We know you’ve heard all about the importance of eating a balanced diet. “Eat more fruits and vegetables” and “Cut down on carbs” are just some of the countless men’s nutrition tips you’ve heard over the years. What you don’t often hear about is men’s supplements. While whole foods should obviously make up most of your diet, men’s nutritional supplements are just as important because they fill in any nutritional gaps that your diet can’t. We’ve put together this list of the best men’s nutritional supplements to consider taking.
Men’s Nutritional Supplement #1 – Men’s Multivitamin: This is a good line of defense against any nutritional deficiencies from your diet. By taking a men’s multivitamin that contains 100% daily values of the most important nutrients, you’ll be providing your body with the necessary fuel your body may be missing to function at its best all day long. Because it’s very difficult to get all the nutrients you need from diet, there’s no excuse for not supplementing your diet with a multivitamin for men. For more information on multivitamins, check out “Men’s Multivitamin 101.”
Men’s Nutritional Supplement #2 – Pre-Workout Supplement/Post-Workout Supplement: While these are two separate men’s nutrition supplements, they should always be used together. A pre-workout supplement with nitric oxide activators may help dilate blood vessels, improving nutrient transport to your muscles when they need fuel the most. This helps boost workout performance by supporting increases in endurance, power and energy. A post-workout supplement, on the other hand, helps muscle recover after an intense workout by speeding up muscle repair and encouraging muscle growth. “Your Guide to Nutrient Timing” further explains the importance of a pre-workout supplement and post-workout supplement.
Men’s Nutritional Supplement #3 – Whey Protein – In order to build muscle, you need to boost your protein intake. Lean meats like chicken breast and pork tenderloin are always reliable protein sources, but nothing beats an advanced whey protein shake for convenience. Whey is a protein derived from dairy products that has one of the highest bio-availabilities of any protein source. For maximum benefits and absorption, look for a whey protein supplement with leucine and at least 20 grams of protein per serving. Read “The Benefits of Whey Protein for Men” for more information on why protein is so important.
Men’s Nutritional Supplement #4 – Creatine – Creatine is a compound naturally produced by the body that is stored mainly within muscles. Basically, it’s a source of energy for the body to use. Although creatine is produced by the body and found in small amounts within meat, you should use a creatine supplement for men to maximize your creatine stores and take your workouts to a whole new level. Creatine has been shown to promote noticeable increases in muscle mass as well as decrease muscle fatigue. While creatine monohydrate on its own is effective, a blend of different creatines may be your best bet for maximum results in the gym. Look for a blend with creatine monohydrate, creatine ethyl ester and magnesium creatine chelate to maximize strength and muscle gains. “A Beginner’s Guide to Building Muscle” offers more tips and solutions to increasing lean muscle mass.
Men’s Nutritional Supplement #5 – Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements – This supplement hardly requires an introduction. Study after study has shown that omega-3 intake provides an assortment of health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. An omega-3 supplement for men may also help reduce inflammation after workouts, thus improving muscle recovery. Don’t just take any omega-3 supplement, though. Consider a pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 supplement that contains the purest fish oil available to get maximum benefits. “The Importance of Omega-3 Fish Oil Fatty Acids” lists more benefits of taking an omega-3 supplement.
