Nutritional Supplements are bodybuilding supplements

Nutrition - The modern American diet is heavy in animal proteins and fats and wrecks havoc on the digestive system. Add stress, lack of exercise, and other poor health habits, and it is no wonder that many Americans suffer from so many ailments

Nutrients to the Rescue

Many individuals state they do not have the time to eat all the nutritional food necessary to keep them healthy, and many of them say they indulge in fast food diets. For this reason, much emphasis has been placed on nutritional supplements as a tool to help individuals achieve and maintain a stronger, healthier body, and even extend their life-span.

However, there are literally thousands of different, nutritional products on the market today, which makes it difficult for individuals to distinguish between what is good and what is not Therefore, we will attempt to give some basic information, in hopes that we may alleviate some of the confusion and help you make some good choices in obtaining supplements that will meet your specific needs.

What Are Nutrients

They represent any individual ingredient that is contained within a supplement. Included in this group are conventional nutrients found in food, (like proteins and vitamin C), as well as other individual chemicals (such as Creatine and DHEA) and various chemical compounds. In reality, there are only about 200 different Nutrients that make up virtually all nutritional supplements. Each nutrient belongs to a specific type and we will break that down for you as follows:

Macronutrient

These nutrients include all carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which provide calories to your diet. These are associated with your most basic needs for survival, obtaining calories and raw materials for tissue-building.

Essential Micronutrient

These nutrients are single chemicals (e.g. individual vitamins and minerals) which the FDA has identified as being necessary for individuals to maintain optimal health. Adverse physical and psychological conditions have been scientifically linked to a deficiency in these nutrients. 

Nonessential Micronutrient

These nutrients are also single chemicals, but thus far have not been associated with any negative effect. Within this class are nutrients (such as Creatine monohydrate) that are believed to illicit performance effects when supplemented to the diet. They may give your body an edge with respect to a specific type of performance. Bodybuilders and athletes, or individuals wishing to pump up their body performance will benefit more from this group than other individuals.

Nutritional Compound

These nutrients consist of groups of chemicals, often in their natural, unpurified state. Included in this class are all herbs and components such as bee pollen. Because nutritional compounds are not refined down to a single chemical, their exact chemical composition (and effect on the body) can vary somewhat from source to source.

Nutritional Formation

This type is primarily made up of man-made chemical groupings, which consists of trademarked mixes of other nutrients.

Supplements Fall IntoThe Category of Several Groupings

Different classes of supplements have different functions. Examples include “Antioxidants, Vitamins & Minerals, and “Stimulants”. This grouping of supplements is used by most supplement retailers. However, some nutrients fit into more than one category, such as, vitamin C which is not only a vitamin, but is also considered an antioxidant.

Benefits of Antioxidants

The prefix “anti” means against, in opposition to, or corrective in nature. Oxidants commonly known as “free radicals,” are introduced through external sources, such as sun exposure to the sum, pollution, or stress, as well as things we put into our bodies, such as alcoholic beverages, unhealthy foods, and cigarette smoke.

Antioxidants, reduce the effect of dangerous oxidants, and are involved in the prevention of cellular damage, which can cause cancer, aging and other diseases. Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body, some can be found in food, such as dark green leafy vegetables, and foods high in vitamin C, E and Beta-carotene. However, since most of us do not eat an adequate diet, taking a multivitamin supplement is a good way to make sure we are getting what our body needs.

Much research has been focused on how antioxidant supplements may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Antioxidant vitamins E,C and Beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) have potential health promoting properties. Though data is in complete, p to 30% of Americans are taking some form of antioxidant supplements. However, the American Heart Association recommends getting these nutrients from eating a variety of healthy foods daily, from all the basic food groups.

Vitamins And Minerals Are Essential for Overall Good Health

Vitamins are group of organic food substances or nutrients found only in living things, plants and animals, and fall into two classes based on their solubility. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamin D, E, A, and K. The water-soluble vitamins are folate (folic acid), vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C. 

Vitamins are essential in small amounts for normal metabolism and good health. Vitamins and minerals have no calories and are not an energy source, but assist in metabolizing nutrients in food and are Invaluable in keeping your body running smoothly. They play a vital role in good health and if taken in excess or not taken at all, can lead to acute and chronic disease. Remember, different vitamins do different things. Nutrition Facts

Stimulants

Stimulants not only stimulate the central nervous system, but also increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and some may produce a sense of euphoria in many individuals. They are also used therapeutically to increase or maintain alertness, either to counteract normal fatigue in situations where sleep is not practical (e.g. while driving a car) or to counteract abnormal states that diminish alertness (such as narcolepsy). They may sometimes be abused to boost endurance and productivity as well as to suppress appetite.

Examples of common stimulants include nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine, methyphenidate (ritalin), ecstasy as well as other drugs—referred to by a slang term “uppers” and used mostly recreationally. Caffeine, found in beverages such s coffee and soft drinks, as well s nicotine, which is found in tobacco smoke, are among some of the world’s most common stimulants.

Stimulants with significant mood-altering effects are controlled substances in many jurisdictions, and may be legally available only by prescription , or not at all.

Kids Nutrition - Health Nutrition - Diet Nutrition - Sports Nutrition