|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ECA Stack
A thermagenic supplement blend of Ephedra, Caffeine and Aspirin that is popular
among fitness and bodybuilding cultures. It is said that these three ingredients
give a synergistic effect together which give better results than any one on
its own.
Echincea
Herb with immune protective properties, shown to have some benefit protecting
against colds and flu. It can be used as a preventive measure to protect the
body against the natural stress the immune system suffers in heavy training.
Egg protein
Source of protein with high Protein Efficiency Ratio, usually in egg white form
(albumin) when used in protein powder to avoid cholesterol in egg yolk. Egg
protein is the standard by which all other proteins are measured because of
its very high ration of indispensable amino acids (also called essential amino
acids because they must be supplied to the body from food or supplements) to
dispensable amino acids.
Ephedra / Ephedrine
The active ingredient in the Oriental herb Ma Huang (Ephedra sinensis); this
chemical has been proven to be both a powerful energizer and weight loss aid.
Ephedrine is a powerful thermogenic agent: It releases norepinephrine, a brain
neurotransmitter than exerts a stimulating effect. This same neurotransmitter
signals the sympathetic nervous system, which is called into play during a 'fight
or flight' response. Body temperature rises and promotes the breakdown of fat
cells for fuel.
Use ephedrine for short periods only. Cycling ephedrine can help you avoid side effects as well as improve results of your hard training. Ephedrine, taken with caffeine, can increase each other's ability to induce lipolysis (fat burning). Ephedrine acts at your body's nerve junctions, changing the release and activity of norepinephrine as well as acting on your beta-2 adrenergic receptors.
Ergogenic aids
Any nutrients that improve athletic performance.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)
They include Linoleic Acid, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Monounsaturated fats. These
are considered the 'good' fats. They cannot be made by the body and must be
supplied by our diet. You need approxiamately 2% of your daily calories as EFA's.
By consuming plenty of EFAs, you supply your body with the appropriate precursors
to form cell membranes and regulatory eicosanoids.
Fats
Macronutrient that is a source for long term energy and energy storage (as adipose
tissue); necessary for absorption and transport of fat-soluble vitamins and
constituant of hormones and cell membranes (1 gram=9 calories).
Fiber
The more insoluble the fiber is (fiber that does not dissolve in water), the
better it is for you. Insoluble fiber reduces the risk of colon cancer and high
blood pressure. Fruit fiber seems to be more beneficial then vegetable or cereal
fibers, probably because fruits are loaded with Pectin, an insoluble fiber.
As a rule, the higher the insolubility, the fewer the calories. Corn bran is
the best, followed by wheat bran, and then oat bran. It is best to eat fiber
after you work out to avoid intestinal discomfort.
Flavonoids
A group of compounds widely distributed in plants which have a characteristic
molecular structure. They have been found to have many beneficial activities,
such as anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed is an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid
(an EFA). Supplementing with flaxseed oil has been shown to lower cholesterol,
decrease heart disease, increase satiety and improve cell integrity.
Free Radicals
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules in the body which can destroy tissues
by oxidizing cell membrane lipids and damaging DNA, the body's genetic material.
Free redicals are produced through the body's normal process of metabolizing
the air we breath and the food we eat, as well as exposure to tabacco smoke,
excess sunlight and environmental pollutants. Antioxidants work in the body
by neutralizing free radicals before the can do significant harm.
Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL)
A related product to GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate).
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
GHB is a simple carbohydrate fond naturally in every cell of the human body.
GHB is both a metabolite of and a precursor to an amino acid called GABA (Gamma
Aminobutyric Acid). The FDA has labeled GHB has a 'date-rape' drug, and wants
to ban it from the market. GHB itself does not cause a person to remain conscious,
engage in sex and then forget what they did. The problems occur when you take
GHB with high levels of alcohol, since both alcohol and GHB are metabolized
by the same enzyme in the body.
Garcinia Cambogia
Fruit from India that contains Hydroxicitric Acid (-HCA), an organic acid influencing
carbohydrate and fat metabolism
Genistein
A compound thought to protect you against cancer. It is found in soy based food
products. It surpresses the production of stress proteins in cells, proteins
that otherwise help cancer cells survive destruction by the immune system.
Ginkgo Biloba
A herb shown to enhance mental accuity. Some research has shown that Ginkgo
Biloba increases cerebral blood flow to the brain. Also, boost brain levels
of adenosine triphosphate and scavenge free radicals. Combined with ginger,
gingko has also been shown too reduce stress induced anxiety.
Ginseng
A family of herbs with adaptogenic properties affecting energy. There are different
ginsengs (Asian, American, Siberian). Some ginsengs have shown to have mental
enhancing effects. Studies show that an individual ginseng component called
ginsenoside Rb acts favorably in reversing memory deficits by increasing he
secretion of acetychilone. Studies also suggest that ginseng extract improved
learning and retention processes.
Glucomannan
A fiber derived from the Amorphophallus Konjac root, a perennial plant of the
Araceae family. The root is low in protein, lipids (fats), calories and vitamins,
but, because of its glucomannan content, it can provide many tangible bodybuilding
and health advantages. Glucomannan can help mitigate insulin response to high
glycemic corbohydrates, which might allow bodybuilders to add variety to low
carb diets and still accrue the benefits of the regimens. Glucomannan may also
help remove fat from the body.
