There are many new products on the market, constantly advertised as the best or safest supplement available. These products promise massive gains, no side effects and often come with a hefty price tag. The sad truth is that for many of these products, the price tag may be the only fact on the box. There are many fitness experts who advocate a completely natural diet and denounce the entire supplement industry as a sham. In many cases it is, but that is not always the case as there are many good, safe supplements.
These are not the only means to an end
Do note that taking supplements is simply a way to enhance your workout and diet. It does not mean that either of these two should be neglected in any way. Having a balanced diet is still very important, as well as structuring a proper workout routine. What supplements can provide you with is extra nutrition and energy; enough work has to also be included in the mixture. Here are what the best and safest supplements are made out of.
The Best Supplements
For a long time, body builders have (and still do) advocated the use of eggs in shakes, eaten raw, and taken through supplements. Eggs are an excellent source of healthy, raw protein and many supplements contain egg and milk extracts. However, these tend to have a bad taste, and eating many eggs means that a lot of fat is being taken in as well. That is why the most popular supplement today is Whey Protein. Whey is a substance that is found when milk is turned into cheese. It contains all the necessary amino acids and can be easily and rapidly digested and absorbed by the body. Whey protein comes in a tasteless powder form, which is usually mixed with juice.
Creatine is a substance that is advocated by many experts and body builders. It is a naturally occurring protein that has a direct impact on muscle tissue growth, and provides extra energy and stamina. Creatine has been proven to be safe for muscle building, and gives quick, impressive results. These results are not as long term as Glutamine, which helps against muscle catabolism (where the body breaks down the muscle to get energy) and is excellent to have for long workouts. Other supplements include multi vitamins, which provide any nutrition that is not gotten in a normal diet.
Be Careful
The newest supplements on the market may promise huge gains, but many of these results have yet to be scientifically proved. Even with rigorous FDA standards, many of these products could have dangerous long term effects, or may simply have no effect on your particular body type. Even a safe muscle building supplement should not be over dosed upon, consult with a doctor if you are unsure. Supplements if taken right (experts recommend first thing in the morning, before and after workout and before bed) can be a valuable help in your quest to build healthy muscle.
Sources
The Truth About Muscle Building. 26 Week Workout Plan. 2007
Sean Nalewanyj www.musclebuildingtruth.com
The Navy Seal Fitness Guide, Edited by Patricia A. Deuster. August 1997.
Energy Stores from muscle (2010). Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica
Noel Afonso - A writer by my own right.
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