Bodybuilding Supplements

Overview

Bodybuilding supplements consist of a number of different substances used by athletes or individuals participating in a variety of physical activities, including weight training. Their purpose is to act as an aid in the building of lean muscle mass or to facilitate the loss of fat. Such supplements can be helpful by improving sporting performance and facilitate recovery from events and training. However, their potential effects are the subject of some debate.

Weight training is a common form of strength training (which refers to the use of opposition to muscular contraction to generate the strength, anaerobic endurance and ultimate size of muscles). It employs gravitational force (by the use of weighted bars, dumbbells or weight stacks) to counter the force produced by muscles through concentric (which is a form of muscle contraction whereby the muscles tighten up whilst generating force) or eccentric contraction (in which the muscles extend whilst under tension as a result of an opposing force exceeding that generated by the muscle). Weight training employs a number of specialised pieces of equipment to focus on specific muscle groups or types of movement.           

Protein

Bodybuilders often consume a powdered form of protein, which is an essential constituent in the muscle-building process. Protein milkshakes, made from protein powder and milk, are a popular bodybuilding supplement. Protein powder is normally consumed either just before or after exercising, or instead of a meal. The generally accepted role that protein plays is that it allows for the efficient growth and repair of muscle tissue.

Some of the most important sources of protein include the following:

Whey Protein – It consists of a mixture of globular proteins (which are one of the three main protein classes, consisting of "globe"-like proteins that are fairly soluble in water) isolated from whey, the liquid that remains once milk has been curdled and strained, and created as a by-product of cheese production.

It is the most commonly used form of protein, and is absorbed by the body easily and almost immediately.

It contains high levels of: (a) all the essential amino acids (there are eight amino acids that are essential for humans. Since the body does not synthesise them, then they must be included in the diet in order to obtain them), and (b) branched-chain amino acids (the combination of the three essential branch-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine constitutes around 1/3 of human skeletal muscle, and is important in protein synthesis).            

It has the highest content of the amino acid cysteine (which can be synthesised by the body) and is important in the biosynthesis of glutathione which helps to increase the bodies immunity (as an antioxidant, glutathione protects cells from reactive oxygen, such as free radicals and peroxides).   

Hemp – It is one of the earliest-known plants used in a domestic environment. Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and fatty acids that are required to sustain a healthy body. Furthermore, the seeds contain around 20% of an easily digestible protein. Hemp oil is an edible oil containing around 80% of necessary fatty acids.

Egg - Egg white protein is a lactose- and dairy-free important source of protein. 

Body Building – How To Succeed

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