Glucosamine
Organic compound found in cartilage and joint fluid; relieves joint pain and
may help in healing some joint injuries. Glucosamine is a provider of the building
blocks of joints.
Glucose (monosaccharide)
Type of sugar that circulates in the bloodstream, thus the term 'blood glucose
levels' or 'blood sugar'. All carbohydrates, whether simple or complex, are
eventually converted to glucose in the body. Glycogen is many units of glucose
together.
Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF)
GTF is thought to be a complex of chromium, nicotinic acid, and the amino acids
glycine, cystein and glutamic acid (these aminos are components of gluthathione).
GTF is thought to be synthesize by the liver. In many people, chromium is likely
the deficient substrate for GTF formation. GTF is found in foods such as organ
meats, whole gains, cheese, mushrooms and brewer's yeast.·
Glutamine
An amino acid. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue. Studies
are beginning to show that having extra glutamine in your body may be important
to maximize muscle growth, by increasing growth hormone levels. Glutamine also
is important to maintain proper health, and is shown to have anabolic and anticatabolic
properties. During intense training, the signal for muscle breakdown (which
is a bad thing) may be the release of skeletal muscle glutamine. That means
that each time you train, your muscles release glutamine which in part triggers
a catabolic state (a catabolic state is synonymous with muscle breakdown). By
proving Glutamine, documented clinical studies have shown that Glutamine will
have a significant impact on maintaining a positive nitrogen balance which is
essential to muscular development and recovery.
Glycemic Index
The glycemic Index (GI) measures only the rise in blood sugar elicited by various
foods and drinks. It is not like an index of factors like nutrient density or
vitamin or fiber content. The GI can help you if you want to avoid a spike in
blood sugar, and insulin.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a trihydric alcohol that is derived from animal fats and plants
emollients. It is used in many protein bars to give the bar a soft texture and
to make it easy to chew. Glycerin yields 4.32 calories per gram. Glycerin is
a crystalline, viscous liquid formed when fat molecules split. It is half as
sweet as sugar and is used to keep bars moist and to plasticize other foods
such as fudge, gum, geltin, etc. The big question is if glycerin is a carb or
is it a new 'category'. The reason that glycerin is not listed as a carbohydrate
by some manufacturers is that glycerin does not effect blood glucose or insulin
levels. However, the FDA states that glycerin is to be listed as a carbohydrate;
thus the controversy.
Glycogen
It is a term for many units of glucose strung together. The body stores glycogen
in two areas, the liver and the muscles. Only about 5 grams, or 20 calories
worth of glucose flows in the blood. Liver stores about 75 to 100 grams, or
300 to 400 calories; an hour of aerobics can burn up half the liver glycogen
content. The muscles store around 360 grams, or 1,440 calories. Carbohydrate
loading is one technique used to increase muscle glycogen content. By not consuming
enough carbohydrates, you deplete both liver and muscle glycogen reserves. While
complex carbs are considered to be more desirable than simple carbs, simple
carbs are more efficient after a workout for replacing muscle glycogen. Simple
carbs are absorbed faster, and promote a greater insulin output. A carbohydrate
drink with at least 50 grams of carb will do the trick.
Glycogen (Muscle)
Muscle glycogen is extremely important for bodybuilding, since it's the primary
fuel that powers anaerobic training, such as lifting weights. Glycogen that's
stored in a muscle is available only to that muscle because muscles lack a certain
enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase, that's needed to release glucose into the blood.
Muscles can absorb glucose without insulin, which why exercise helps prevent
diabetes.
Glycogen (Liver)
Liver glycogen is a fuel reserve that helps maintain blood glucose levels. This
is important because the brain relies on a constant supply of glucose to function
properly.
Grape Seed Extract
Source of proanthocyanadins, an important antioxidant.
Green Tea
Perhaps more notable, recent research has shown that green tea reduces the risk
of developing stomach cancer by 50% and esophageal cancer by 6-%. No one knows
for sure, but scientists think that polyphenols in green tea protect health
by combating free radicals.
The main constituents of green tea are polyphenols, caffeien, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nitrogenous compounds, it also contains small amounts of carbohydrates and lipids. Also, green tea contains polyphenols, theanine, and catechins. The greater the theanine content in green tea, the higher the price.
Growth Hormone
Known in the medical community as somatotropin. It is a powerful anabolic hormone
that affects all systems of the body and plays an important role in muscle growth.
It is a peptite hormone, which is composed of many amino acids (191 of them)
linked together. It is rapidly metabolized by the liver and has a half-life
in the blood of approxiamately 17 to 45 minutes. Because of this, detecting
GH in a drug screen is very hard.
Guarana
Source of caffeine. Comes from the seed of a herb found in the Amazon, long
popular among Brazilians for its stimulatory effects.
Guggulsterone
Guggulsterone is a ketosteroid specifically called Z-Guggulsterone. It's effect
on the thyroid is that it increases the metabolic rate via stimulation of the
tyroid gland. Studies indicate that Guggulsterone can result in higher levels
of T4 (Thyroxine), one of the two main thyroid hormones. .
