked tomatoes contain a powerful anticancer nutrient called lycopene. This nutrient is invaluable to men as studies have found that it inhibits cancer cells in the prostate. It can also improve overall prostate health by reducing PSA (a marker of prostate health) and abnormal prostate enlargement. It’s important to note that the highest amounts are found in cooked tomatoes rather than fresh fruit.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a super food for men. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. Additionally, they contain phytosterols that can lower cholesterol and reduce symptoms of prostate enlargement like frequent and nighttime urination. They are also a good source of protein for muscle recovery, plus they contain the amino acid L-tryptophan which helps promote good sleep and relaxation. They are also a great snack option for men on the go.

Next up, three supplements that can help support men’s health: 

Defined Pollen Extract

When it comes to prostate health and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), it has been suggested that the sex hormones - androgen, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone may be contributing factors to prostatic enlargement. Defined pollen extract from Secale cereal, found in AOR’s Prostate Support, has been beneficial in reducing symptoms of prostate enlargement, chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Preclinical studies have revealed the role of pollen extracts could improve a patient’s quality of life significantly.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in men's health. It is vital for maintaining a robust immune system, aiding in wound healing, and supporting normal growth. Zinc is particularly important for men as it contributes significantly to reproductive health, enhancing fertility by boosting testosterone levels and sperm quality. Additionally, zinc is involved in hormone regulation, including the maintenance of adequate testosterone levels, which are essential for muscle growth, energy levels, and overall mood stabilization. Its antioxidant properties also help protect cells from damage by harmful free radicals, promoting long-term health.

Vitamin D

Among the wide-ranging benefits of vitamin D on our health, it should not be surprising to find out that it can also increase testosterone levels. A 2011 study published in Hormone and Metabolic Research revealed that 3,332 IU of vitamin D supplementation taken daily for one-year increased testosterone levels in men. Given that testosterone is the primary hormone involved in muscle-building, fat-burning, libido and it also affects mood and energy, ensuring adequate production is critical, especially as levels of this important hormone naturally decline with age. 

Men’s bodies are unique and come with many nutritional demands. Taking advantage of personalized nutrition and well researched supplements formulated specially with men in mind can help you met your body’s needs and move toward optimal health. If you’re a man that wants to take your health and performance to the next level, consider the above options as powerful health allies.

About Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR)

Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR) is a Canadian based company with headquarters in Calgary, AB. AOR believes that truth and transparency are the most important values for any organization to uphold. It is through ethical discipline and evidence-based science that AOR leads and advances the natural health industry. As visionaries, AOR seeks to catalyze change and challenge conventions through continuous innovation. AOR exists to create safe, effective and therapeutic solutions from nature, so consumers can always trust the products to deliver the right molecule in the right dose, at the right place, at the right time.

Visit aor.ca for additional information.