Sports supplements are nutritional products used to enhance athletic performance. They represent a range of substances – including vitamins, minerals, herbs, plant extracts, amino acids, and hormones and come in a variety of forms.
These ergogenic aids are widely used among athletes of all types to assist in providing the necessary capacity for increases in energy, power, endurance, and muscle mass to compete effectively.
Athletic performance notwithstanding, the ability to recover – maintaining and re-establishing normal physiological function, is readily improved with the use of supplements.
Protein Powders
Whey protein is the most commonly used type of protein and is absorbed into the body quickly and efficiently. Whey Protein also contains high levels of all the essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA’s).
To obtain sufficient muscle growth and recovery, a constant available stream of protein is vital. This demand by the body is easily satisfied with the aid of a protein supplement which are available in numerous sizes and flavours.
CLA
CLA is an antioxidant with anti-cancer properties that can reduce the risk of cardio vascular disease. It is also better known for its ability to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass.
Apart from particular food sources, CLA can be found in higher doses in many nutritional sports supplements in the form of capsules, powders and health bars.
Creatine
Creatine is naturally produced in the human body from amino acids primarily in the kidney and liver with approximately 95% of the human body’s total creatine located in skeletal muscle.
Creatine supplementation will allow the muscles to exercise longer and harder by creating the required abundance that is unavailable through food consumption. This abundance of creatine subsequently stored in the muscle promotes the synthesis of protein as well as deter the breakdown of protein required to build muscle mass. There are a number of forms of creatine with the most common being creatine monohydrate (creatine complexed with a molecule of water) and Creatine ethyl ester (CEE).
HMB
HMB or beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyrate is synthesized in the human body and is a metabolite of amino acid leucine.
Numerous studies show that HMB supplementation is effective in increasing muscle mass and decreasing muscle breakdown. Moreover, it also helps increase muscle weight and overall strength.
HMB also speeds recovery from strenuous resistance training exercises.
MRP’s
Meal replacement powders offer a convenient source of nutrition to assist a balanced diet and to support strength, power, size and recovery goals. MRP’s provide a convenient source of necessary protein and carbohydrates when access to a regular meal is not readily available.
These products are also low in fat and will also contain essential nutrients such as creatine, BCAA’s and a wide array of vitamins and minerals.
Nitric Oxide
When nitric oxide is consumed in the form of natural foods or dietary supplements, it helps gain lean muscle mass because it widens the blood channels that supply blood to skeletal muscles. Furthermore, nitric oxide helps improve muscle size, endurance and boosts energy levels.
Pre-Workout & Recovery
Muscle recovery and jointcare is also an important factor when looking to reduce the possible risk of injury and alleviating fatigue.
If you are trying to recover after intense exercise or from an injury, it is important to eat right foods. Consume lots of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Supplements can also help repair damaged tissues and ligaments.
Protein Bars
Meal replacement bars offer a convenient source of nutrition to assist a balanced diet and to support strength, power, size and recovery goals.
Their convenience provides the perfect source of necessary protein and carbohydrates when access to a regular meal is not readily available.
There are many products on the market with all being available in a variety of forms (i.e protein bars , all-in-one bars) and in a range of delicious flavours.
Vegan
Protein supplementation for those who are vegans is essential, and especially paramount when looking at sports nutrition and gaining muscle.
Whey protein is a by-product of cheese production with vegans are unable to consume due to its derivation from cows. To combat protein deficiency there are protein supplements available which are formulated from pure pea isolate.
Vegan multivitamins are an ideal source of nutrients for vegans and vegetarians without any sources of animal products such as cod liver oil.
Vegans therefore, with protein powders and multivitamins can engage in an active and sporting regime without compromising their chosen diet or developing any deficiencies which may slow down their desired progress.
Weight Loss & Fat Burners
Weight loss supplements are designed to assist and and improve the body’s physical and metabolic systems. This function of increased efficiency encourages the use of undesirable fat reserves for energy and subsequently resulting in weight loss and a leaner physique.
A balanced healthy diet and regular exercise is the ideal solution for those looking to lose weight and burn body fat. However, there are additional supplements that can aid this process.
Weight Gainers
Weight gain supplements are a valuable resource for those looking to achieve faster results with their muscle building and size requirements. These products are also ideal for those with an above average metabolism and lean physique.
These products will essentially contain high quality protein, complex carbohydrates, creatine and BCAA’s in higher levels to assist in muscle growth and the replenishment of muscle glycogen stores.
ZMA
ZMA is a combination of the essential minerals Zinc and Magnesium which act as antioxidant and also stimulates the activity of many enzymes in the body. Magnesium is required by the body for bone health and also metabolic and cardiovascular functions. Zinc is an important mineral and assist the body in the synthesis of protein and muscle repair.
Studies have shown the users of ZMA have shown increases in strength, muscle mass and improved overall health.
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