Hydroxicitric Acid (HCA)
Also known as Citrimax. Acid found in the fruit Garcinia Cambogia that affects
fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Studies have shown it reduces the conversion
of carbs into bodyfat. HCA competitively inhibits an enzyme kown as ATP-Citrate
lyase (the major enzyme responsible for the production of fatty acid). When
HCA blocks the production of fatty acids, a buildup of citrate occurs, which
may cause the cell to inhibit glycolysis (breakdown of stored sugars).
HMB
See 'Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate'
Hypoglycemia
A term meaning low blood sugar. It's a set of symptoms that point to irregularities
in the way the body handles glucose, the sugar that circulates in the blood.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, trembling, anxiety, fast heartbeat,
headache, hunger, weakness, mental confusion, and on occasion, seizures and
coma. However, it occurs rarely because the body has a lot of backup systems
preventing it.
IGF-1
Stands for Insulin-like growth factor. An important hormone for muscle growth.
Naturally produced by the body in response to exercise and is necessary for
normal physiological functioning. Excess of IGF-1 may be associated with an
increased risk of breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
Inositol
An active factor in the B-Complex vitamins which help convert food to energy.
With Choline, Inositol is active in the metabolism of fats.
Insulin
An anabolic hormone that's supposed to take the sugar and traansport it into
the muscle. Insulin also promotes increased amino acid entry into muscle and
increases muscle protein synthesis. Too much insulin can cause sugar to bypass
muscle, and be stored as bodyfat.
Ipriflavone
One of many flavonoids, ipriflavone, formally known as 7-isopropoxyisoflavone,
is synthesized from the soy isoflavone daidzein. It has anabolic effects that
are especially pronounced in bone.
Iron
Mineral essential to oxygen transport in blood (via hemoglobin and myoglobin),
enzyme production and immune support. A deficiency can cause the most common
form of anemia. Teenagers need additional iron during their years of maximum
growth; women need extra iron during the years they are menstruating and during
pregnancy.
Isoflavones
Phytonutrient antioxidants, including genisteine and diadzein, that act as estrogen
receptor protectors (minimize PMS, menopause side effects) and lower cholesterol
levels.
Isoleucine
One of the three branched chain amino acids. They are called BCAA's because
they structurally branch off another chain of atoms instead of forming a line.
Studies have shown that BCAA's help to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit
its breakdown, so BCAA's have powerful anabolic and anticatabolic effects on
the body. They may also potentiate the release of some anabolic hormones, such
as growth hormone. Regular ingestion of BCAA's help to keep the body in a state
of postive nitrogen balance. In this state, your body much more readily builds
muscle and burns fat. Studies have shown that athletes taking extra BCAA's have
shown a loss of more bodyfat than those not taking BCAA's.
Kombucha
A tea made from a fungus / yeast fermentation with high nutrient level used
by people for immune protection, increase energy, and other postive effects.
Sometimes called a Kombucha mushroom. It is two life forms, a yeast culture
and bacteria living in symbiosis, from Manchuria.
Lactose
Sugar in milk which many people, especially adults, have an intollerance to
(indigestion) to to a lack of the enzyme lactasein their bodies.
Lecithin
Dry powder source of phospholipids high in B-fatty acids.
Leptin
This protein was been portrayed as the way to a cure for obesity. Leptin was
first described as an apiodocyte - derived signaling factor, which, after interaction
with its receptors, induced a complex response, including control of bodyweight
and energy expenditure. It could be quite a fat burner. Research shows that
people who used high doses of leptin for six months lost weight, most of it
bodyfat.
Leucine
One of the three branched chain amino acids. They are called BCAA's because
they structurally branch off another chain of atoms instead of forming a line.
Studies have shown that BCAA's help to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit
its breakdown, so BCAA's have powerful anabolic and anticatabolic effects on
the body. They may also potentiate the release of some anabolic hormones, such
as growth hormone. Regular ingestion of BCAA's help to keep the body in a state
of postive nitrogen balance. In this state, your body much more readily builds
muscle and burns fat. Studies have shown that athletes taking extra BCAA's have
shown a loss of more bodyfat than those not taking BCAA's.
Leucine appears to be the most important BCAA for athletes, as it can affect various anabolic hormones, and have an effect on preventing protein degradation. HMB is a metabolite of Leucine. Some experts have suggested that if you do not have Leucine in your body, you will not have muscle growth.
Linoleic Acid
An essential fatty acid (EFA) that your body cannot make itself. It is found
in polyunsaturated oils such as safflower, sunflower, walnut oil, etc. This
is considered a type of 'good' fat. You need approxiamately 2% of your daily
calories as EFA's.
Lipotropic nutrients
Substances that prevent or curtail the buildup of fat in the liver, such as
B-fatty acids and methionine.
Lutein
A carotenoid phytonutrient with antioxidant properties especially important
to eye protection.
Lycopene
Most powerful of the carotenoid antioxidants; shown to be beneficial in prostate
protection and treatment.
| <<nutrition A-D |