Body Building Equipment

Flavones are the latest big supplement to hit the market.
Methoxyisoflavone is a non-hormonal anabolic compound that has
been shown to reduce cortisol levels, increase protein synthesis
and improve recovery from exercise.

During tests that led to the issuing of a patent for
methoxyisoflavone the following findings were noted:

1. It was found to be more anabolic than anabolic steroids
without any of the side effects.

2. It increased lean body mass significantly within 30 days
while producing no androgenic effect.

3. Cortisol levels were reduced and nitrogen levels increased
considerably.

Flavones can be safely taken by men and women who want to boost
their lean muscle gains without risking the hazards associated
with taking anabolic steroids. A dose of 400-800 mg can be taken
daily, split over two doses. Its effects can be enhanced by
taking it with protein due to the ability of protein to force
nutrients into muscle cells.

Methoxy can also be stacked safely with ZMA to maximise
testosterone gains, or ecdysterone to increase protein
synthesis, maintain a positive nitrogen balance and keep the
body in an anabolic state.

About the author:
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com
website that provides guidance and information to athletes at
all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding
Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this
article.

ZMA is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula
containing zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium aspartate
and vitamin B-6. Studies have shown that it has a clinical
effect on testosterone levels when taken in a combination
containing 30 mg of zinc and 450 mg of magnesium per day. The
most famous study conducted by Lorrie Brilla at Western
Washington University indicated that this combination could
raise testosterone levels by as much as 30%.

Bodybuilders can obviously benefit from taking ZMA, specifically
in the following ways:

1. It increases the body’s natural production of testosterone
thus boosting its capacity for building lean muscle.

2. It increases levels of growth hormone.

3. It helps sleep if taken 30-60 minutes before bed thus
enhancing rest and recovery.

ZMA has no known side effects but it must be taken in the proper
dosage to the exact proportions used in most studies – that is
11 mg of vitamin B-6, 450 mg of magnesium and 30 mg of zinc.

About the author:
Rick Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com
website that provides guidance and information to athletes at
all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding
Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this
article.

Images of “protein powder” containers with accomplished
bodybuilders on their labels help inform consumers that protein
is a critical macronutrient in strength training success. Yet
what is sometimes lost in this protein-bodybuilding link is that
protein is an essential component for everyone, regardless of
physical activity. Even those who live sedentary lives must
ensure that their protein intake is complete and balanced.

The importance of protein in diet is undeniable. Protein creates
digestive enzymes, transports other vitamins and nutrients,
builds and repairs body tissue, and helps keep harmful bacteria
at bay[i]. These are bodily system function that all people need
– not just bodybuilders and other athletes.

Eating the appropriate composition of protein in meals is,
however, proving to be an unusually difficult challenge for many
Americans. To begin with, many protein sources are not
considered “complete” because they do not provide all of the
required amino acids necessary in order to build newer proteins.
These incomplete proteins are often derived from fruit, grain,
vegetable, and nut sources[ii]. However, the alternative to
these incomplete protein sources – such as meats and dairy –
present their own unique dietary challenges.

The first challenge with respect to these meat-based sources of
complete protein is that they are not an option for vegetarians.
While the number of US vegetarians is difficult to pinpoint,
educated estimates suggest that there are about 6 million adult
vegetarians in the US, and the number is growing annually[iii].
Therefore, 6 million adult Americans cannot access complete
protein through meat sources.

The second challenge is that many meat- and dairy-based meals in
the US are excessively high in saturated fat, calories, sodium,
and other unhealthy elements. As such, while those who frequent
fast food restaurants for their source of complete protein may
not suffer from protein deficiency, a disconcerting number of
these people will suffer from poor health. This includes:
obesity, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and other
adverse consequences what medical experts call the “social
irresponsibility” of the fast food industry[iv].

The clear challenge for nutritional experts is to identify a
protein source that is both healthy and complete. The
consequences of not finding a suitable protein source range from
underperforming digestive systems and chemical imbalances to the
ill effects of a condition called “Kwashiorkor”. More frequent
in developing countries but with reported incidinces in the US,
Kwashiorkor occurs in extreme protein-deficiency situations when
when the body cannibalizes itself in a desperate attempt to find
a source of protein.

Several attempts have been made to find the ideal complete
protein source: one that is healthy, accessible to all eaters,
and convenient. Indeed, this last criterion of convenience is of
particular importance, because many Americans in the 21st
century evidently have less time to eat than ever before.

Some of these attempts to find the ideal complete protein source
hearken back a few generations. The classic peanut butter and
jelly sandwich has been adopted as a complete protein source by
some, but rejected by many more. While peanut butter does
provide a good source of protein, the sodium content of most
grocery store peanut butter brands, and the high carbohydrate
and fat levels of the average “PB&J on white” keep it from being
an ideal choice[v].

Other proposed solutions are more recent inventions. These
include the range of nutritional powders and “energy” bars
available in most health food stores, and in a growing number of
grocery stores. With respect to protein powders, while some of
them do provide a decent source of protein, it is simply not a
convenient source for most people. With respect to energy bars,
many of them have been criticized for their high calorie and
carbohydrate levels.

Another solution – and one that is garnering some serious
acclaim from within the health community – is fluid nutritional
supplements that are easy to transport, and offer a complete
protein source suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians
alike[1]. At the same time, these products are specifically
designed to be low-calorie (and therefore diet-friendly), and
offer additional nutrients and vitamins that the body needs in
addition to complete protein.

These innovative, complete protein products are a positive sign
in a nutritional sector that has struggled with misinformation.
Regrettably, many so-called energy bars and protein powders are
laden with calories and carbohydrates. Some of them – in
particular many energy bars – hardly offer any protein, which is
a curious omission that most consumers do not realize as they
ingest these products.

Fortunately, as noted above, there are scientifically engineered
products on the market that deliver the complete protein and
nutrition that consumers expect when they purchase something
with the words “nutritional supplement” on the container.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm
with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a
compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage
containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on
Protica is available at www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com

[1] These products use “Actinase®” protein, which is derived
from isolated animal sources that do not contain the lactose and
fat normally associated with animal-based proteins.

References

[i] Source: “The Importance of Protein”. OhioHealth.

http://www.ohiohealth.com/facilities/mcconnell/weightmanage/

details/protein.htm

[ii] Source: “Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage”. Harvard
School of Public Health.
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/protein.html

[iii] Source: “How Many Vegetarians are There? A 2003 National
Harris Interactive Survey Question Sponsored by The Vegetarian
Resource Group”. Vegetarian Journal.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDE/is_3_22/ai_106422

316

[iv] Source: “Supersized Nation: Bigger Burgers Still Rule”.
WebMD.

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/98/104952.htm?action=related_

link

[v] Source: “How Nutritious is a PB&J?”. About.
http://nutrition.about.com/od/nutritionforchildren/a/pbj.htm

Copyright 2004 – Protica Research – http://www.protica.com

About the author:
About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm
with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a
compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage
containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. You can learn more
about Protica at www.protica.com — Information on Profect is
available at www.profect.com

Copyright 2004 – Protica Research