Generally, people think supplements are synthetic chemicals which make muscles grow out of nowhere. I'd say supplement companies' aggressive exaggerated advertising, and ignorance on the part of the people are to be blamed. People tend to be afraid of the unknown. Fact is, supplements are made from normal everyday foodstuff, just like a multi-vitamin supplement. When it is inconvenient to eat fruits and vegetables, the important nutrients in them can be consumed via multi-vitamin tablets. Similarly, supplements are extracts of the necessary nutrients from normal food and nothing more! So do not expect miracle results from them. They don't increase the rate of your growth. They only make it easier for you to grow to your best potential by providing you with a good quantity of the right nutrients.
So what are they?
MacroNutrient Supplements (Protein, MRP, Weight Gainers)
Protein Supplements
I mentioned the importance of protein in my Nutrition post. However, eating such a large amount of protein on a daily basis could be challenging and inconvenient. It might add up to like 30 eggs, 1kg of chicken or 2kg of fish! Protein supplements were created for this purpose, so you can get away with eating less meat/eggs and make up for some of your protein requirements by drinking a protein shake.
But what is it made from?
Most protein supplements are made with COWS MILK, the very stuff you drank when you were growing up! It BAFFLES me that many people think a cows milk extract is a chemical muscle building powder just because a company labeled it as such ROFL!!
One can't drink too much milk as the lactose in it might cause digestion problems. Protein supplements are milk with most of the lactose, fats, sugars and every thing else removed, thus enabling you to consume more milk protein without lactose related problems. There are versions made with egg albumin, soy or some other protein sources.
Purpose of Protein Powders:
To add protein to your daily diet in a convenient way.
Who will find it useful?
Anyone who wants to pack on muscle or recover from sports activities.
Just sharing an informative website about protein which I came across: http://gubernatrix.co.uk/2011/06/should-i-use-protein-shakes/
Meal Replacement Powders (MRP)
A MRP is basically the above mentioned protein supplement, with a good ratio of carbohydrates added to mimic a healthy meal.
Who will find it useful?
People who have a problem consuming 5 to 7 meals daily due to small appetite, or work commitments. You can consume your MRP between mealtimes, providing your body the nutritional equivalent of a small meal without going through the hassle of eating one.
Weight/Mass Gainers
Personally, I feel these are very misunderstood supplements due to the name! People think it is some kind malicious muscle building chemical. Honestly, if a mass gainer or weight gainer was (appropriately) labeled as "Cows Milk Protein and Plant Carbohydrates Supplement", people will stop thinking that they give magical results. A mass gainer or weight gainer is actually similar to an MRP. The main difference, it contains a much higher ratio of carbohydrates. It is basically designed to mimic a big meal unlike an MRP which mimics a balanced meal.
Who will find it useful?
People who have a very high metabolism and need a huge amount of extra calories to bulk up, and people who have a small appetite. A mass/weight gainer can provide alot of calories and protein within a small serving size, so the individual won't feel full for too long and can consume more food and add to his total calorie intake.
Pre-Workout Supplements (Creatine, Nitrix)
Creatine
Another often misunderstood supplement. Creatine is naturally produced by the body and stored mainly in the muscles for use during exercise. Supplementing it will mean you have more stored energy to burn when you workout. You will be able to recover faster too.
Who Will find it useful?
Anyone who does sports, especially people who want to bulk up and get stronger. If you have been training for some time and your gains have stagnated, creatine is something you might want to try. Also people who workout very often and need to recover faster between workouts.
Nitrix Supplements
During workouts, blood flows to the muscle groups that are being trained, making them appear bigger. This is known as the "Pump", and it lasts for about 30 to 60 minutes after a workout. This is why you look bigger after workouts! A nitrix supplement contains amino acids that increases your Pumps. The increased blood flow brings more nutrients and oxygen to the muscle, enhancing your lifts and reducing soreness and fatigue.
Who will find it useful?
People who do sports, people who have been working out for some time and need an extra boost. Particularly, many bodybuilders love getting the Pump, cos you look bigger and more muscular/vascular when pumped. Nitrix induced pumps are bigger and last up to an hour longer than normal pumps! Some bodybuilders love nitrix for this reason, myself included :D
Visit this link for a list of great pre-workout supplements!
Fat Burners
Another often misunderstood supplement due to its name. People generally think that "Fat Burners" are harmful chemicals that go into your body and literally burn bodyfat. What they are actually made off is something you consume every morning. COFFEE!! Yes, coffee is usually the primary ingredient in a "Fat burner". Caffeine is a good fat loss agent when consumed in the right amounts. It boosts alertness, metabolism, intensity during training and even has anti-oxidant properties. Besides caffeine, fat burners also often contain other herbal extracts that aid indirect fat-loss. Some examples are chromium, green tea extracts, cambogia garcinia, guaranara extracts(an alternative caffeine source), and certain types of plant root or bark extracts. Some types even contain botanical fibers.
Who will find it useful?
People trying to loose bodyfat. Most fat burners double up as training intensity boosters.
Will add more supplements facts soon.
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