Tag: bodybuilding
Exercise and zinc combination for a temporary boost in testosterone levels
Cyclists given 4 weeks of zinc supplementation were shown to have higher total and free testosterone levels after exhaustive exercise.
Eat chocolate for enhanced exercise performance
Epicatechin a major component of cacao (raw chocolate) has shown itself capable of enhancing muscle endurance capacity.
Mice given epicatechin had enhanced treadmill performance and muscle fatigue resistance.
Acne made worse by whey protein
Whey protein a favourite supplement of those engaged in bodybuilding and sports may well be a bad idea if you suffer from acne.
Research by Melnik (2011) showed that whey protein was a particularly potent stimulator of insulin and IGF-1 release. These two hormones have the potential to increase the production of sebum and keratin, substances that when produced in excess can cause blockages in hair follicles, resulting in spots.
Creatine of greater benefit to vegetarians
Those following a vegetarian diet maybe more liable to a potential creatine insufficiency. Meat and fish represent the primary dietary sources of creatine, so it makes sense that their exclusion from the diet would result in a greater chance of reduced body creatine stores. Vegetarians would therefore have to rely to much greater degree on [...]
Ginseng protects your muscles
Panax (Korean ginseng) may help reduce exercise induced muscle damage (Jung et al 2011). Supplementing Korean ginseng helped to lower creatine kinase activity – a measure of muscle protein breakdown, and it also lowered levels of an inflammatory marker called interlukin-6. Interestingly it helped to improve insulin sensitivity as well, perhaps making it of some [...]
Creatine for enhanced workout and sports performance
Creatine is and energy storage molecule composed of the amino acids: arginine, glycine and methionine. It is primarily found in muscle tissue where it functions as an energy reserve, which can be accessed during bouts of intensive short duration physical activity.
Some of the most important functions that creatine is believed to exert:
· Enhances energy availability in the form of ATP – a universal energy molecule within cells. Used during bouts of intense physical activity.
· Rapid increases in muscle size, a volumising effect related largely to creatines ability to pull water into the muscle cells
CLA improves exercise endurance and aids weight loss
Mice fed a CLA supplemented diet for 10 weeks had improved endurance and better weight loss, than a control group fed on a normal diet. Endurance was assessed by a running task, and the CLA fed mice were able to run for a time period that was 26% longer than the control group. CLA seems [...]
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